Addictions counselor vs education counselor

The differences between addictions counselors and education 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 $45,465 average annual salary of an education counselor.

The top three skills for an addictions counselor include patients, social work and chemical dependency. The most important skills for an education counselor are mental health, crisis intervention, and financial aid.

Addictions counselor vs education counselor overview

	Addictions Counselor	Education Counselor
Yearly salary	$47,226	$45,465
Hourly rate	$22.70	$21.86
Growth rate	12%	10%
Number of jobs	79,459	40,323
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age	39	42
Years of experience	6	-

What does an addictions counselor do?

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.

What does an education counselor do?

The work of education counselors revolves around giving students advice about their course choice, career structuring, and supporting them in their school endeavors. They must have the empathy to help students adjust to their everyday struggles and personal conflicts. They often give students information about scholarship grants and help them apply. They organize seminars talking about alcohol consumption and smoking. Counselors also discuss strategies to improve school performance regarding overall counseling services.

Addictions counselor vs education counselor salary

Addictions counselors and education counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Addictions Counselor	Education Counselor
Average salary	$47,226	$45,465
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $68,000	Between $33,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City	Philadelphia, PA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Pennsylvania	California
Best paying company	Wellpath	Silicon Valley International School
Best paying industry	Non Profits	Education

Differences between addictions counselor and education counselor education

There are a few differences between an addictions counselor and an education counselor in terms of educational background:

	Addictions Counselor	Education Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	Hunter College of the City University of New York	University of Pennsylvania

Addictions counselor vs education counselor demographics

Here are the differences between addictions counselors' and education counselors' demographics:

	Addictions Counselor	Education Counselor
Average age	39	42
Gender ratio	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%	Male, 33.3% Female, 66.7%
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, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	12%	11%

Differences between addictions counselor and education counselor duties and responsibilities

Addictions counselor example responsibilities.

Ensure and manage the compliance with Didi Hirsch policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory agencies, HIPAA and DMH.
Develop treatment plans and recommend a level of care within ASAM and DSM-IV guidelines, and approve requirements.
Restore patients to productive roles by educating them about available community base organizations, and social and employment services.
Perform initial evaluations and intakes, make eligibility determinations, conduct rehabilitation planning and problem solving, and counseling.
Provide drug, alcohol, and rehabilitation counseling and education in a residential therapeutic community for female drug offenders.
Serve as an advocate for family with private/public school-relate agencies (IEP meetings/education plans).

Education counselor example responsibilities.

Provide consultation and in-service to teachers, administrators and parents regarding IEP's, guidance and counseling practices and programs.
Collaborate as member of IEP teams, with school and district representatives and families, to identify specific student needs areas.
Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
Participate in special education meetings as administrator, coordinate state testing and assist with RTI identifications.
Facilitate RTI process on caseload through identification, implementation, and through monitoring progress for further referrals for at-risk students.
Ensure client safety and provide necessary intervention toward adolescent teens admit into an inpatient drug and mental health treatment facility.

Addictions counselor vs education counselor skills

Common addictions counselor skills

Patients, 18%
Social Work, 12%
Chemical Dependency, 6%
Crisis Intervention, 6%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 5%
Intake Assessments, 4%

Common education counselor skills

Mental Health, 11%
Crisis Intervention, 10%
Financial Aid, 6%
Behavioral Problems, 6%
Applied Behavior Analysis, 5%
Educational Programs, 5%

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Addictions Counselor
Addictions Counselor vs Education Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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