Addiction Therapists

Salaries for addiction therapists and counselors vary by specialty. Here is 2023 salary information for several types of therapists and counselors, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned median salaries of $53,710. Ten percent of counselors earned $36,700 or less, while the top 10 percent made $89,920 or more. Fifty percent of counselors earned between $44,600 and $70,130.

All other counselors earned salaries that ranged from $33,300 to $79,880, with a median of $46,130.

Marriage and family therapists received salaries that ranged from $39,090 to $104,710 or more. Those who worked in offices of other health practitioners (the largest employment area for therapists) earned median annual salaries of $67,230.

Salaried addiction therapists receive fringe benefits such as medical insurance; paid sick, vacation, and personal time; and access to an employee-sponsored retirement savings plan. Some employers provide reimbursement for travel and continuing education. Addiction therapists who are self-employed must provide their own benefits.