Careers → Community Service → Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors

Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the United States earn a median salary of $59,190 per year — about $28 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly 484K people work in this occupation nationwide, with projected employment growth of +17%.

Median Salary

$59,190

~$28/hr · ~$4,933/mo

US Jobs

484K

Much faster than average

AI & Automation Risk

5/10

Moderate

AI & Automation Risk

Moderate 5/10

This occupation is a mix of high-level knowledge work and intense interpersonal interaction. While AI can significantly assist with digital tasks like documentation, treatment planning, and monitoring progress, the core of the job requires human empathy, crisis intervention, and the navigation of complex emotional and physical environments that AI cannot yet replicate.

Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home

City-by-city salary data not available for this occupation. Showing national median only.