Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,310 | $59,190 | +3.6% vs US |
| State Rank | #16 of 53 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 63,110 jobs | 440,380 jobs | 14.3% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $44,190 | $21.25 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,650 | $22.91 |
| Median | $61,310 | $29.48 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,370 | $43.45 |
| 90th Percentile | $118,970 | $57.20 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $61,310 in California and a 2017–2024 salary trend of +43.8%, 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 California?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California 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: California currently ranks #16 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 California?
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 California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in California is $61,310, which is 3.6% above the national median of $59,190.