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The differences between addictions counselors and counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an addictions counselor has an average salary of $47,226, which is higher than the $36,225 average annual salary of a counselor.
The top three skills for an addictions counselor include patients, social work and chemical dependency. The most important skills for a counselor are patients, crisis intervention, and substance abuse.
| Addictions Counselor | Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $47,226 | $36,225 |
| Hourly rate | $22.70 | $17.42 |
| Growth rate | 12% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 79,459 | 77,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | - |
An Addictions Counselor helps patients overcome personal addiction problems, such as dependence on drugs, alcohol, and other substances. They evaluate the condition of their client through examining, asking questions, and recommending the proper treatment options.
Often, counselors are known to be the go-to person in times we are in need of emotional and psychological support. They help people to manage and overcome the issues which affect their mental health and well-being. Counselors face different kind of situations which may involve trauma, addiction, disabilities, abuse, suicide, anger management, career, and even personal relationships. They provide care, counseling, rehabilitation, and support services. Every counseling requires collaborative effort both from the counselor and client to become effective.
Addictions counselors and counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Addictions Counselor | Counselor | |
| Average salary | $47,226 | $36,225 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $68,000 | Between $19,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Philadelphia, PA | - |
| Highest paying state | Pennsylvania | California |
| Best paying company | Wellpath | - |
| Best paying industry | Non Profits | Education |
There are a few differences between an addictions counselor and a counselor in terms of educational background:
| Addictions Counselor | Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Hunter College of the City University of New York | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between addictions counselors' and counselors' demographics:
| Addictions Counselor | Counselor | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6% | Male, 38.5% Female, 61.5% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 15.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 3.5% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 9% |