Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in District of Columbia
The median pay for a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in District of Columbia is $66,140/year ($31.8/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $44K at the entry level to $101K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $66K get you in District of Columbia?
About substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, District of Columbia
Entry-level substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (10th percentile) start around $44K. Mid-career wages sit at $66K.Top earners bring in $101K or more - a $57K spread from bottom to top.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $79K | +34% | 1,060 |
| New Mexico | $71K | +20% | 2,070 |
| Oregon | $70K | +18% | 6,410 |
| North Dakota | $66K | +12% | 1,180 |
| District of Columbia | $66K | +12% | 980 |
| Utah | $66K | +11% | 4,720 |
| Idaho | $65K | +10% | 2,130 |
| New Jersey | $65K | +9% | 14,640 |
| Nebraska | $64K | +9% | 1,980 |
| Washington | $64K | +8% | 13,150 |
| Arizona | $64K | +8% | 8,970 |
| Connecticut | $63K | +6% | 6,470 |
| Wisconsin | $62K | +6% | 9,450 |
| New York | $62K | +5% | 22,450 |
| Wyoming | $62K | +4% | 840 |
Track substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when District of Columbia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors make in District of Columbia?
The median is $66,140 a year - that works out to about $31.8 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $44,210, and experienced substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors can clear $101,130. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $66K enough to live in District of Columbia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,330/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,246/month (median of metro areas), which eats 51.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors salary go in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors salary is worth about $66,140 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.