According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors earned an average salary of $41,090 per year (or approximately $18.57 per hour), in 2013. The best-paid earned about $60,160, while the lowest-paid earned less than $25,200. The median annual wage for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors was $38,520 in May 2012.
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors tend to earn less money than professions with other health care jobs. However, substance abuse and behavioral counselors earn a similar salary as mental health counselors, who made $43,700 in 2013.