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 a Substance Abuse Counselor Earn in Georgia?
While Georgia’s drug overdose death rate has been lower than the national average, the state has experienced significant increases in overdose fatalities over recent years. For instance, drug overdose deaths in Georgia rose by 38.8% during the 12-month period ending in January 2021, said Georgia Public Broadcasting.
This upward trend underscores a growing need for substance abuse counselors to address the escalating substance use issues. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects that, if trends continue, by the year 2030 Georgia will need an additional 1,430 addiction counselors to meet the demand for treatment services.
By becoming a substance abuse counselor in Georgia, you can play a vital role in combating the state’s substance use challenges, providing essential support to individuals seeking recovery, and contributing to the development of healthier communities.
Quick view
There are currently 7,890 people employed as substance abuse and behavioral counselors in Georgia says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This equates to one person working in the profession for every 1,000 people who live in the state. The CDC says Georgia has around 24.9 deaths from drug overdoses for every 100,000 people in the state, which puts it at the lower end of the spectrum. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t work for substance abuse counselors in Georgia.
The median wage per hour in Georgia is $27 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 16.8%.
Georgia has several prominent employers offering opportunities for substance abuse counselors, including hospitals, recovery centers and mental health organizations. Here are some examples:
- Hope House, Augusta, GA:
- Located in Augusta, Hope House focuses on treating women with substance use disorders, offering outpatient and residential treatment options for individuals and families in need.
- River Edge Behavioral Health, Macon, Milledgeville, GA:
- Based in Macon, River Edge offers a range of behavioral health services, including substance abuse treatment, residential programs, and community-based counseling across central Georgia.
- Peachford Hospital, Atlanta, GA:
- Located in Atlanta, Peachford Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs, serving adults, adolescents, and families in need of mental health and substance use services.
- Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Decatur, Cumming, Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, Thomasville, GA:
- This state agency operates community service boards and regional offices, providing mental health and substance abuse services throughout Georgia, with locations in both urban and rural areas.
- Cooke Recovery Centers, Atlanta, GA:
- Cooke Recovery Centers specializes in providing outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment for individuals dealing with substance use disorders. Their approach typically includes counseling, group therapy and holistic treatments.
Salary stats for Georgia substance abuse counselors
The median salary for substance abuse and behavioral counselors in Georgia is 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 and if you have earned any professional credentials and how long you have worked in your position.
Georgia requires substance abuse counselors to hold specific credentials to practice professionally in the state. The primary credential for substance abuse counselors in Georgia is through the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA) or the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACB-GA).
Median substance abuse counselor salary in Georgia
The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors in Georgia is $55,320, 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, Gainesville’s median pay is well over the national median, Rome is right at the national wage and Valdosta is below the national median. Here are salaries for the Georgia cities that the BLS documents:
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
10%$39,020
25%$46,150
50%$55,320Median
75%$71,980
90%$93,200
Median Hourly Wage$27
Job growth16.8%
Total Employment8,680
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA | $66,190 | $41,550 | $95,650 |
| Rome, GA | $60,800 | $39,090 | $89,670 |
| Dalton, GA | $59,730 | $42,360 | $87,000 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $59,060 | $43,160 | $86,240 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $58,990 | $43,940 | $96,320 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $57,160 | $38,760 | $91,650 |
| Albany, GA | $55,970 | $35,720 | $92,280 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $55,870 | $39,020 | $83,790 |
| Savannah, GA | $55,010 | $43,040 | $89,690 |
| Hinesville, GA | $54,670 | $38,310 | $86,240 |
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 Georgia
The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Georgia typically spans from $39,020 for the lowest 10% in the field to $93,200 for the highest 10% per year.
Here are the approximate salary ranges for Georgia substance abuse counselors at different career stages:
- Entry-level (0-2 years of experience): Typically earns between $32,000 and $42,000 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 $42,000 to $59,000 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 $60,000 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 GA substance abuse counselors
Here are some median salaries for the larger cities in the state:
Atlanta: As the state’s capital and largest metropolitan area, Atlanta salaries are around a median of $49,000 annually for substance abuse counselors due to high demand and a wide range of employers.
Savannah: This coastal city has a growing healthcare sector, and salaries for substance abuse counselors are typically competitive, with experienced counselors earning around $48,000.
Augusta: Known for its medical and military presence, Augusta offers relatively high salaries, with medians around $48,000 per year.
Columbus: Salaries in Columbus are on the higher end for smaller cities in Georgia, often around $44,000. due to demand in military and civilian communities.
Athens: Home to the University of Georgia, Athens has a need for behavioral health services, with salaries typically around $46,000.
No metro or non-metro area in Georgia ranks in the BLS’ top 10. Here’s what metro areas do make their list:
Salary growth and job outlook
Georgia’s population growth contributes to job opportunities for substance abuse counselors. With a growing population, particularly in urban areas like Atlanta and rapidly expanding suburban regions, the demand for healthcare services, including mental health and addiction counseling, rises.
- 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.
- Georgia’s job growth rate for substance abuse counselors is projected to be strong, though it is slightly below the national average reported by the BLS. However, Georgia’s rate is still substantial, driven by increasing demand for behavioral health services and the state’s growing population. State-specific initiatives to expand mental health support and substance abuse treatment, especially in underserved rural areas, may also contribute to steady growth in employment opportunities for counselors across Georgia.
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 Georgia
Substance abuse counselor salaries in Georgia are influenced by a variety of factors:
- State funding initiatives:
- Georgia has recently increased efforts to address mental health and substance abuse issues, especially through funding and legislation like the Mental Health Parity Act, which aims to enhance mental health services and funding. This can indirectly impact counselor salaries by improving demand and funding for addiction counseling positions, potentially raising wages due to increased budget allocations.
- Federal pay scales:
- Substance abuse counselors working in federal facilities, like Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, might be on federal pay scales, which often provide structured pay grades and benefits aligned with federal guidelines. This can lead to stable but potentially higher-than-average pay for counselors in these roles.
- Unionization:
- Georgia is a right-to-work state, where union membership is generally low and union influence on wages is limited. While unionized positions for substance abuse counselors are not common in the state, some larger facilities might have collective bargaining in place, though this remains rare.
- Private vs. non-profit:
- Private treatment centers and nonprofits, such as Cooke Recovery Centers in Atlanta, set pay scales independently based on market rates, which often depend on the facility’s funding sources, including insurance reimbursements and private pay rates.
- Cost of living:
- Salary levels can also fluctuate within Georgia based on the cost of living and demand in urban versus rural areas, with cities like Atlanta potentially offering higher wages than rural areas due to a higher cost of living and demand for services.
What resources are there if I believe I’m being paid unfairly in Georgia?
If you believe your pay is unfair compared to others in the same role in Georgia, here are steps and contacts that might help:
Human resources (HR): Begin with your company’s HR department, requesting a pay review. HR can provide insights into pay scales and the criteria used to set wages, and may address discrepancies if they exist.
Labor commissioner: If pay discrepancies appear to violate Georgia’s labor laws or federal guidelines (like equal pay for equal work), you can contact the Georgia Department of Labor. The Labor Commissioner’s office can provide guidance on state labor laws, including wage and hour laws.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): If you suspect pay discrimination based on race, gender, age or other protected classes, file a complaint with the EEOC. The EEOC investigates wage discrimination and may act if there’s evidence of unequal pay for similar work under the Equal Pay Act.
Legal counsel: In cases where you believe your situation requires deeper investigation, consulting an employment lawyer can be beneficial. They can provide legal advice specific to Georgia’s labor regulations and help determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Professional associations: If you’re part of a professional counseling association, they may offer resources or advocacy for pay equity, especially for licensed counselors. They can sometimes provide data on average pay rates that may support your case.
Education, licensing and training
To become a substance abuse counselor in Georgia, it is recommended that you follow these steps:
Earn a bachelor’s degree: Start with a bachelor’s in psychology, social work, counseling or a related field. This foundation is essential to understand behavioral health concepts and meet entry-level requirements for counseling roles.
Gain work experience: Many programs and employers in Georgia require experience in counseling or social services. You could work in entry-level roles in substance abuse treatment centers or other community health organizations, often while pursuing a master’s.
Earn a master’s degree: For advanced counseling positions and licensure, pursue a master’s in a relevant field, such as clinical mental health counseling, social work or addiction counseling. Accredited programs are preferred, as they align with licensure standards.
Complete required supervised hours: Georgia requires clinical experience under a licensed professional as part of the path to licensure. This typically involves 2,000-3,000 hours of supervised work post-graduation, depending on the specific license you seek (LAPC, LPC or CADC).
Pass state-required exams: To obtain licensure, you must pass exams specific to your certification. The National Counselor Examination (NCE) or an equivalent test is often required for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) candidates. For CADC certification, there is a substance abuse-specific exam managed by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia. Practice tests and prep are available online.
Apply for licensure: Submit your application to the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists or the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia, depending on the license or certification you seek. Ensure you meet all educational, exam and supervised experience requirements.
Continue education for renewal: Georgia requires licensed counselors to complete continuing education (CE) credits to maintain licensure. This typically includes CE hours in ethics, clinical practice and substance abuse topics.
Cost of living in Georgia
RentCafe states that North Carolina’s cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. Whether this will continue remains to be seen as the state is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., with a projected population increase of 17.7% by 2030.
Cost of living overview: Housing is 21% lower than the national average, though housing prices may be rising with the state’s population growth. Utilities are 13% lower and basic necessities such as groceries are 4% lower than the national average.
Affordable areas: Almost all of Georgia’s major cities are below the national cost of living average, which makes it a sought after destination for work and living. Cities that are hubs for addiction recovery centers or university-affiliated medical centers are included in the list: Atlanta is 2% lower, Athens is 4% lower, Savannah is 7% lower and Valdosta is 9% lower.
Higher cost of living areas: Only Dahlonga ranked higher than the national cost of living average within Georgia at a nominal 1% higher.
Professional groups for substance abuse counselors in Georgia
Professional associations offer tools, resources and support that can be vital for handling the emotional and logistical challenges of substance abuse counseling.
They also provide opportunities to connect with other professionals in the field, both in Georgia and nationally, which can be critical for career growth and support. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities, peer learning and access to job openings.
Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA): GACA offers certification programs, continuing education opportunities and advocacy for addiction professionals. This organization focuses on promoting high standards for substance abuse counselors in Georgia.
Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCAGA): This association supports licensed counselors across various specialties, including addiction counseling. LPCAGA provides resources for licensure, professional development and legislative advocacy, all geared toward the needs of Georgia counselors.
This substance abuse counselor salary guide for Georgia 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.