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Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$59,250
Median Annual Salary
▼
-3.4% vs 2024
$69,080
Mean Salary
$59,250
Median Salary
$28.49
Hourly Rate
75,610 people work as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California earn a median salary of $59,250 per year ($4,937/month).
This is 0.2% below the national average of $59,385.
California ranks #30 out of 51 states for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay.
Approximately 75,610 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 3.4% compared to 2024.
Salary Range: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California
Salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California range from $44,640 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $111,080 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $47,640 and $80,570.
Median $59,250
P10: $44,640P25: $47,640P75: $80,570P90: $111,080
10th
$44,640
25th
$47,640
Median
$59,250
75th
$80,570
90th
$111,080
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$44,640
$21.46
$3,720
25th Percentile
$47,640
$22.90
$3,970
Median (50th)
$59,250
$28.49
$4,937
75th Percentile
$80,570
$38.74
$6,714
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$111,080
$53.40
$9,256
Note: The mean (average) salary of $69,080 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#30
California ranks #30 of 51 states
$59,385
National avg. for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
How much do Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in California?
The median annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California is $59,250 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $69,080.
What is the salary range for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California?
Salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California range from $44,640 at the 10th percentile to $111,080 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $47,640 and $80,570.
What is the starting salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California?
Entry-level Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors positions in California typically start around $44,640 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $47,640 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 75,610 people are employed as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California is approximately $28.49 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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