How does North Carolina compare to the national median for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?

The North Carolina median is -4.1% versus the BLS national figure of $58,910.

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.

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in North Carolina

Median annual$56,470

Mean annual$60,440

Range (10th to 90th)$38,440 to $83,790

North Carolina employment8,930

State vs national-4.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where North Carolina substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $47,460 and $68,470, with a median of $56,470.

By seniority

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay by experience level in North Carolina

Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.

Entry →Mid →Senior →Lead →

Wage trend

Median annual wage in North Carolina over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.

Median annual wage, North Carolina2023 to 2024

Typical entry

Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Internship/residency

Top skills (O*NET)

Skill data from O*NET is not yet ingested for this occupation. We refresh this section when O*NET publishes a new release.

Common tasks (O*NET)

Task data from O*NET is not yet ingested for this occupation.

10-year outlook

Growth 2024 → 2034

+16.8%

Projected annual openings

—

BLS outlook

Growing much faster than average

Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.

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Top metros in North Carolina

Metro-level salary data for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in major North Carolina metropolitan areas.

Raleigh$60,350
Charlotte$56,450

Compare Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay across nearby states

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in North Carolina?: According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in North Carolina is $56,470.
How does North Carolina compare to the national median for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?: The North Carolina median is -4.1% versus the BLS national figure of $58,910.
What is the salary range for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in North Carolina?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $38,440 and the 90th-percentile at $83,790, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
Is Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors a growing field?: BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 16.8% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
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.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.