According to Bureau of Labor statistics for 2013, substance abuse counselors make as much as $38,620, on average, annually. This comes to $18.57 per hour. The highest paying positions pay as much as $60,160 per year but the lowest paying positions pay around $25,200.

The cities that have the highest pay scale for this profession are State College, Pennsylvania and Springfield, Massachusetts. The areas of Detroit, Lansing, Michigan also pay well. These are industrial areas that provide openings in schools, from the elementary level up to high school and college. There may also be some openings in companies that provide health care benefits and other options for their employees.

Currently, it ranks at number 18 on the Best Health Care Jobs list and number 38 on the 100 Best Jobs list.

What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

Substance abuse arises for several different reasons, including behavioral issues, eating disorders and dysfunctional pasts. When the affected seeks help, he or she can go to a substance abuse counselor for help and support.

These counselors are available for help on specific issues that arise in substance abuse, most specifically aiding parents in trying to reclaim their roles in their households after addicted behavior has come between parents and children.

This includes the work they are responsible doing in personal relationships and work environments. This can include family consultations on solutions and treatment plans for the patient and outreach programs that educate on the dangers of abuse. The benefits of healthy choices are also covered in the outreach and education programs.

Meet the Demand

Due to the Affordable Care Act, laws now require that insurance providers also cover the necessary treatment for mental issues. In conjunction with the new laws, there is also new policies on criminal treatment to consider. With sentences for treatment being expanded on, the projected growth rate for this field is 31 percent by 2022. This could mean as many as 28,200 new positions in the next ten years.

Considerations

Upward mobility, or the opportunity for growth, advancement and economic gain, in this field is high, as is the flexibility of the position. However, while work hours and schedule can be very flexible, the stress level is considered to be very high, as well. It is considered to be above average and as such, should be a consideration in making this field a career choice.

Education

While there is no set curriculum that all substance abuse counselors must complete for qualification, there is a growing demand for counselors to know more, meaning more qualifications to meet for licensing. Training and education for this position should be explored locally.

Private practice positions require a licensed counselor for employment consideration. These positions require the applicant having 2,000 to 4,000 hours of experience in their chosen field as well as having a master’s degree. Those that want to apply for a private practice position should look into internships, as well as having the necessary qualifications.