Substance abuse counselors help people address addiction and substance use disorders through assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and ongoing recovery support. On Ladders, explore vetted opportunities for experienced professionals, including roles in behavioral health organizations, hospitals, treatment centers, and community-based programs. Many listings target positions paying $100,000 or more, particularly for senior clinicians, program leaders, and specialized practitioners.
Responsibilities vary by setting and credentials, but may include evaluating clients, developing individualized care plans, conducting individual or group counseling, coordinating referrals, documenting progress, and supporting relapse prevention. Counselors often collaborate with physicians, therapists, social workers, and families to help clients navigate recovery.
Related titles include addiction counselor, substance use disorder counselor, clinical counselor, behavioral health therapist, recovery services manager, and addiction treatment program director. With experience and advanced qualifications, professionals may move into clinical supervision, program management, or organizational leadership.
Employers commonly seek strong counseling and communication skills, knowledge of evidence-based treatment approaches, sound clinical judgment, and experience with treatment documentation and care coordination. Licensing and certification requirements vary by state and employer. Some roles require a master’s degree, independent clinical licensure, or specialized credentials, while others accept different combinations of education and supervised experience.
Use Ladders to explore vetted professional jobs with compensation of $100,000 or more. Compare opportunities by seniority, location, employer, and responsibilities to identify roles that fit your experience and career goals. Review each listing carefully for its salary range, credential requirements, and work setting.
$74K - $124K *
Elevate compensation strategies by transforming complex data into actionable insights. Collaborate with stakeholders to manage compensation programs, analyze trends, and recommend solutions that ensur...
Yesterday
$81K - $122K *
Advance clinical excellence by evaluating compliance, mentoring staff, and enhancing training programs. Collaborate with teams to maintain accreditation and improve quality in air medical operations a...
2 days ago
Grants Administrator, BWH Infectious Disease remote
$92K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research by managing grant submissions, budgets, and compliance. Collaborate with Principal Investigators and administrators to ensure successful funding and...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $318K *
Join a leading team to shape advanced life insurance strategies, drive high-impact outcomes, and elevate consulting excellence. As a senior executive, you'll mentor talent, innovate processes, and inf...
Reposted 2 days ago
DIRECTOR, HELP DESK (EPIC Experience Strongly Preferred)
$149K - $299K *
Champion exceptional service delivery by leading Help Desk operations, ensuring high-quality support for members and stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement, operational excellence, and effective i...
1 week ago
Account Executive, Care Management
$80K - $95K *
Join our team to drive sales across a defined portfolio, engaging healthcare organizations with our innovative solutions. Own the sales cycle from prospecting to closing while collaborating with inter...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Neuroscience Specialist, Health and Science Professional - Santa Clarita, CA
$76K - $199K *
Join a dynamic Neuroscience team to drive sales and foster customer relationships through innovative engagement strategies, using your emotional intelligence and market insights to advance health solu...
Reposted 3 days ago
$150K - $200K *
Champion transformative solutions by leading Salesforce implementations and optimizing client engagements. Leverage your expertise to deliver impactful results while driving project success, enhancing...
Reposted 1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate regional commercialization of innovative cell therapies by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing customer engagement, and ensuring optimal patient access while collaborating cross-functi...
1 week ago
$177K - $266K *
Strategize and lead regional sales initiatives, driving growth and profitability. Oversee a management team, develop business plans, and negotiate contracts while ensuring alignment with organizationa...
2 days ago
Senior Clinical App Systems Analyst Epic, IS Patient Services, Fully Remote
$95K - $115K *
Elevate healthcare technology by analyzing and enhancing clinical applications, ensuring optimal solutions meet operational needs. Collaborate with teams to drive impactful improvements, train analyst...
3 weeks ago
DIRECTOR, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
$144K - $245K *
Lead the design and execution of workforce development programs, ensuring compliance and timely deliverables. Collaborate across teams and stakeholders to create scalable systems that enhance healthca...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in strategic pre-award contracting, driving compliance and operational excellence. Oversee a high-performing team while collaborating across functions to enhance efficiency and support...
3 weeks ago
Associate Director, Advanced Technologies, Case Insights
$140K - $160K *
Lead complex client engagements by leveraging AI and advanced analytics to deliver actionable litigation insights. Collaborate across teams to design effective solutions, mentor staff, and ensure high...
2 weeks ago
Senior Benefit Advocate - Cigna Healthcare - Remote
$68K - $114K *
Drive excellence in client benefit configuration by ensuring accurate translation of plan documents into actionable forms. Collaborate across teams to uphold quality and compliance while managing comp...
Reposted 2 days ago
$122K *
Champion clinical excellence by leading large teams, ensuring strategic alignment, and driving patient recruitment while mitigating risks in clinical operations for successful study execution...
4 days ago
Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist (Remote - United States)
$124K - $170K *
Champion regulatory strategies to accelerate product approvals and compliance. Lead a dynamic team in supporting innovative medical devices, ensuring alignment with global regulations while fostering...
4 days ago
Remote BCBA | Georgia Residents Only | Take Your Career Further
$150K - $200K *
Support children and families by delivering remote ABA services, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and supervising technicians to ensure effective clinical outcomes and collaboration...
Reposted today
$110K - $136K *
Elevate clinician productivity by driving solution adoption, optimizing workflows, and delivering impactful training. Collaborate with healthcare teams to enhance outcomes and ensure successful implem...
4 weeks ago
Regional Sales Director - Cleveland
$180K - $215K *
Drive regional sales success by leading launch execution, building high-performing teams, and fostering customer relationships. Leverage strong business acumen and collaborative skills to achieve sale...
3 days ago
Senior Program and Policy Consultant-Medicaid
$100K - $115K *
Drive impactful change by leading Medicaid initiatives that enhance community health. Collaborate with state agencies, utilize your expertise in Medicaid policies, and advance your career in a support...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by providing expert legal support in contract management, collaborating effectively with counsel and stakeholders to enhance contracting processes and ensure compliance in a fast-pace...
3 weeks ago
Case Manager - Registered Nurse - South Region
$60K - $129K *
Partner with us to enhance health outcomes through a comprehensive, collaborative case management approach, engaging with clients and healthcare providers to optimize care plans and ensure quality ser...
Reposted 4 days ago
Occupational Therapist (OT) - Mobile Outpatient
$77K - $108K *
Inspire change by delivering personalized outpatient therapy to older adults in their homes. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient independence and quality of life through tailo...
4 days ago
Occupational Therapist (OT) - Mobile Outpatient
$114K - $135K *
Empower older adults by providing in-home occupational therapy services, enhancing their functional abilities and quality of life through personalized rehabilitation programs and collaborative care in...
1 week ago
What does a substance abuse counselor do?
A substance abuse counselor assesses clients’ needs, supports treatment planning, provides individual or group counseling, tracks progress, and helps clients build strategies for recovery. Duties depend on the role, employer, and credentials.
What qualifications are needed for substance abuse counselor jobs?
Requirements vary by state and employer. Jobs may call for relevant education, supervised clinical experience, state licensure or certification, and training in addiction treatment. Senior or independently licensed roles may require a graduate degree and advanced credentials.
Can substance abuse counselors earn $100,000 or more?
Some experienced substance abuse counselors and related professionals earn $100,000 or more, especially in senior clinical, supervisory, specialized, or program leadership positions. Compensation depends on location, qualifications, employer, and scope of responsibility.
Where do substance abuse counselors work?
They work in settings such as addiction treatment centers, hospitals, behavioral health clinics, community organizations, and other recovery or social service programs.
What are common career paths for substance abuse counselors?
Career paths can include clinical specialization, independent counseling, clinical supervision, treatment program management, and behavioral health leadership. Advancement often depends on experience, education, and applicable licensure.