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The differences between vocational counselors and substance abuse counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a substance abuse counselor has an average salary of $43,069, which is higher than the $39,135 average annual salary of a vocational counselor.
The top three skills for a vocational counselor include rehabilitation, social work and mental health. The most important skills for a substance abuse counselor are patients, substance abuse treatment, and social work.
| Vocational Counselor | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $39,135 | $43,069 |
| Hourly rate | $18.81 | $20.71 |
| Growth rate | 10% | - |
| Number of jobs | 77,189 | 78,643 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
People who have issues with getting employment or have certain disabilities require the help of a vocational counselor. This individual provides counseling, provides job plans for patients, and assists patients in achieving their employment goals so they can earn the income needed to live comfortably. They may be expected to help clients understand what they are capable of and using this, help develop their career goals. They provide the link between clients who are seeking employment and employers.
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.
Vocational counselors and substance abuse counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Vocational Counselor | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Average salary | $39,135 | $43,069 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $27,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Shasta, CA | Trenton, NJ |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Lower Eastside Service Center | Erlanger Health System |
| Best paying industry | Education | Non Profits |
There are a few differences between a vocational counselor and a substance abuse counselor in terms of educational background:
| Vocational Counselor | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between vocational counselors' and substance abuse counselors' demographics:
| Vocational Counselor | Substance Abuse Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.8% Female, 70.2% | Male, 34.3% Female, 65.7% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |