Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alabama
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Alabama | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,880 | $59,190 | -17.4% vs US |
| State Rank | #47 of 53 states | ||
| Employment | 3,340 jobs | 440,380 jobs | 0.8% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $35,940 | $17.28 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,480 | $19.46 |
| Median | $48,880 | $23.50 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,540 | $28.15 |
| 90th Percentile | $73,050 | $35.12 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alabama in 2026?
With a median salary of $48,880 in Alabama and a 2017–2024 salary trend of +21.1%, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are still in strong and growing demand.
How can substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors increase their salary in Alabama?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alabama can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Alabama currently ranks #47 out of 53 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alabama?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $95,140 |
| Junior Colleges | $84,770 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | $82,290 |
How are Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors paid in Alabama compared to the national average?
The median salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alabama is $48,880, which is 17.4% below the national median of $59,190.