Social Workers, All Other vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Social Workers, All Other out-earn Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Social Workers, All Other land at $71,900 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors at $59,350. The education gap is real: social workers, all other programs typically require master's degree, while substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor programs require master's degree. Top-paying state for Social Workers, All Other is Nevada ($121,830); 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 Social Workers, All Other median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Social Workers, All Other or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Social Workers, All Other earn more nationally. The median is $71,900 for Social Workers, All Other 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, Social Workers, All Other 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 3.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Social Workers, All Other or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Social Workers, All Other 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 Social Workers, All Other get paid the most?
Nevada is the top-paying state for Social Workers, All Other at $121,830/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Social Workers, All Other vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Rhode Island, Social Workers, All Other earn $111,590 vs. $65,120 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.