Rehabilitation Counselors vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss out-earn Rehabilitation Counselorss by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Rehabilitation Counselorss land at $46,850 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss 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 Counselorss is Wyoming ($67,640); 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 Rehabilitation Counselors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Rehabilitation Counselorss or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss earn more nationally. The median is $46,850 for Rehabilitation Counselorss versus $59,350 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss, 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?
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, 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 Counselorss get paid the most?
Wyoming is the top-paying state for Rehabilitation Counselorss 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 Counselorss earn $67,640 vs. $62,980 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.