Healthcare Social Workers vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Healthcare Social Workers out-earn Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors by $9K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Healthcare Social Workers land at $67,880 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors at $59,350. The education gap is real: healthcare social 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 Healthcare Social Workers is District of Columbia ($94,100); 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 Healthcare Social Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Healthcare Social Workers or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Healthcare Social Workers earn more nationally. The median is $67,880 for Healthcare Social Workers versus $59,350 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, a difference of $9K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Healthcare Social 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 7.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Healthcare Social Workers or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Healthcare Social 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 Healthcare Social Workers get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Healthcare Social Workers at $94,100/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Healthcare Social Workers vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Oregon, Healthcare Social Workers earn $84,350 vs. $74,590 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.