Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers out-earn Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors by $930 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers land at $60,280 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors at $59,350. The education gap is real: mental health and substance abuse 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 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers is New York ($79,380); 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 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers earn more nationally. The median is $60,280 for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers versus $59,350 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, a difference of $930. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Mental Health and Substance Abuse 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 9.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse 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 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers get paid the most?
New York is the top-paying state for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers at $79,380/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Connecticut, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers earn $78,640 vs. $63,590 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.