National Salary Overview
Health Education Specialists
Median Salary
$62,445
Average (Mean)
$66,866
Employed Nationwide
57,760
VS
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Median Salary
$53,607
Average (Mean)
$57,156
Employed Nationwide
114,690
Health Education Specialists earns $8,837 more (16.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$62,445
$53,607
Average (Mean) Salary
$66,866
$57,156
Total Employment
57,760
114,690
States with Higher Pay
44
7
Salary by State: Health Education Specialists vs Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Showing 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. Health Education Specialists pays more in 44 states; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pays more in 7.
| State | Health Education Specialists | Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $54,100 | $37,870 | +$16,230 | ||
| Alaska | $64,190 | $60,120 | +$4,070 | ||
| Arizona | $63,850 | $45,100 | +$18,750 | ||
| Arkansas | $47,610 | $45,910 | +$1,700 | ||
| California | $72,280 | $71,450 | +$830 | ||
| Colorado | $61,760 | $60,450 | +$1,310 | ||
| Connecticut | $70,860 | $78,720 | $-7,860 | ||
| Delaware | $64,690 | $54,550 | +$10,140 | ||
| District of Columbia | $102,420 | $84,560 | +$17,860 | ||
| Florida | $51,250 | $50,900 | +$350 | ||
| Georgia | $93,290 | $47,340 | +$45,950 | ||
| Hawaii | $61,610 | $55,570 | +$6,040 | ||
| Idaho | $63,590 | $48,040 | +$15,550 | ||
| Illinois | $56,600 | $49,550 | +$7,050 | ||
| Indiana | $57,630 | $50,950 | +$6,680 | ||
| Iowa | $65,080 | $48,850 | +$16,230 | ||
| Kansas | $60,010 | $51,660 | +$8,350 | ||
| Kentucky | $57,930 | $44,820 | +$13,110 | ||
| Louisiana | $60,340 | $44,300 | +$16,040 | ||
| Maine | $55,030 | $66,380 | $-11,350 | ||
| Maryland | $106,750 | $55,060 | +$51,690 | ||
| Massachusetts | $67,920 | $61,760 | +$6,160 | ||
| Michigan | $49,590 | $57,290 | $-7,700 | ||
| Minnesota | $68,210 | $65,890 | +$2,320 | ||
| Mississippi | $43,910 | $45,540 | $-1,630 | ||
| Missouri | $56,970 | $38,150 | +$18,820 | ||
| Montana | $48,580 | $39,310 | +$9,270 | ||
| Nebraska | $50,460 | $45,180 | +$5,280 | ||
| Nevada | $63,830 | $53,020 | +$10,810 | ||
| New Hampshire | $63,220 | $71,760 | $-8,540 | ||
| New Jersey | $67,880 | $69,980 | $-2,100 | ||
| New Mexico | $57,870 | $55,380 | +$2,490 | ||
| New York | $58,040 | $75,960 | $-17,920 | ||
| North Carolina | $53,690 | $53,220 | +$470 | ||
| North Dakota | $63,690 | $55,850 | +$7,840 | ||
| Ohio | $62,190 | $45,150 | +$17,040 | ||
| Oklahoma | $59,070 | $37,740 | +$21,330 | ||
| Oregon | $75,210 | $59,120 | +$16,090 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $72,490 | $45,700 | +$26,790 | ||
| Rhode Island | $80,850 | $66,000 | +$14,850 | ||
| South Carolina | $48,970 | $48,220 | +$750 | ||
| South Dakota | $56,130 | $43,990 | +$12,140 | ||
| Tennessee | $46,800 | $43,890 | +$2,910 | ||
| Texas | $53,820 | $45,350 | +$8,470 | ||
| Utah | $54,320 | $46,040 | +$8,280 | ||
| Vermont | $65,870 | $61,070 | +$4,800 | ||
| Virginia | $68,020 | $58,070 | +$9,950 | ||
| Washington | $65,690 | $64,850 | +$840 | ||
| West Virginia | $45,840 | $37,740 | +$8,100 | ||
| Wisconsin | $66,960 | $51,540 | +$15,420 | ||
| Wyoming | $57,760 | $39,090 | +$18,670 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Health Education Specialists or Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
On average across all states, a Health Education Specialists earns more than a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers. The national median salary difference is $8,837 (16.5%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Health Education Specialists earn more than a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
A Health Education Specialists earns a higher median salary than a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in 44 out of 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pays more in 7 states.
What is the median salary for a Health Education Specialists vs Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
The national median salary for a Health Education Specialists is $62,445 per year, compared to $53,607 for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Health Education Specialists or Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
There are more people employed as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers. BLS reports approximately 57,760 Health Education Specialists positions and 114,690 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Health Education Specialists or Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
Both Health Education Specialists and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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