Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is an occupation catalogued under SOC 21-1018. The role reports a median annual salary of $59,190 in the US and is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Entry typically requires a Master's degree, and shows low AI exposure (0.39 on a 0-1 scale) — the role's core work resists automation.
Pay in India (occupation group)
Average monthly earnings of salaried employees in the occupation group “Professionals” in India, from the Government of India's Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025). It covers everyone in this group, not only Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, and it is not US pay converted to rupees.
Source: MoSPI (Government of India), Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, Table 51 — average wage/salary earnings of regular wage/salaried employees, NCO-2015 division 2. Official India data gives one average per occupation group: there are no official India figures for single careers, experience levels or cities. Read the report
Frequently asked questions
How much does Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn?
The median annual salary for Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the US is $59,190.
What is the job outlook for Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors?
The role is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Current US employment is approximately 483,500 workers.
How do I become substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors?
The typical entry education is a Master's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
Will AI replace Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors?
Our AI-durability model gives Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors a score of 0.39 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at low AI exposure — the role's core work resists current-generation automation. It's a comparatively AI-durable choice within its field.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors has high barrier to entry — highly gated — a graduate degree or extended training/apprenticeship is typically required.