Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
BLS projects employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to change by +18.4% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations, with about 50,500 openings a year. The median annual wage in 2025 was $59,350 (all occupations: $50,980).
Updated
| Median annual wage, 2025 | $59,350 |
|---|---|
| Employment, 2025 | 533,400 |
| Projected employment, 2035 | 631,400 |
| Change, 2025–35 | +18.4% (+98,000) |
| Openings per year, 2025–35 average | 50,500 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | Internship/residency |
| Self-employed | 5.4% |
Read the official BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile ↗
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2025–35, and worker characteristics, 2025 ↗. Employment is for 2025, projections to 2035; median annual wage is for 2025; openings are the projected annual average for 2025–35. Figures are national, not local. Data last downloaded Oct 16, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much do substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in 2025.
What is the job outlook for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors?
BLS projects employment to change by +18.4% from 2025 to 2035, with about 50,500 openings per year on average.
What education do substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors need?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as: Master's degree. Typical on-the-job training: Internship/residency.