1

Addiction Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Addiction Counselor

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$42K - $57K/yr

Provide individual and group counseling sessions to clients with addiction disorders * Develop and implement personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's needs * Conduct mental health ...

Licensed Addiction Counselor

Mcpherson, KS · On-site

$41K - $54K/yr

Provide individual and group addiction counseling to clients and their families. * Perform clinical assessments face-to-face and via telemedicine. * Develop, review, and update individualized ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Addiction Counseling information

See salary details

$37K

$53K

$70.5K

How much do addiction counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counseling in the United States is $52,998.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $56,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is addiction counseling?

Addiction counseling is a professional service that helps individuals struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. Counselors work with clients to understand the root causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and create personalized treatment plans. They often use various therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and group counseling. The goal of addiction counseling is to support clients in achieving and maintaining recovery, improving their mental health, and rebuilding their lives.

How do addiction counselors typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support client recovery?

Addiction counselors often work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, and case managers, to provide comprehensive care for clients. This collaboration ensures that clients receive support for both their substance use issues and any co-occurring mental or physical health concerns. Regular team meetings, shared treatment plans, and coordinated referrals are common practices. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as they help create a unified approach to each client's recovery journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, specialized training in substance abuse counseling, and often state licensure or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, electronic health records, and evidence-based therapy methods like CBT or motivational interviewing is typically required. Compassion, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills help build trust and motivate clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential for providing effective support, ensuring ethical practice, and facilitating positive outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.

What is the difference between Addiction Counseling vs Substance Abuse Counseling?

AspectAddiction CounselingSubstance Abuse Counseling
CredentialsOften requires certification such as Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)Similar certifications, often CAC or Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, outpatient programsRehab facilities, outpatient clinics, community health centers
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in many settings, focus on addiction recoveryFocuses specifically on substance abuse issues, often used in treatment programs

Both Addiction Counseling and Substance Abuse Counseling involve helping individuals overcome addiction and substance-related issues. While they share similar credentials and work environments, Addiction Counseling often emphasizes a broader approach to addiction recovery, whereas Substance Abuse Counseling specifically targets substance-related problems. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but understanding their nuances can help in choosing the right career or treatment path.

Is addiction counseling a good career?

Addiction counseling is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from substance use disorders. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, with job growth driven by increased awareness of mental health and addiction issues. The role often involves working in clinical or community settings and may require ongoing training and licensure.

What can you do with an addiction counseling degree?

An addiction counseling degree prepares individuals to work as addiction counselors, providing support and treatment to clients with substance use disorders. Graduates can work in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community organizations, often requiring certification or licensure depending on the region. The role involves counseling, developing treatment plans, and utilizing skills in mental health and addiction recovery.

Where do addiction counselors make the most money?

Addiction counselors tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health services. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and working in private practices or specialized treatment centers. Typically, urban areas and states with more comprehensive healthcare funding offer higher compensation for addiction counseling roles.
More about Addiction Counseling jobs

What cities are hiring for Addiction Counseling jobs?

Cities with the most Addiction Counseling job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counseling jobs?

The most popular types of Addiction Counseling jobs are:

What states have the most Addiction Counseling jobs?

States with the most job openings for Addiction Counseling jobs include:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counseling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 62% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,998 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Addiction Counselor

Anchorage, AK

WISDOM TRADITIONS COUNSELING SERVICES
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 1 - 10 employees

$60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Wisdom Traditions Counseling Services is committed to providing compassionate, holistic care to individuals and families dealing with addiction and mental health challenges. Our approach emphasizes individualized, person-centered treatment and a strong family-systems perspective. We are currently seeking a dedicated Addiction Counselor with Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC) certification to join our dynamic clinical team.

Summary

As an Addiction Counselor, you will play a key role in helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of addiction recovery. You will be responsible for providing direct counseling services, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and supporting clients throughout their recovery journey. This position requires a strong foundation in addiction counseling, as well as the ability to provide trauma-informed care and work within a multi-disciplinary team.

Responsibilities

  • Provide individual and group counseling to clients with substance use disorders.

  • Conduct thorough assessments to identify clients' needs and treatment goals.

  • Develop, implement, and monitor personalized treatment plans for clients.

  • Offer psychoeducation to clients and their families about addiction, recovery, and family dynamics.

  • Collaborate with the clinical team to ensure comprehensive, integrated care for clients.

  • Maintain up-to-date, accurate client records in Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems.

  • Provide case management services, including coordination with other healthcare providers and community resources.

  • Deliver trauma-informed care, recognizing the impact of trauma on addiction and recovery.

  • Monitor and evaluate clients' progress throughout treatment, adjusting plans as needed.

Required Qualifications

  • Certification: Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC) certification from the State of Alaska.

  • Experience: Minimum of 4 years of experience in addiction counseling, with a focus on substance use treatment.

  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, social work, counseling).

Desired Skills and Experience

  • Experience providing counseling to individuals with substance use disorders, including those with dual diagnoses (mental health and addiction).

  • Strong knowledge of addiction recovery processes, treatment modalities, and community resources.

  • Expertise in assessment, treatment planning, and progress evaluation.

  • Experience working with diverse populations, including adolescents and families.

  • Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and timely documentation.

  • Ability to provide compassionate, non-judgmental support to clients in all stages of recovery.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter detailing your experience in addiction counseling and your approach to helping individuals in recovery. We are looking for a dedicated professional who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with addiction.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement)

  • Simple IRA

  • Paid time off

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift

  • Monday to Friday