Explore Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs

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.

What Substance Abuse Counselors Do

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.

Common Job Titles and Career Paths

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Roles on Ladders

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.

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$104K - $157K *

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2 days ago

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$160K - $192K *

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$81K - $138K *

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3 weeks ago

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$60K - $108K *

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Boise, IDRemote

1 week ago

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$125K - $145K *

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2 days ago

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$80K - $95K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

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United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$93K - $109K *

Innovate alongside executives by providing strategic support to drive organizational success, manage high-stakes priorities, and enhance workflow efficiency. You'll serve as a vital liaison and truste...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Champion the legal landscape by providing expert counsel on commercial, technology, privacy, and employment matters. Collaborate with diverse teams to draft, negotiate, and manage contracts while ensu...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $180K *

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4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$213K - $240K *

Lead statistical strategy for clinical development programs, guiding study design and analysis. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality deliverables and compliance with regulatory st...

Menlo Park, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $180K *

Lead strategic account planning and execution to drive significant growth in Enterprise and Government accounts, focusing on multi-year expansions, complex negotiations, and maintaining strong relatio...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Drive customer success by managing enterprise accounts, ensuring adoption and satisfaction with cybersecurity solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver value and strategic alignment through...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of clinical rehabilitation by leading operations across multiple facilities. Drive financial success, enhance patient care, and foster strong team dynamics while ensuring compliance w...

Michigan, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing clinical operations across multiple facilities. Drive quality patient care, manage staffing, and achieve financial objectives while ensuring compliance with r...

Michigan, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

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Michigan, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$126K - $210K *

Lead strategic initiatives to enhance referral growth and provider engagement across chronic therapy markets. Drive collaboration among cross-functional teams to optimize patient progression and deliv...

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$94K - $148K *

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California, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$94K - $148K *

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Illinois, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $108K *

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Massachusetts, USRemote

5 days ago

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$180K - $220K *

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Washington, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in shaping the future of utility substation engineering by developing a high-performing team, driving business growth, and delivering integrated solutions for electric utility clients...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$73K - $110K *

Shape the future of coding quality by overseeing audits, developing guidance, and collaborating with teams to enhance accuracy and compliance in healthcare coding practices...

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Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $120K *

Elevate clinical trial success by providing expert oversight and guidance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, quality, and timely execution of monitoring activities while fo...

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $341K *

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United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a substance abuse counselor do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.