Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss out-earn Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss land at $64,330 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss at $59,350. The education gap is real: educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisor programs typically require master's degree, while substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor programs require master's degree. Top-paying state for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss is California ($86,500); 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 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss earn more nationally. The median is $64,330 for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss versus $59,350 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss, a difference of $5K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors 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, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors 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 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss at $86,500/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss earn $82,900 vs. $80,770 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.