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.
What Can Substance Abuse Counselors Earn in Florida?
Several factors contribute to Florida’s relatively lower drug addiction and overdose death rates compared to some other states, despite its high population and tourism flow. But instead of discouraging employment of substance abuse and addiction counselors, the preventive measures and diligent legislation taken by the state may actually be a contributor to the hiring of these professionals. Here’s how:
- Robust state legislation and regulation: Florida has enacted multiple laws to combat prescription drug abuse and the opioid crisis. For example, in 2018, the state passed a law that restricts initial opioid prescriptions to a three-day supply (or a seven-day supply under certain conditions). Florida was also among the first states to establish a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), which helps prevent “doctor shopping” by tracking prescriptions of controlled substances.
- Strong emphasis on treatment and prevention: Florida has focused heavily on treatment and prevention strategies. The state allocates funding to mental health and substance abuse programs, targeting both prevention and rehabilitation. Community-based programs, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Program, focus on providing addiction treatment, especially in high-risk areas.
- Availability of treatment facilities: As a popular destination for rehabilitation, Florida has a large number of treatment facilities, many of which cater to out-of-state clients. This concentration of treatment centers offers a range of recovery programs, helping residents and visitors alike access treatment more readily.
- Support from nonprofit and community organizations: Florida has several nonprofit organizations that focus on addiction treatment, education and outreach. Groups like the Florida Harm Reduction Collective and local coalitions work within communities to spread awareness, provide resources and support harm reduction measures.
- Targeted law enforcement efforts: Florida law enforcement agencies actively collaborate with public health agencies to combat drug trafficking, which helps limit the supply of illegal drugs in certain regions. These efforts, combined with border security measures, aim to reduce the influx of dangerous substances, especially synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Quick view
There are currently 19,310 people employed as substance abuse and behavioral counselors in Florida says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This equates to two people working in the profession for every 1,000 people who live in the state. The BLS also listed Florida as the fourth largest employer of substance abuse counselors in the U.S. The CDC says Florida has around 35.2 deaths from drug overdoses for every 100,000 people in the state, which puts it at the lower- to-mid end of the spectrum.
The median wage per hour in Florida is $27 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 16.8%.
Here are five employers in Florida where substance abuse counselors can find opportunities, especially given the state’s emphasis on treatment and prevention:
- Aspire Health Partners, Orlando, FL:
- Based in Orlando, Aspire Health Partners provides comprehensive behavioral healthcare services across Central Florida. They offer substance abuse treatment, mental health services and prevention programs, making them a key provider for both residential and outpatient care.
- Centerstone Florida, Bradenton, Sarasota, Fort Myers, FL:
- Operating in multiple locations, including Bradenton and Sarasota, Centerstone is a nonprofit health system offering mental health and addiction services. They provide counseling, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and community support programs focused on substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
- SalusCare, Fort Myers, FL:
- Located in Fort Myers, SalusCare is a nonprofit provider of behavioral health and substance abuse services. They offer detoxification, outpatient and residential treatment, as well as programs tailored to adolescents, making it a prominent organization for counselors in Southwest Florida.
- DACCO Behavioral Health, Tampa, FL:
- Based in Tampa, DACCO (Drug Abuse Comprehensive Coordinating Office) specializes in addiction treatment, recovery support, and prevention services. DACCO offers a range of services, including detox, residential, and outpatient treatment, and is actively involved in prevention and community education.
- Recovery First Treatment Center, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, FL:
- Located in Hollywood, Recovery First provides specialized substance abuse treatment services, including detoxification, inpatient and outpatient care, and relapse prevention programs. They offer evidence-based treatment models for individuals struggling with addiction.
Salary stats for Florida substance abuse counselors
The median salary for substance abuse and behavioral counselors in Florida is just under the national median, however pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work in the state, what level of education you have earned, the years you’ve accrued on the job and how your pay level adjusts to your area’s the cost of living.
To work as a substance abuse counselor in Florida, specific state credentials are required, particularly if you want to advance in the field and practice independently. Florida’s credentialing is managed by the Florida Certification Board (FCB), which offers two primary certifications for substance abuse professionals:
- Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC): The CAC credential is for entry-level counseling roles. To qualify, candidates need a high school diploma or GED, along with specific education and training in addiction counseling. Requirements include 270 hours of related education, 300 hours of supervised experience and passing the FCB’s Certified Addiction Counselor exam.
- Certified Master’s-Level Addiction Professional (MCAP): The MCAP is an advanced certification for individuals with a master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or a related field. Requirements include 350 hours of addiction-specific education, 4,000 hours of supervised work experience, and passing an advanced exam through the FCB.
Median substance abuse counselor salary in Florida
The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors in Florida is $56,830, just slightly lower than the national median of $59,190. However, it’s important to note that location within the state makes a difference. As an example, Naple’s median pay is well over the national median, as is the Lakeland-Winter Haven area. Miami and Orlando are also just above the national median. Here are salaries for the Florida cities that the BLS records:
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
10%$38,790
25%$46,640
50%$56,830Median
75%$67,700
90%$83,330
Median Hourly Wage$27
Job growth16.8%
Total Employment24,680
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $64,900 | $39,250 | $83,980 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $61,660 | $44,580 | $90,810 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $59,330 | $39,160 | $84,690 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $58,880 | $39,520 | $82,800 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $58,200 | $39,940 | $80,670 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $57,870 | $39,300 | $102,430 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL | $56,580 | $44,630 | $83,240 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $56,260 | $39,610 | $83,770 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $55,430 | $38,150 | $88,220 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL | $55,180 | $37,290 | $83,660 |
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 Florida
The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Florida spans from $38,790 for the lowest 10% in the field to $83,330 for the highest 10% per year.
Here are the approximate salary ranges for Florida substance abuse counselors at different career stages:
- Entry-level (0-2 years of experience): Typically earns between $35,000 and $44,000 per year. Entry-level counselors often work under supervision as they gain experience and complete certifications.
- Mid-level (3-5 years of experience): Usually earn around $44,000 to $63,000 per year. With a few years of experience, counselors may work more independently and handle a larger caseload, potentially in outpatient or community settings.
- Senior level (5+ years of experience): Generally earns between $63,000 and $80,000 or more per year. Senior counselors may specialize in certain types of therapy, supervise other counselors or manage programs in larger treatment centers.
Pay by metro area for Florida substance abuse counselors
Here’s the median pay for substance abuse counselors in five of the top areas in Florida, according to BLS data. The figures vary based on location, cost of living, and demand for services:
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach: $49,000–$53,000 per year
- This region often offers higher salaries due to a high demand for addiction services and a relatively higher cost of living. The BLS also listed it as the sixth largest area of employment for substance abuse counselors in the U.S.
- Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford: $47,000–$51,000 per year
- Central Florida has a strong network of treatment facilities and a steady demand for substance abuse counselors, contributing to competitive pay.
- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: $46,000–$50,000 per year
- This area has many community-focused treatment centers, and salaries are generally in line with the state median.
- Jacksonville: $45,000–$48,000 per year
- Jacksonville’s growing population and increasing demand for mental health services contribute to its salary range for substance abuse counselors.
- Cape Coral-Fort Myers: $44,000–$47,000 per year
- Southwest Florida offers slightly lower pay than larger metro areas but is home to several nonprofits and community health centers where demand remains high.
These figures provide a general guide, though exact salaries can vary based on specific qualifications, certification, and the type of employer.
No metro or non-metro area in Florida ranks in the BLS’ top 10 areas for pay. Here’s what metro areas do make their list:
Salary growth and job outlook
Florida is experiencing population growth rather than an exodus. In recent years, the state has seen significant in-migration, with people moving from other states, particularly from the Northeast and Midwest, as well as from states like California. This growth brings both opportunities and challenges, especially in healthcare and substance abuse treatment, as more residents lead to increased demand for these services.
- 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.
- Florida is expected to keep pace with or exceed this rate due to several factors, including population growth, legislative support for mental health initiatives and expanded healthcare insurance coverage for healthcare and mental health services, which is making treatment more accessible and driving up demand for qualified counselors.
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 Florida
Several factors unique to Florida, including its tourism-driven economy and large senior population, play a role in shaping salary expectations for substance abuse counselors in the state. Besides the usual factors— education, experience, time on the job and type of employer—here are some things that may impact what substance abuse counselors can earn in Florida:
- Tourism and transient population:
- Florida’s tourism sector brings in a high volume of short-term residents, vacationers and seasonal workers. This transient population can contribute to substance abuse issues, often increasing the need for short-term intervention and treatment services. Substance abuse counselors working in areas like Miami, Orlando and the Florida Keys may experience higher demand, leading to competitive salaries and opportunities for overtime or private practice work.
- Large senior population:
- Florida has one of the largest senior populations in the country, and while substance abuse is often thought of as affecting younger adults, addiction issues among seniors are on the rise. Many seniors in Florida struggle with prescription drug misuse, often requiring specialized treatment. Counselors skilled in geriatric addiction counseling may find higher demand for their expertise, potentially translating to higher earnings in senior-heavy communities.
- Conscientious legislative focus:
- Florida’s legislative focus on addressing opioid addiction and mental health issues has resulted in increased funding for treatment programs across the state. This funding often supports competitive wages, especially in community health centers and state-supported facilities where grants and state funds supplement salaries.
- Insurance coverage for treatment:
- With expanded insurance coverage for addiction treatment under the Affordable Care Act, there is greater access to substance abuse counseling services in Florida. Demand for substance abuse counselors has grown as treatment becomes more accessible, leading to increased wages, especially for counselors who are licensed and able to accept insurance payments.
- Cost of living and regional demand:
- Although Florida lacks a state income tax, the cost of living in areas like Miami, Naples and Fort Lauderdale is higher, which often leads employers in these areas to offer more competitive salaries. Areas with higher costs of living or strong tourism industries frequently offer higher pay than smaller, rural regions of the state.
What resources do I have if I believe I’m being paid unfairly in Florida?
If you believe you are being paid unfairly as a substance abuse counselor in Florida, you have a few options for recourse:
Your human resources (HR) department: If your workplace has an HR department, this is usually the first place to bring up any concerns regarding pay discrepancies. They can review your salary, position and experience against company standards.
Florida Department of Commerce: The Department of Commerce oversees labor practices and can guide you on Florida’s wage and labor laws, as well as options if you feel your pay does not meet these standards. While they may not directly handle wage complaints, they can direct you to appropriate resources.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division: For cases involving federal labor laws, such as minimum wage or overtime pay violations, you can contact the Wage and Hour Division. They investigate complaints related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and can enforce back pay if violations are found.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): If you suspect the pay disparity is due to discrimination based on race, gender, age or another protected characteristic, contact the EEOC. They handle cases related to wage discrimination and may investigate or assist in mediation.
Florida legal aid: If you need legal advice, Florida has legal aid offices that offer free or low-cost assistance. For complex cases or where legal intervention is required, consulting an employment attorney can help you understand your rights and possible actions.
Education for Florida substance abuse counselors
To become a substance abuse counselor in Florida, you’ll need to follow specific education and credentialing requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the steps, from earning the necessary education to obtaining state-recognized certifications:
Earn your degree
- Associate or bachelor’s degree: For entry-level roles, many employers accept candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. However, more advanced positions and certifications typically require at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Master’s degree: For higher-level roles, licensure or advanced certification, a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work or addiction studies is recommended.
Complete the required addiction counseling education and training
- For certification, Florida requires specific training in addiction counseling. Programs must cover core topics such as substance abuse counseling ethics, treatment planning and case management.
- Certification programs must include a minimum number of hours in addiction-specific education, supervised work experience and clinical training. Requirements vary based on the level of certification pursued.
Obtain Florida certification for substance abuse counselors
- Florida Certification Board (FCB) offers two primary credentials:
- Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC): For entry-level roles, you need at least 270 hours of education, 300 hours of supervised work experience and to pass the FCB’s exam.
- Certified Master’s-Level Addiction Professional (MCAP): For advanced roles, candidates must hold a master’s degree, complete 350 hours of education and have 4,000 hours of supervised experience. Passing the MCAP exam is required.
Earn licensure for broader counseling roles (optional)
- If you hold a master’s degree, you may also pursue licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), which allows for broader counseling practices. This requires a master’s degree, completion of 1,500 supervised hours and passing the state’s counseling exam.
Complete state continuing education requirements
- Florida requires certified and licensed counselors to complete continuing education credits to maintain their credentials. CE requirements vary based on the specific certification and are generally required every two years.
Cost of living in Florida
RentCafe stated that Florida’s cost of living is 2% lower than the national average, but this will vary depending upon where you live in the state as some tourist and luxury areas are much higher than the national average.
Cost of living overview: Housing is right at the national average, though housing prices may be rising with the state’s population growth. Utilities are also at 0%, or right at the national average, and basic necessities such as groceries are 4% lower than the national average.
Affordable areas: Many of Florida’s major cities are below the national cost of living average, which makes it a sought after destination. Cities that are hubs for addiction recovery centers are Tampa, which is 3% below, Gainesville at 6% below and Orlando, which is right at the national average for cost of living.
Higher cost of living areas: Some of the more luxury or resort areas of Florida list higher than the national cost of living average, and some, such as Miami-Fort Lauderdale, are industry employment areas. Miami is 18% higher than the national average while Fort Lauderdale is 19% above. Sarasota, another industry hub, is 4% over.
Professional groups for counselors in Florida
These groups may help counselors in Florida stay informed on best practices, advance their credentials and participate in a community of addiction treatment professionals.
Florida Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (FADAA): FADAA is the state affiliate of the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). It offers professional development, advocacy and resources tailored to Florida’s addiction treatment field, along with networking opportunities and state-specific policy updates.
Florida Certification Board (FCB): While primarily a credentialing organization, FCB provides resources, training opportunities and ethical standards for counselors. FCB certification (like CAC and MCAP) is often a valuable step for counselors, and membership helps with updates on credentialing requirements and continuing education.
This substance abuse counselor salary guide for Florida strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and other key information regarding the addiction treatment counseling profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path in Florida, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations around your educational and professional future.