Healthcare Social Workers vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Healthcare Social Workerss out-earn Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss by $9K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Healthcare Social Workerss land at $67,880 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss 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 Workerss is District of Columbia ($94,100); 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 Healthcare Social Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Healthcare Social Workerss or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Healthcare Social Workerss earn more nationally. The median is $67,880 for Healthcare Social Workerss versus $59,350 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss, 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?
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, 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 Workerss get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Healthcare Social Workerss 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 Workerss earn $84,350 vs. $74,590 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.