How to Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Florida
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Florida earn a median salary of $56,830/year, which is 4% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors takes home approximately $2,563/month. Most positions require Master's degree.
What a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors can afford in Florida
Becoming a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Florida
Meet education requirements
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors positions in Florida typically require Master's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Florida licensure or certification
Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Florida
Florida employs 24,680 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. The highest concentrations are in Lakeland-Winter Haven and Naples-Marco Island.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary by metro area in Florida
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $65K | $31.2/hr | 750 |
| Naples-Marco Island | $62K | $29.64/hr | 280 |
| Punta Gorda | $59K | $28.52/hr | 100 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $59K | $28.31/hr | 660 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $58K | $27.98/hr | 7,610 |
| Jacksonville | $58K | $27.82/hr | 1,980 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | $57K | $27.2/hr | 120 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $56K | $27.05/hr | 630 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | $55K | $26.65/hr | 350 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach | $55K | $26.53/hr | 290 |
| Port St. Lucie | $55K | $26.41/hr | 610 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $55K | $26.34/hr | 2,930 |
| Tallahassee | $53K | $25.63/hr | 640 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $51K | $24.64/hr | 460 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $51K | $24.37/hr | 3,910 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary range in Florida
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors make in Florida?▼
The median substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors salary in Florida is $56,830 per year ($27.32/hr). This is 4% below the national median of $59,190. Salaries range from $38,790 to $83,330.
What are the requirements to become a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Florida?▼
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors positions in Florida typically require Master's degree. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors afford to live in Florida?▼
At the median salary of $56,830, a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Florida would take home approximately $3,975/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 35.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Florida?▼
The highest paying metro areas for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Florida are Lakeland-Winter Haven ($64,900), Naples-Marco Island ($61,660), Punta Gorda ($59,330). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Florida have state income tax for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors?▼
No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.