by An Addiction Counselor Salary is an important factor when considering a career in this field. The salaries for addiction counselors vary widely depending on the level of experience, geographic location, and type of facility. There are many different types of facilities offering addiction counseling, from residential treatment centers to outpatient clinics, and each offers a unique set of pay scales.
Average Addiction Counselor Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for addiction counselors in 2019 was $46,240. The lowest 10 percent earned an average of $29,110, while the highest 10 percent earned an average of $76,790.
Salaries also vary based on geographic location. For example, addiction counselors in California earned an average of $63,660, while those in Alabama earned an average of $38,400.
Factors That Affect Addiction Counselor Salaries
In addition to geographic location, there are several other factors that can affect an addiction counselor’s salary. These include:
- Level of experience: The more experience an addiction counselor has, the higher their salary will be. Experienced counselors typically earn more than those just starting out in the field.
- Type of facility: Addiction counselors working in residential treatment centers typically earn higher salaries than those working in outpatient clinics.
- Education: Addiction counselors with advanced degrees, such as a master’s degree, typically earn higher salaries than those with just a bachelor’s degree.
- Certification: Addiction counselors who are certified by the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (NAADAC) typically earn higher salaries than those who are not certified.
How to Increase an Addiction Counselor Salary
There are several ways to increase an addiction counselor salary. These include:
- Gain experience: The more experience an addiction counselor has, the higher their salary will be. Experienced counselors typically earn more than those just starting out in the field.
- Pursue advanced education: Addiction counselors with advanced degrees, such as a master’s degree, typically earn higher salaries than those with just a bachelor’s degree.
- Get certified: Addiction counselors who are certified by the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (NAADAC) typically earn higher salaries than those who are not certified.
- Look for higher-paying jobs: Addiction counselors can often find higher-paying jobs by looking for opportunities in different types of facilities, such as residential treatment centers, or in different geographic locations.
Conclusion
The salary of an addiction counselor is an important factor to consider when choosing a career in this field. Addiction counselors can earn a wide range of salaries depending on their experience, education, certification, and geographic location. There are several ways to increase an addiction counselor salary, such as gaining experience, pursuing advanced education, getting certified, and looking for higher-paying jobs.
