Rehabilitation Counselors vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors out-earn Rehabilitation Counselors by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Rehabilitation Counselors land at $46,850 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors at $59,350. The education gap is real: rehabilitation counselor programs typically require master's degree, while substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor programs require master's degree. Top-paying state for Rehabilitation Counselors is Wyoming ($67,640); 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 Rehabilitation Counselors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Rehabilitation Counselors or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn more nationally. The median is $46,850 for Rehabilitation Counselors versus $59,350 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, a difference of $13K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Rehabilitation Counselors 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 1.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Rehabilitation Counselors or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Rehabilitation Counselors 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 Rehabilitation Counselors get paid the most?
Wyoming is the top-paying state for Rehabilitation Counselors at $67,640/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Rehabilitation Counselors vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Wyoming, Rehabilitation Counselors earn $67,640 vs. $62,980 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.