Community Health Workers vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors out-earn Community Health Workers by $8K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Community Health Workers land at $51,850 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors at $59,350. The education gap is real: community health worker programs typically require master's degree, while substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor programs require master's degree. Top-paying state for Community Health Workers is New Hampshire ($66,680); for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors it's Alaska ($80,770).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Community Health Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Community Health Workers or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn more nationally. The median is $51,850 for Community Health Workers versus $59,350 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, a difference of $8K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Community Health Workers or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors has the better 10-year outlook at 16.8% projected growth, compared to 11.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Community Health Workers or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Community Health Workers typically requires master's degree. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors requires master's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Community Health Workers get paid the most?
New Hampshire is the top-paying state for Community Health Workers at $66,680/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Community Health Workers vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In North Dakota, Community Health Workers earn $59,610 vs. $68,630 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.