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Job outlook for alcoholic counselors in the United States
Alcoholic counselor job and salary trends over time
Alcoholic counselor jobs over time
Alcoholic counselor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 182 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 181 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 181 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 172 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 160 | 0.00% |
Average alcoholic counselor salary over time
Alcoholic counselor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $43,635 | $20.98 | +3.1% |
| 2025 | $42,312 | $20.34 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $41,301 | $19.86 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $40,291 | $19.37 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $39,519 | $19.00 | +2.7% |
Alcoholic counselor jobs by state
Most common states for alcoholic counselors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 86 | 12% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 72 | 7% |
| 3 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 220 | 6% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 58 | 6% |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 670 | 5% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 334 | 5% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 278 | 5% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 36 | 5% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 36 | 5% |
| 10 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 31 | 5% |
| 11 | New York | 19,849,399 | 793 | 4% |
| 12 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 467 | 4% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 362 | 4% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 306 | 4% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 233 | 4% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 223 | 4% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 153 | 4% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 57 | 4% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 47 | 4% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 25 | 4% |
Alcoholic Counselor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of alcoholic counselor experts
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
Malone University
Nicholls State University
California State University San Marcos
University of Alaska Anchorage
The Pennsylvania State University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Carolina Christian College
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Office of Public and Governmental Affairs Public Affairs Division
Montana State University – Bozeman
American University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Lubbock Christian University
Ohio University
Elms College
Vanguard University
Rider University
Angelo State University
What will help Alcoholic Counselors increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, Master of CounselingLouisiana State University at Shreveport
Department Of Psychology
What soft skills should all Alcoholic Counselors possess?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Soft skills that are essential for counselors include emotional intelligence, empathy, multicultural competency, interpersonal abilities, and authenticity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Alcoholic Counselors?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: It is important that counselors are able to effectively take notes and summarize progress, interpret assessments, memorize and recall information, and keep clear yet concise records.
What skills will help Alcoholic Counselors earn the most?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Skills that will help you earn the most include teletherapy and trauma-informed care.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Alcoholic Counselors?
Malia Miller: There is potential for an increase in openings given the challenges regarding mental health that have developed due to the pandemic. If the bill passes at the federal level, it is my understanding that there are funds designated to be used by school districts to make sure all schools are open for in-person learning. These additional funds may be used to subsidize the hiring of more school counselors to address these issues if states choose to do so. Right now, the challenge we are facing as a university that trains school counselors is the fact that interns are struggling to acquire internship supervisors since the work of all school personnel has been difficult for the past year. Understandably, school counselors do not wish to assume more responsibility as working with students remotely, on hybrid schedules, etc. is time-consuming. I don't think there will be an "enduring" impact on our profession as a result of the pandemic, but we have learned how to connect with students more efficiently in a virtual mode.
What's a good job out of college for Alcoholic Counselors?
Malia Miller: A good school counseling job out of college is being hired in the setting the new counselor seeks. The role of the school counselor in elementary, middle, or high school settings can vary greatly in terms of job expectations, so finding a "good" job would be landing the job in the level of your choice. Some school counselors seek work in higher education as admission counselors, but most are training to work in a K-12 school. I would add that it is often ideal for new counselors to be hired into a building where they are not the only counselor. Learning from colleagues through working with a counseling team is less stressful and easier than being the only counselor in a school.
Dr. Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson
Assistant Professor & Coordinator of School Counseling ProgramNicholls State University
Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Studies
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Alcoholic Counselors?
Dr. Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson: To begin with, there will be a lasting impact of the coronavirus on recent graduates. For instance, we are seeing the rising number of positive cases. As of February 11, 2021, there were approximately 361, 038 Louisiana coronavirus cases (Swenson, Just, Whitfield, 2021). In addition, 20.6% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2019 (51.5 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults (NAMI, ). To further complicate matters, the coronavirus pandemic and constant civil unrest has contributed to a demand for professional counselors.
What technical skills for an Alcoholic Counselor stand out to employers?
Dr. Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson: In addition, recent graduates will need to be familiarized with using telehealth platforms due to more remote learning needs. Plus, recent graduates will need to familiarize themselves with their basic facilitative skills to establish rapport quickly to have brief sessions. Also, I would recommend students receive competency-based credentials and become licensed in at least one additional state. Lastly, I would recommend students familiarize themselves with crisis intervention and trauma counseling.
In sum, graduates have to be aware of how their roles may shift due to job displacement, furloughs, and restructuring. Due to new challenges presented in the COVID-19 pandemic, graduates have to be prepared to address the possibility of being faced with high caseloads, secondary traumatization, role conflict/ambiguity, and tension in the workplace. As a precautionary measure, neophytes should adopt a holistic self-care regimen and professional network to ameliorate the mental health condition.
Madeline Lee Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCalifornia State University San Marcos
Department of Social Work
What technical skills for an Alcoholic Counselor stand out to employers?
Madeline Lee Ph.D.: There are technical skills that may stand out to employers, but as social workers, I think those technical skills together with "soft skills," can make an applicant really stand out to employers; social workers can combine their research skills with evidence-informed care and organizational quality improvement efforts, while being able to lead, build relationships, and think critically. In the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, our graduates will need to be able to fluidly navigate between employing telehealth methods to performing their work safely in-person when engaging and helping clients. To be effective, social workers will also need to understand the reverberating effects of the deep-seated roots of racism in our country and be willing to honestly confront and address those issues in whatever role they assume. Social workers are needed now more than ever.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Alcoholic Counselors?
Madeline Lee Ph.D.: I think the coronavirus pandemic is having/will have an enduring impact on all of us. Social workers are essential workers, and our current students are already in the field, interning at over 125 organizations throughout our Southern California region. Our students and alum serve some of the most vulnerable, including children and families experiencing poverty, the child welfare system, those with mental health needs, veterans, and older adults. The coronavirus has exposed existing fault lines and meeting the challenge of working at the intersection of two pandemics-the coronavirus, which is new, and racism, which is not new-will have an enduring impact on our students and graduates as they strive towards social work's mission for social justice. When the pandemic is behind us, it is my sincere hope that we will not forget how truly essential essential workers are and remember that we are all undeniably, intricately interconnected with each other.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Alcoholic Counselors?
Donna Aguiniga Ph.D.: The pandemic will have an enduring impact on all of us. Students have experienced illness, job loss, rapidly changing educational environments, family upheaval, and death-to name just a few of the outcomes of the pandemic. Yet, despite the pandemic, many students are pushing on with their goals and graduating. Social work students are utilizing technology more than ever to successfully complete their coursework while collectively becoming more digitally literate than their predecessors. The pandemic has created a greater need for social services and social workers and, though there will be challenges in the delivery of those services, graduates are well-prepared to enter the profession at this time.
What type of skills will young Alcoholic Counselors need?
Donna Aguiniga Ph.D.: Social work graduates must be prepared to work at any system level. For example, they should be able to interview a client, facilitate a group meeting, and analyze proposed legislation. Strong writing, communication skills, and digital literacy are a must, and I encourage students who are weak in these areas to seek out ways to improve them. Graduates need strong information literacy skills so they can parse out sound sources of information to continue to grow their professional knowledge. They need to be adaptive, flexible, and creative to address client and agency needs while maintaining ethical standards.
More than ever, graduates must prepare themselves to be stretched upon entering practice, meeting demands within ever-changing contexts. For example, I had a graduate with a bachelor's degree in social work accept a leadership position with an organization, start providing direct services to clients, and successfully write for a federal grant to increase the agency's programs all within a few months of earning her degree. While the graduate's education grounded her in the basics of these practices, she continued to develop her professional skills within the context of her employment.
What experience really stands out on Alcoholic Counselor resumes?
Donna Aguiniga Ph.D.: I encourage students to self-evaluate, to think now about how they can make themselves stand out amongst their peers and gain additional practical knowledge. There are many ways to do this. Participating in volunteer work, service-learning classes, study abroad, and student organizations can provide a way for students to gain experience and help their resumes stand out. However, many students have to work full-time and are limited in their opportunity to participate in activities and programs. A strong work history, regardless of the field, demonstrates responsibility in a way that is attractive to potential employers and can showcase desirable skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. In addition, all social work students are required to complete practicum experiences under the supervision of a professional social worker. The practicum is invaluable experience for a resume and has often led directly to job offers.
Dr. Richard Hazler Ph.D.
ProfessorThe Pennsylvania State University
Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, & Special Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Alcoholic Counselor job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Richard Hazler Ph.D.: Schools still need to hire, but there is hesitancy as they figure out what their budgets are actually going to look like next year. The bottom line is that the pandemic has only upped the amount of stress and emotional problems for children that directly interfere with student learning. Everyone in a school (teachers, administrators, staff, and parents) want people who can help with these problems and who know how to work within the school context. The need and hiring of school counselors continues to increase.
What skills stand out on Alcoholic Counselor resumes?
Dr. Richard Hazler Ph.D.: Schools want counselors who are independent and committed to the school system, parents, and individual students. They want people who are competent in dealing with mental health issues and understand how to help in ways that promote attendance and academic success. They also want people who can work with teachers and parents to make things work better for the children.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Alcoholic Counselors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Richard Hazler Ph.D.: Any place in the country that is growing in suburban population is looking for counselors. Over the past ten years, areas of eastern Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and areas in California and Florida have been consistently hiring.
How do you envision technology impacting Alcoholic Counselors in the next 5 years?
Brian Ogolsky Ph.D.: The pandemic has taught us that we have to adapt to change, and technology has proven an essential form of adaptability. It is clear that employers now see that employees can work remotely, so I expect a lot more of this in the future. It benefits the employers financially (less overhead, etc.) and to employees (more flexibility). That said, work at home arrangements disproportionately affects women with children because they pick up more of the child care burden. This means that more needs to be done to support working parents (women, mostly) to help allow productivity and promote mental health.
What type of skills will young Alcoholic Counselors need?
Dr. Andrew Wood: For Biblical Studies, it is vital that graduates have a genuine relationship with Jesus, that they are people of humility and integrity, desire to be lifelong learners, and have open minds to new things they learn that may challenge their original assumptions. They need to have a strong work ethic, organizational, and time management skills to work on their own productively and with integrity.
How do you envision technology impacting Alcoholic Counselors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Andrew Wood: I believe more of our ministry and higher education will be done online. During the pandemic, many people have taken advantage of the opportunity to participate in online church, and I think not all will return to in-person church. Churches and educational institutions have an excellent opportunity to expand their impact globally. We need young people who are tech-savvy and culturally fluent while having a solid grounding in Scripture and an appreciation of the Christian tradition's positive aspects.
Erik Longnecker
Program ManagerBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Office of Public and Governmental Affairs Public Affairs Division
What general advice would you give to an Alcoholic Counselor?
Erik Longnecker: ATF Deputy Assistant Director of Human Resources & Professional Development, Peter J. Forcelli, who oversees Training & Professional Development for the agency commented, "There have been a number of challenges in 2020 to onboarding new ATF Special Agents. COVID restrictions made changes to the way we were recruiting. In the past, we primarily recruited in person; in March we turned to technology and the use of the internet to participate in virtual job fairs. We followed the recommendations on the wearing of masks and using appropriate social distancing and continued to get Special Agent applicants through the examination, the Physical Task Test, the panel interview, the polygraph and medical examinations, and a rigorous background investigation, in order to receive a Top-Secret Security Clearance. In addition to continuing these requirements, I am happy to report that in Fiscal Year 2020, despite challenges from COVID and the civil unrest, 186 individuals from very diverse backgrounds became ATF Special Agents. Many have already completed the entire training regimen to include the Criminal Investigator's Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia, followed by ATF's Special Agent Basic Training Program at the ATF National Academy, which is 14-weeks long, and involves extensive training in firearms technology, interviewing, case management, tactics, post-blast investigations, arson investigations, and federal firearms laws. Law enforcement is a calling for most who enter this field, and we persevere. As a former NYPD Detective and having been an ATF Agent for almost 20 years, it is a rewarding career - and I have never looked back. I expect the young men and women who became ATF Special Agents during this unpredictable year to feel the same way. I'm proud they chose ATF and confident in their abilities to meet our mission and continue protecting the American people from violent gun crime.
What type of skills will young Alcoholic Counselors need?
Erik Longnecker: Information about the eligibility for careers at ATF can be found on our website at: link
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Alcoholic Counselors to find work opportunities?
Erik Longnecker: ATF hires special agents for locations in every state and other territories of the United States.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Alcoholic Counselors?
Erik Longnecker: Hiring continues throughout the pandemic. Special agents enforce federal arson, explosives and firearms laws. Violations of these laws have continued throughout the pandemic, requiring the unique skills and abilities of our special agents and other employees to combat violent crime and protect the public.
Dr. Mark Nelson
Professor and Program LeaderMontana State University – Bozeman
Department of Health and Human Development; Graduate Program – School Counseling
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Alcoholic Counselors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Mark Nelson: Rocky Mountain and western states seem to have many opportunities. This may be due to the westward migration in the U.S. population.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Alcoholic Counselors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Michelle Newton-Francis Ph.D.: The upheaval of the pandemic sees graduates entering the worst job market in more than a decade. Still, some forecasters say it is slowly getting better. I encourage graduates to remain flexible in their thinking and search strategies. For example, many companies will expand their remote positions, opening opportunities for jobs they may not have previously considered due to geographic location. Pandemic or not, graduates may not obtain their "dream job" right away and should also consider opportunities that build transferable skills. Pandemic or not, job searching should always be treated like a full-time job. It is just more challenging and competitive right now. Networking is vital and remains one of the most viable ways to get a job. To create networks, students should take advantage of virtual or socially distanced internships, which build contacts and skills. Students and alumni often overlook their college career centers, which offer invaluable services (and connections), including virtual career fairs and meetings with potential employers.
What type of skills will young Alcoholic Counselors need?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: Indeed, the way we work is changing. The skills that young graduates will need are diverse. Transferable skills and soft skills will certainly be marketable. These include traditional crafts such as communication, but I also think the world expects more empathy from its employees. Young graduates with an understanding of racism, sexism, and environmental responsibility will become increasingly important.
How do you envision technology impacting Alcoholic Counselors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: COVID-19 has shown us how much we rely on technology. It seems like all organizations are beginning to see their dependence on technology, for better or worse. Our field is no different. Everything from social conversations to crime is moving online. With so many human interactions happening online, it will be necessary for graduates to navigate technology with ease.
Chris Hennington Ph.D.
School Counseling Program CoordinatorLubbock Christian University
Department of Graduate Psychology and Counseling
What type of skills will young Alcoholic Counselors need?
Chris Hennington Ph.D.: School counselors will be tasked with the usual school counseling responsibilities while also encountering trauma that students experience outside of school and in school. Being well versed in trauma response is going to be a vital aspect of being a school counselor. Kids are experiencing more trauma, but we are getting better at recognizing and treating trauma as well.
How do you envision technology impacting Alcoholic Counselors in the next 5 years?
Christine Suniti Bhat: The pandemic has already altered the way in which school counselors are engaging with their students. The importance of learning management systems and dynamic tools to interact with students online will continue to grow. School counselors will have to be prepared to deliver individual services as well as group and class interventions using technologies such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
This is something that we would not have anticipated five years ago. School counselors may also have to address issues related to isolation, loneliness, and excessive screen time, along with some of the issues that are related to the misuse of technology such as cyberbullying and sexting. Prevention (before problems arise) and intervention (addressing issues after they arise) are both important. Overall, health and wellness in relation to the use of technology will become more important.
What general advice would you give to an Alcoholic Counselor?
Dr. Meredith Bertrand: History is ever-changing, and teachers must clarify how current events are just as much a part of the study of history as any other socio-political period or event. If you are not comparing the civil rights movement of today to the ongoing civil rights movements of the past, and if you are not supporting the campaign against oppression and institutional racism upon which our nation was built, then you are doing continuous harm to those who need you to act and disrupt the cycle. History teachers better be ready to be activists, not just teachers, or else you are perpetuating the status quo.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Alcoholic Counselors in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Meredith Bertrand: No technology will replace a great teacher. But, online, flexible technology will be essential in the wake of this virus. The tricky part for new teachers will be to filter all critical information and technology and provide a learning experience that isn't overwhelming. I am a big proponent of the "less is more" theory of education, to get to the depth of what we are trying to teach, but the multitude of online options makes that problematic. I encourage new teachers to gather resources, and when you find that powerful piece that you want to use in your classroom, give it the time it deserves to be absorbed, discussed, and reflected upon.
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.
Dr., Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic TheologyVanguard University
Religion, Undergraduate Religion
What general advice would you give to an Alcoholic Counselor?
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.: Opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are still out there. Whether you are seeking to land a job in education or the non-profit sector, you will need to familiarize yourself and get used to all things digital, for the sake of communicating effectively. The younger your student or service partner's mindset, the more digitally savvy you will need to be, especially in the classroom and in the non-profit world.
Aubrey Daniels Ph.D.
Acting Assistant ProfessorRider University
Department of Graduate Education, Leadership, and Counseling
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Alcoholic Counselors?
Aubrey Daniels Ph.D.: There will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates. Luckily, most of the effects for those in mental health and social services professions will still be able to be employed as the pandemic occurring is currently having a massive impact on the mental health of people around the world, and it will have a lasting effect on individuals and families for years to come. As I was saying before, the use of video technology in these professions has allowed us to continue working and serving those who have been deeply impacted by this pandemic. So, the job market is still looking hopeful for these professions.
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.
Director, Quality Enhancement Plan Program Coordinator, M.S. Professional School Counseling Associate Professor, Curriculum and InstructionAngelo State University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Alcoholic Counselors in the next 3-5 years?
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.: Graduates will need to learn to use technology in which virtual platforms are taking place and web conferencing platforms. Numerous platforms are being used, so the particular platform itself is not as crucial as being well-versed in how virtual education differs from face-to-face environments. Typically, the instructional role in online learning is more of a facilitator, as the educator guides the students to think critically, integrate, and apply new knowledge. This may be difficult for educators who would rather stand in front of a classroom and pass on their knowledge through lecture-based formats. Additionally, being well-versed in various web conferencing platforms will benefit graduates, as they move into a career that is currently requiring communication in virtual environments.