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Job outlook for drug abuse counselors in the United States
Drug abuse counselor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected drug abuse counselor job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 9,800 new jobs for drug abuse counselors are projected over the next decade.
Drug abuse counselor salaries have increased 10% for drug abuse counselors in the last 5 years.
There are over 33,091 drug abuse counselors currently employed in the United States.
There are 27,596 active drug abuse counselor job openings in the US.
The average drug abuse counselor salary is $49,420.
Are drug abuse counselor jobs in demand?
Drug abuse counselor job and salary trends over time
Drug abuse counselor jobs over time
Drug abuse counselor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 33,091 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 32,771 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 32,738 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 31,113 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 29,084 | 0.01% |
Average drug abuse counselor salary over time
Drug abuse counselor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,420 | $23.76 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | $47,922 | $23.04 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $46,778 | $22.49 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $45,633 | $21.94 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $44,759 | $21.52 | +2.7% |
Drug abuse counselor jobs by state
Most common states for drug abuse counselors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 87 | 13% |
| 2 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 221 | 6% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 62 | 6% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 58 | 6% |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 590 | 5% |
| 6 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 279 | 5% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 36 | 5% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 34 | 5% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 29 | 5% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 472 | 4% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 332 | 4% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 309 | 4% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 295 | 4% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 260 | 4% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 233 | 4% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 146 | 4% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 61 | 4% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 56 | 4% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 49 | 4% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 24 | 4% |
Drug Abuse Counselor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of drug abuse counselor experts
Adelphi University
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
Malone University
Nicholls State University
California State University San Marcos
Freed-Hardeman University
University of Alaska Anchorage
The Pennsylvania State University
Carolina Christian College
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Office of Public and Governmental Affairs Public Affairs Division
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Elms College
Vanguard University
Angelo State University
What general advice would you give to a Drug Abuse Counselor?
Katherine Stavrianopoulos Ph.D.: Education and Credentials: Invest in obtaining advanced degrees and relevant certifications that enhance your qualifications and marketability. A master's or doctoral degree in counseling psychology, along with licensure or certification in your jurisdiction, can significantly increase your earning potential. Specialization and Niche Expertise: Develop expertise in specialized areas of counseling psychology that are in demand or command higher fees. Consider focusing on niche populations, such as children and adolescents, trauma survivors, couples therapy, family therapy and acquire specialized training or certifications to differentiate yourself in the market. Clinical Experience and Internships: Gain diverse clinical experience through internships, practicum placements, and supervised training opportunities. Continuing Education and Professional Development: Stay abreast of emerging trends, research findings, and evidence-based practices in counseling psychology through continuing education, workshops, and professional development opportunities.
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC
Assistant Dean & Program Director, Master's programs in General Psychology and Mental Health CounselingAdelphi University
Mental And Social Health Services And Allied Professions
What will help Drug Abuse Counselors increase their earning potential?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: One way to maximize your earning potential when starting your career is to develop a focus, not just a specialization. A focus requires a broader lens when it comes to earnings. For example, specializing in clinical treatments for addiction is important and will generate referrals. However, having a focus in addiction treatments extends your reach into other adjacent areas such as business applications and services offered outside of the therapy office. It might start with the question, 'what other groups or organizations might benefit from my focus area?' This might lead to a consultation opportunity at a business that is interested in reducing burnout for its employees and by extension the sequelae of problems associated with burnout (e.g., depression, addiction). One opportunity often leads to another. The second way to maximize income early in your career is to consider ways to translate what you do into a public-facing profile. Whether using LinkedIn or your own website, it is crucial for the public to become acquainted with you professionally. Investing in this process will pay off quickly.
What will help Drug Abuse 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 hard/technical skills are most important for Drug Abuse 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Drug Abuse 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 Drug Abuse 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.
What will help Drug Abuse Counselors increase their earning potential?
Malia Miller: Within the school setting, earning potential can be increased with years of experience and continuing education. Most counselors are paid a salary based on the teacher salary schedule that has been negotiated between the union and the school board of the district. In a larger district, there would be potential for better pay if there are district-level positions that involve management of the school counseling staff.
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 Drug Abuse 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's a day at work look like for a Drug Abuse Counselor?
Dr. Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson: Due to our society becoming increasingly diverse and more distance learning becoming prevalent, there will become demand for social and cultural diversity training of counselors. In addition, the unemployment rate has been at an all time high. "The current unemployment rate, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics last week, is 6.3 percent, (Bayly, 2021)." Blacks, Latin X, and Asian Americans are experiencing a steep decline in employment compared to the vast majority of white Americans and non-Hispanic groups since the launch of the global pandemic (Gamelas, Davison, & Ing, 2021). Yet, these members of historically marginalized groups are often placed on the frontlines. Subsequently, new professionals have to recognize their role as a worker and how it impacts other roles. Thus, recent graduates will need to be culturally competent due to the ever-changing globalization of U.S. society.
What technical skills for a Drug Abuse 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 a Drug Abuse 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 Drug Abuse 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.
What's a good job out of college for Drug Abuse Counselors?
Madeline Lee Ph.D.: We do not have a bachelors program in social work at CSUSM; we only have a Master of Social Work (MSW) program, so a good job out of our program may be different from one straight out of college with an undergraduate degree. I think that a good first job out of an MSW program is one that would provide the new graduate with great supervision and rich experiences for continued learning within a healthy organization where this is a strong sense of shared mission. All of this would need to be a good fit with the graduate's skills, passions, and values.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 13% from 2019-2029, much faster than 3.7% average for all occupations (this could increase in light of the pandemic). One of the benefits of an MSW is the versatility of the degree; it equips graduates for a range of careers, from being a clinician to a community organizer in a variety of settings, including private non-profits, hospitals, schools, and public agencies. Our graduates' first job may be a part of the sound foundation that supports their long-term social work career.
Dr. James Dalton Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health CounselingFreed-Hardeman University
Counseling Program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Drug Abuse Counselor job market given the pandemic?
Dr. James Dalton Ph.D.: The pandemic has forced a shift to technology-assisted interactions in a wide variety of areas including education. I do not expect education to remain as reliant upon technology-assisted interaction as it has been in the past year. Neither do I expect our nation to return to almost complete reliance upon face-to-face interactions. Instead, I believe we will see technology-assisted education and technology-assisted school counseling integrated into the services of the majority of K-12 schools. Therefore, I believe we will see an increase in distance interactions with students through school counseling. Large districts may long-term employ some school counselors from off-site, or may incorporate off-site counselors into the services they provide.
Additionally, the pandemic has not decreased the mental health and wellness needs of our students, but instead has further demonstrated the existence of these needs and the difficulty many schools and communities have in meeting the needs of our most vulnerable populations. I expect this to lead to an increase in services that are provided by or integrated into schools including mental health counseling and trauma-informed counseling and services.
For both reasons, I expect school counseling jobs to have a greater variety of opportunities in the years ahead.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Drug Abuse Counselors?
Dr. James Dalton Ph.D.: Completing state licensure requirements is always the most important thing to increase job prospects for school counselors. Without a license as a school counselor, one cannot find employment. Beyond licensure, given the shifts experienced from the pandemic, today I would encourage school counselors who want to stand out to pursue training and/or certification in distance or technology-assisted counseling methods. These skills will be quite useful to school counselors and will help demonstrate the applicant is cognizant of the skills currently needed in our schools.
What's a good job out of college for Drug Abuse Counselors?
Dr. James Dalton Ph.D.: The best type of job for a new school counselor will fit the individual skills of that graduate. Each individual has to determine what age-level they are best suited to assist and what type of school and community environment in which they will best fit. Additionally, it is important for those early in their career to have more experienced colleagues from whom they can seek consultation and support to help them grow into fully-competent professional school counselors. Finally, it is important to have a position where the administration and faculty value both the administrative functions of the school counselor and also the counseling functions of the school counselor. Too many fail to value counseling enough that the school counselor is provided the resources necessary to devote significant time to the counseling function of their position.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Drug Abuse 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 Drug Abuse 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 Drug Abuse 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 Drug Abuse 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 Drug Abuse 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 Drug Abuse 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.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Drug Abuse Counselors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Andrew Wood: Many of the smaller churches across the country need part-time pastors. Our graduates could potentially find opportunities to pastor more than one rural church at the same time or to work part-time at a church as a "tentmaker," supporting themselves with a second job, as some of our missionaries and urban ministers do. Some larger churches and colleges are eager to diversify their staff, creating some unique opportunities for people of color from Carolina Christian College to minister in a way that bridges ethnic divides.
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 a Drug Abuse 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 Drug Abuse 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 Drug Abuse 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 Drug Abuse 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.
What type of skills will young Drug Abuse 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.
What general advice would you give to a Drug Abuse 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.
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.
Dr., Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic TheologyVanguard University
Religion, Undergraduate Religion
What general advice would you give to a Drug Abuse 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.
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 Drug Abuse 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.