By: All Psychology Schools Staff
Updated: January 15, 2026
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree and Career Guide
Find Substance Abuse Counselor Salaries for Your State
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—and much more.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Colorado
Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Colorado offers the opportunity to make a significant impact, especially since the state ranks high for substance abuse. Colorado has seen an increase in drug-related issues, particularly with opioids, marijuana, methamphetamine and other substances. As a counselor, you can be at the forefront of combating these challenges by providing essential treatment, support and recovery services.
Additionally, Colorado’s healthcare system places a growing emphasis on mental health and substance abuse treatment, with initiatives to expand access to care. The state offers various funding and grant programs to support addiction recovery services, and you could benefit from working in a field with rising demand for professionals.
With its combination of urban areas like Denver, which experience higher overdose rates, and rural areas that also face drug challenges, Colorado offers a diverse range of settings for counselors. The state’s progressive approach to healthcare and harm reduction, such as needle exchange programs, means you could be part of forward-thinking strategies in addressing substance abuse issues.
Quick view
There are 13,290 people employed as substance abuse and behavioral counselors in Colorado says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This equates to almost five people working in the profession for every 1,000 people who live in the state and makes Colorado the state with second highest concentration of jobs. The website addictions.com says Colorado is the number three state for drug addiction, noting that the state ranks number one in teen and adult drug use, but unlike Vermont and Washington, DC, who hold the number one and two spots, Colorado offers many addiction treatment options, which makes it a promising state for substance abuse counselors.
The median wage per hour in Colorado is $28 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 16.8%.
With its progressive stance on substance abuse recovery and rehabilitation, Colorado has several prominent employers offering opportunities for substance abuse counselors:
- Colorado Access, Aurora, CO:
- A large nonprofit health plan focused on improving health outcomes for underserved populations, Colorado Access offers mental health and substance abuse services through its networks. They provide roles in various settings, including counseling centers and community programs.
- AllHealth Network, Larger Denver metro area, CO:
- AllHealth Network is a mental health care provider offering a range of services, including addiction recovery programs. With multiple locations in the Denver metro area, it is known for providing integrated behavioral healthcare, making it a key employer for substance abuse counselors.
- Mental Health Partners (MHP), Broomfield and Boulder counties, CO:
- MHP is a community-focused organization that provides comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services. Their programs include crisis services, outpatient recovery and peer support, offering substance abuse counselors multiple career paths.
- Denver Recovery Center, Denver, CO:
- This private rehabilitation facility provides inpatient and outpatient services for addiction treatment. Denver Recovery Center specializes in individualized treatment plans, combining therapy, detox and counseling, creating opportunities for substance abuse counselors in both clinical and rehabilitation settings.
- University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) Addiction Research & Treatment Services (ARTS), Denver, CO:
- ARTS is part of the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus and focuses on addiction treatment and research. UCH offers outpatient and residential treatment programs for various substance use disorders, making it a top choice for those interested in working in an academic and clinical setting.
Salary stats for Colorado addiction counselors
While the median salary for substance abuse and behavioral counselors in Colorado is higher than the national median, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work in the state, how much experience you have, what level of education you have attained and if you have earned any professional credentials or completed any courses offered by the state.
Colorado requires specific licensing and certification for substance abuse counselors to practice. The state has multiple levels of credentialing for addiction counselors, depending on education and experience. Each level requires supervised experience and passing an exam to demonstrate proficiency in treating substance use disorders. The state’s Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) oversees these licenses. To maintain certification, counselors must complete continuing education credits to stay updated on best practices in the field.
Median substance abuse counselor salary in Colorado
The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors in Colorado is $59,190, higher than the national median of $59,190. It’s important, however, to note that location within the state makes a difference. As an example, Boulder’s median pay is well over the national median—at $80,870—and is the top area in the country for substance abuse counselor pay, according to the BLS. Here are salaries for the Colorado cities that the BLS records:
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
10%$40,570
25%$47,750
50%$59,190Median
75%$78,350
90%$98,030
Median Hourly Wage$28
Job growth16.8%
Total Employment13,670
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $77,720 | $45,090 | $141,200 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $68,550 | $43,340 | $102,980 |
| Pueblo, CO | $59,180 | $37,890 | $85,230 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $59,100 | $44,650 | $98,810 |
| Greeley, CO | $56,140 | $37,300 | $86,950 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $54,000 | $36,410 | $81,110 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $50,020 | $37,330 | $89,490 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges in Colorado
The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Colorado typically spans from $40,570 to $98,030 per year.
Salary range for substance abuse counselors varies based on factors such as education, experience, location and employer type. Here’s a general breakdown of salary ranges specific to the state:
Entry-level (Certified Addiction Technician–CAT)
Salary range: $38,000–$45,000 per year
Entry-level counselors with minimal experience and certification usually fall within this range, particularly in smaller towns or rural areas.
Mid-level (Certified Addiction Specialist–CAS)
Salary range: $45,000–$58,000 per year
Counselors with an associate or bachelor’s degree and a few years of experience tend to earn in this range. The salary increases with advanced certification and more experience.
Experienced-level (Licensed Addiction Counselor–LAC)
Salary range: $58,000–$72,000 per year
Counselors with a master’s degree, LAC certification and several years of experience in clinical settings typically earn higher salaries. This is especially true in more populated areas such as Denver or Boulder.
High-level (Licensed Professional Counselor–LPC with SUD Endorsement)
Salary range: $70,000–$85,000 per year
Counselors who hold an LPC license with a focus on substance abuse, especially those with a specialized practice or extensive experience, can reach the higher end of this range. Working in private practice or high-demand areas like Denver also impacts salary.
Supervisory/Clinical Director positions
Salary range: $85,000–$100,000+ per year
Experienced counselors in leadership roles, such as clinical supervisors or program directors at large treatment centers or hospitals, tend to earn more due to their managerial responsibilities.
Pay by metro area for Colorado substance abuse counselors
Substance abuse counselors in larger CO cities such as Boulder, Fort Collins and Denver tend to earn more while counselors in more rural parts of the state may see salaries closer to the lower end of the range. The BLS notes that Boulder is the top-paying city in the U.S., while Pueblo, CO takes the number two spot for highest concentration of jobs, with Colorado Springs securing the number nine spot for number of jobs.
Salary growth and job outlook
In Colorado, the job growth for substance abuse counselors is projected to be strong, aligning closely with or potentially exceeding the national average.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected national job growth rate for substance abuse counselors is 16.8% through 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Demand may be even higher in Colorado due to the state’s elevated rates of substance abuse and overdose deaths, as well as the state’s growing focus on mental health and addiction services. The increasing need for treatment options, combined with state-led initiatives to address substance abuse issues, suggests that job growth for counselors in Colorado could outpace the national average over the coming decade.
How do substance abuse counselor salaries compare?
Here’s a look at how substance abuse salaries compare to other types of counselors at a national level, according to the BLS:
Factors affecting salaries in Colorado
Several factors specific to Colorado impact addiction counselor salaries. Together, these factors contribute to a range of salary outcomes for addiction counselors in Colorado, with significant variation depending on location, employer and qualifications:
- High substance abuse rates:
- Colorado has higher-than-average rates of substance abuse and overdose deaths, which drives demand for substance abuse counselors. This demand can increase salaries, especially in areas facing significant addiction challenges, such as Denver and other urban centers.
- Cost of living:
- The cost of living in Colorado, particularly in cities like Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins, is relatively high. Employers in these areas often offer higher salaries to account for the higher expenses related to housing and daily living.
- Urban vs. rural divide:
- Salaries can vary greatly between urban and rural areas. Urban regions like Denver and Boulder tend to offer higher salaries due to greater demand for addiction treatment services and a higher cost of living. In contrast, rural areas may have lower salaries but can still offer competitive wages due to a shortage of counselors in less populated regions.
- Employer type:
- Salaries vary depending on whether the counselor works for a nonprofit, a private treatment center, a government agency or a hospital. Private facilities and hospitals often offer higher pay than nonprofits or community-based organizations, particularly in specialized treatment or executive-level roles.
- State initiatives and funding:
- Colorado has numerous state programs and funding initiatives aimed at combating substance abuse. These programs can directly impact salary levels, especially for those working in state-funded or grant-supported positions, as counselors may receive higher compensation based on the funding available for addiction services.
- Licensing and experience:
- The level of certification or licensure and years of experience also play a crucial role. More highly credentialed and experienced counselors, such as Licensed Addiction Counselors (LAC) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), may command higher salaries compared to entry-level counselors.
What resources are there if I believe I’m being paid unfairly in CO?
In Colorado, several resources are available for addressing wage disputes. These organizations and agencies help substance abuse counselors resolve issues such as unpaid wages, overtime disputes and wage disparities:
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)
The CDLE Wage and Hour Division is the primary state agency that handles wage disputes. Workers can file wage claims with the CDLE for unpaid wages, minimum wage violations or overtime pay disputes. They investigate claims and help enforce wage laws.
Colorado Legal Services (CLS)
CLS provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals and workers facing wage disputes. They offer guidance on wage claims, legal representation and support in navigating the wage recovery process.
U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
The federal Wage and Hour Division enforces federal wage laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which covers minimum wage, overtime pay and recordkeeping. Workers in Colorado can file a complaint with the WHD for federal wage violations.
Denver City and County Office of Labor
Denver has its own office dedicated to enforcing local wage ordinances, such as the city’s higher minimum wage. Workers in Denver can file complaints for violations of Denver’s wage laws, including unpaid wages and incorrect pay rates.
Workplace Justice Project at Towards Justice
Towards Justice is a nonprofit organization that provides legal services for workers who experience wage theft or other employment law violations. They work on behalf of workers to address systemic wage issues and offer pro bono legal representation.
Education, licensing and training
The basic education path to become a substance abuse counselor in Colorado involves several key steps, typically starting with formal education and progressing through certification and licensure. Here’s an overview:
Complete postsecondary education
- Associate degree in behavioral health, psychology, counseling or addiction studies.
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or human services (preferred by many employers and required for higher certification levels).
- Master’s degree in addiction counseling, social work or counseling (required for advanced licensure).
Most substance abuse counseling positions in Colorado require at least an associate or bachelor’s degree, while higher-level roles often require a master’s degree.
Complete addiction-specific coursework
Regardless of degree level, candidates need to complete coursework specific to addiction counseling. These programs include topics such as:
- Theories of addiction and treatment
- Assessment and diagnosis of substance use disorders
- Ethics and professional standards in counseling
- Counseling techniques and intervention strategies
Accredited institutions or certification programs in Colorado offer these specialized courses.
Gain supervised clinical experience
Before becoming fully licensed, aspiring counselors must complete a specified number of hours of supervised work in a clinical setting. The amount of required experience depends on the certification or licensure level:
- Entry-level positions (Certified Addiction Technician–CAT) may require fewer hours.
- Higher levels (Certified Addiction Specialist–CAS or Licensed Addiction Counselor–LAC) require more supervised clinical hours, typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 hours.
Obtain certification or licensure
Colorado has several levels of certification for addiction counselors, managed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA):
- Certified Addiction Technician (CAT): For those starting their career with an associate degree and supervised experience.
- Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS): Requires a bachelor’s degree, more experience and passing an exam.
- Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC): Requires a master’s degree, extensive supervised experience, and passing a licensure exam.
Pass required exams
To obtain certification or licensure, candidates must pass the appropriate exams, such as the National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC) exam or other state-approved exams.
Complete required continuing education
Once licensed or certified, counselors in Colorado must complete ongoing continuing education to maintain their licensure. This helps ensure that counselors stay up to date on new treatment techniques, ethical standards and other relevant topics in addiction counseling.
By following this path, you can meet the educational and professional requirements to become a substance abuse counselor in Colorado at different levels of practice.
Cost of living in Colorado
RentCafe states that Colorado’s cost of living is 6% higher than the national average.
Cost of living overview: Housing is 20% higher than the national average, and housing prices continue to rise with the state’s population growth. Utilities are 8% lower and basic necessities such as groceries are 3% higher than the national average.
Affordable areas: Only Pueblo listed lower than the national average for cost of living, at 4% below.
Higher cost of living areas: The majority of Colorado’s major cities are above the national cost of living average, which means salaries may be higher to compensate. Cities that are hubs for addiction recovery centers or university-affiliated medical centers are included in the list: Denver is 10% higher and Colorado Springs is 9% higher.
Professional groups for substance abuse counselors in Colorado
Professional associations are integral for counselors working in stressful areas such as substance abuse and behavioral counseling. Here are some Colorado-specific professional groups and associations for substance abuse counselors to consider joining:
Colorado Association of Addiction Counselors (CAAP): CAAP is the state affiliate of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. It provides resources, continuing education, advocacy and networking opportunities for addiction counselors in Colorado. CAAP supports counselors in advancing their careers and staying informed about state-specific policies and trends in addiction treatment.
Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council (CBHC): The CBHC represents community behavioral health centers across Colorado and works to improve mental health and substance abuse services. Joining CBHC allows professionals to stay informed about legislative changes, participate in conferences and engage in advocacy efforts for mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
Colorado Providers Association (COPA): COPA is a statewide organization dedicated to supporting addiction treatment providers and professionals. The association advocates for public policy changes, funding for treatment programs and professional development opportunities. Members can access networking events, educational resources and support for improving treatment outcomes.
Mental Health Colorado: While not exclusively focused on substance abuse, Mental Health Colorado is a prominent advocacy organization working on mental health and addiction issues in the state. The organization offers a platform for professionals to engage in public policy efforts, educational events and community outreach related to mental health and addiction.
Colorado Association for Recovery Residences (CARR): CARR is an association focused on the quality and standards of recovery residences in Colorado. Substance abuse counselors who work in residential treatment settings or collaborate with recovery housing can benefit from joining this organization to stay connected with best practices in sober living environments.
This substance abuse counselor salary guide for Colorado aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the addiction treatment counseling profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.