Community Health Workers vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss out-earn Community Health Workerss by $8K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Community Health Workerss land at $51,850 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss 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 Workerss is New Hampshire ($66,680); for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss 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 Workerss or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss earn more nationally. The median is $51,850 for Community Health Workerss versus $59,350 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss, 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?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Workerss get paid the most?
New Hampshire is the top-paying state for Community Health Workerss 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 Workerss earn $59,610 vs. $68,630 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.