What is the Average Pay for Chemical Dependency Counselors in a Hospital Setting?
Chemical dependency counselors, also called substance abuse counselors, advise clients who have addictions to alcohol or other drugs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects more job openings for chemical dependency counselors than qualified applicants in this field through at least 2018. Chemical dependency counselors working in a hospital setting generally earn higher salaries than the average in this field.
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Job Features
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Chemical dependency counselors may conduct sessions with individuals, families or groups of clients. They develop individualized treatment plans for each client, utilizing their experience and their knowledge of research, information from interviews with the client and a review of the person's history and medical records. These counselors help each patient identify behaviors and problems related to addiction. They provide assistance and guidance for overcoming addictions, making positive changes and adjusting to life without the drug. They also counsel families and other loved ones affected by the individual's chemical dependency. The counselor updates records with progress reports and other information, and develops follow-up plans for clients to be discharged from a residency program. Chemical dependency counselors provide crisis intervention when necessary.
Salary by Experience
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Education, certification and licensing requirements for these counselors vary by state. Certification and licensing usually requires a minimum of a master's degree, according to the BLS. Counseling degrees are available in departments of education, psychology and human services in universities and colleges. Chemical dependency counselors with one to four years of experience were earning salaries in the median range of $27,300 to $37,600 per year as of December 2010, shows the PayScale salary survey website. Those with five to 19 years of experience had salaries in the median range of $33,300 to $42,000.
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Salary Range
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Average pay for all substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors was about $19.40 per hour, or $40,400 per year, as of May 2009, according to the BLS. The middle 50 percent of those on the earnings scale were making about $30,000 to $48,000, and the top 10 percent over $60,000 per year. Chemical dependency counselors working in general medical and surgical hospitals were making an average of about $22 per hour, or $45,600 per year, and those in specialty hospitals aside from substance abuse facilities about $23.50 per hour or $49,000 per year.
Employment Outlook
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The BLS predicts the occupation of substance abuse counseling will grow much faster than the average for all occupations for the near future. More people seek treatment as societal awareness of chemical addiction expands, and convicted drug offenders are increasingly assigned to treatment programs.
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References
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