Salary distribution
Where San Diego substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $47,530 and $79,380, with a median of $58,690.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Internship/residency
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.
- San Jose$74,670
- San Francisco$72,950
- Sacramento$69,510
- Riverside$60,860
- Los Angeles$58,880
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the San Diego metropolitan area is $58,690.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
- The San Diego metro median is -4.3% versus the California state median of $61,310.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
- The San Diego metro median is -0.4% versus the BLS national figure of $58,910.
- What is the salary range for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $43,640 and the 90th-percentile at $110,530 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.