Health Education Specialists vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Health Education Specialists out-earn Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Health Education Specialists land at $64,070 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors 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 Specialists is Maryland ($104,470); 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 Health Education Specialists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Health Education Specialists or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Health Education Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $64,070 for Health Education Specialists versus $59,350 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, 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?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors has the better 10-year outlook at 16.8% projected growth, compared to 4.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Specialists get paid the most?
Maryland is the top-paying state for Health Education Specialists 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 Specialists earn $77,420 vs. $68,910 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.