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The differences between addictions counselor assistants and substance abuse counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an addictions counselor assistant, becoming a substance abuse counselor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an addictions counselor assistant has an average salary of $46,799, which is higher than the $43,069 average annual salary of a substance abuse counselor.
The top three skills for an addictions counselor assistant include patients, social work and substance abuse. The most important skills for a substance abuse counselor are patients, substance abuse treatment, and social work.
| Addictions Counselor Assistant | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $46,799 | $43,069 |
| Hourly rate | $22.50 | $20.71 |
| Growth rate | 12% | - |
| Number of jobs | 86,506 | 78,643 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
An addictions counselor assistant works with a head counselor to provide support to patients suffering from addiction. They deal with the clerical and administrative side of running a counseling firm. This includes managing data, maintaining confidentiality of patient information, monitoring adherence to government regulations, and assisting with patients' treatment.
Substance abuse counselors act as a support system for people with drug and alcohol problems and other behavioral issues. They help the patients control their behavior until they achieve a full recovery. The mental health counselors aid patients to overcome their chemical dependencies and become self-sufficient individuals. Part of their duty includes meeting clients to evaluate their health and substance issues while creating goals and treatment plans. They teach clients coping mechanisms, refer them to support groups, and engage them in group therapy sessions. Once the patient is stable, they help them re-establish their careers and give updates and reports of progress to the courts. Requirements for the job include a master's degree in counseling and social work.
Addictions counselor assistants and substance abuse counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Addictions Counselor Assistant | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Average salary | $46,799 | $43,069 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $64,000 | Between $27,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bellevue, WA | Trenton, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Chino Valley Unified School District | Erlanger Health System |
| Best paying industry | Education | Non Profits |
There are a few differences between an addictions counselor assistant and a substance abuse counselor in terms of educational background:
| Addictions Counselor Assistant | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between addictions counselor assistants' and substance abuse counselors' demographics:
| Addictions Counselor Assistant | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 31.6% Female, 68.4% | Male, 34.3% Female, 65.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 7.1% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |