Health Education Specialists vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Health Education Specialistss out-earn Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Health Education Specialistss land at $64,070 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss at $59,350. The education gap is real: health education specialist programs typically require master's degree, while substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor programs require master's degree. Top-paying state for Health Education Specialistss is Maryland ($104,470); 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 Health Education Specialists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Health Education Specialistss or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Health Education Specialistss earn more nationally. The median is $64,070 for Health Education Specialistss 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, Health Education Specialists 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, Health Education Specialists or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Health Education Specialists 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 Health Education Specialistss get paid the most?
Maryland is the top-paying state for Health Education Specialistss at $104,470/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Health Education Specialists vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Health Education Specialistss earn $77,420 vs. $68,910 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.