Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC), the median pay for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is $31.38 an hour ($65,270 a year). About 9,030 people work in this job there.
That is 10% higher than the U.S. median ($59,350). It is 8% higher than the District of Columbia median ($60,450).
Pay range for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $22.37 | $46,520 |
| 25% of workers | $24.46 | $50,870 |
| Half of workers (median) | $31.38 | $65,270 |
| 75% of workers | $40.08 | $83,370 |
| 90% of workers | $50.08 | $104,170 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay in District of Columbia metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (this page) | $65,270 | 9,030 |
District of Columbia unemployment rate: 5.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
- Typical education to start: Master's degree (BLS)
- Training on the job: Internship/residency (BLS)
- Job outlook: +18.4% over ten years, much faster than average · about 50,500 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $48,370 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $77,420 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $75,550 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $48,290 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $80,710 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $78,210 |
| Health Education Specialists | $124,590 |
| Community Health Workers | $58,790 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.