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 Salaries in New York
New York has a significant need for substance abuse counselors due to ongoing challenges with addiction, particularly opioids and other substances. With rising awareness of mental health and addiction issues, there are many opportunities to make a meaningful impact. The demand is especially driven by state initiatives to combat the opioid crisis, which require a growing workforce of qualified professionals.
New York offers a broad range of settings to work in, from government-run programs and private rehabilitation centers to hospitals and non-profit organizations. These include both urban centers and more rural areas, giving flexibility in career choices. New York State has many comprehensive addiction services in place, which means substance abuse counselors are needed in a variety of healthcare and social service environments.
Aside from New York City, there are great places to consider practicing as a substance abuse counselor:
- Buffalo: This city has seen an increase in addiction-related issues and offers a supportive healthcare system with many rehab and recovery centers.
- Albany: As the state capital, Albany has numerous government-funded programs addressing substance abuse, making it a key location for addiction counselors.
- Rochester: Known for its healthcare network, Rochester is another solid choice, with community support services and recovery programs widely available.
Quick view
There are 24,420 people employed as substance abuse and behavioral counselors in New York says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This makes it the second highest employer of addiction counselors in the U.S., behind California. New York has a drug overdose rate of 31.4 people per 100,000, said the CDC, which places it in the lower to middle of deaths by state. The median wage per hour in New York is $30 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 16.8%.
Here are five prominent employers of substance abuse counselors in New York State, representing a mix of organizations and facilities inside and outside New York City:
- New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), Albany, multiple locations, NY:
- OASAS operates a wide range of treatment facilities across the state, offering both inpatient and outpatient services. They provide many opportunities for substance abuse counselors in urban and rural areas alike, including cities like Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo, in addition to NYC.
- Montefiore Medical Center, New York City, Bronx, multiple locations, NY:
- One of the largest healthcare networks in NYC, Westchester and the Hudson Valley, Montefiore offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment and mental health services. Substance abuse counselors are critical in their behavioral health programs.
- St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers, Saranac Lake, NY:
- Based in upstate New York, St. Joseph’s is a well-known provider of inpatient and outpatient addiction recovery services. They have facilities throughout northern New York, offering numerous opportunities for substance abuse counselors in more rural settings.
- Albany Med Health Systems, Albany, NY:
- Albany Med Center is one of the region’s largest hospitals and offers addiction recovery services through its outpatient programs. It’s a key employer for substance abuse counselors in the state capital.
- Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare/Helio Health, Syracuse, NY:
- Operating as part of Helio Health, this organization provides a wide range of addiction treatment services across Central New York. They are a prominent employer of substance abuse counselors in Syracuse and surrounding areas.
Salary stats for NY addiction counselors
While the median salary for substance abuse and behavioral counselors in New York is just over 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.
New York State has specific training requirements for substance abuse counselors in addition to national standards. To become a credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC) in New York, candidates must meet state-specific requirements outlined by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). These requirements go beyond national certifications like the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC).
Median substance abuse counselor salary in New York
The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors in New York is $62,070, higher than the national median of $59,190. And while the BLS says New York is the fifth highest paying state in the U.S., it’s important to note that location within the state makes a difference. As an example, New York City’s median pay is well over the national median, as is the Ithaca, Syracuse, Utica-Rome areas and Kingston area. Here are salaries for the NY cities that the BLS records:
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
10%$43,160
25%$50,880
50%$62,070Median
75%$76,680
90%$101,910
Median Hourly Wage$30
Job growth16.8%
Total Employment22,450
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $64,900 | $44,100 | $112,690 |
| Ithaca, NY | $64,480 | $48,400 | $91,060 |
| Syracuse, NY | $63,170 | $42,370 | $78,200 |
| Kingston, NY | $61,360 | $41,810 | $91,320 |
| Elmira, NY | $61,160 | $48,430 | $84,430 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $61,000 | $44,950 | $91,630 |
| Rochester, NY | $59,280 | $40,710 | $78,630 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $56,990 | $34,400 | $109,290 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $56,990 | $38,280 | $71,750 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $56,690 | $42,400 | $80,540 |
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 range for NY addiction counselors
The salary range for substance abuse counselors in New York typically spans from $43,160 to $101,910 per year.
Here’s an overview of the salary ranges for substance abuse counselors across the state:
- Entry-level: Around $39,000 to $49,000 annually for those just starting their careers, particularly with less experience or only an entry-level credential.
- Mid-level: Typically between $50,000 to $60,000 annually for counselors with a few years of experience or more advanced credentials like full CASAC certification.
- Experienced/advanced-level: Those with substantial experience, advanced certifications or who work in supervisory roles can earn between $74,000 and $99,000+ annually.
Pay by metro area for NY substance abuse counselors
Substance abuse counselors in larger NY cities such as New York City, Ithaca and Syracuse tend to earn slightly more.
New York City metro area: Salaries tend to be higher due to the cost of living. Counselors in NYC may earn between $62,000 and $78,000, and more experienced counselors may earn in the $103,000 range.
Buffalo and upstate New York: Salaries are generally lower due to the lower cost of living. Substance abuse counselors here typically earn between $50,000 and $60,000 annually.
Albany region: Salaries are in the mid-range, often between $49,000 and $63,000, depending on experience and the type of employer.
Rural areas: In smaller towns and rural regions of the state, salaries might fall on the lower end of the range, with entry-level positions around $41,000 to $45,000.
Unfortunately, no metro or non-metro area in New York ranks in the BLS’ top 10.
Salary growth and job outlook
The job growth outlook for substance abuse counselors in New York is strong, aligning with the national trend of increasing demand in this field. Here’s a comparison between New York and the national job growth rate:
- 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.
- While state-specific projections for New York closely align with national trends, the New York Department of Labor also reports faster-than-average job growth for substance abuse counselors. The demand is expected to rise in part due to increased funding for mental health and addiction services in the state, as well as initiatives to combat the opioid crisis.
- New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Albany are expected to continue being major hubs for substance abuse counselors due to the higher population density and a greater concentration of treatment centers and hospitals.
- Smaller towns and rural regions of New York are also experiencing a growing need for substance abuse services, especially as addiction has affected communities outside of the big cities. These areas may see slower growth, but they offer opportunities for counselors who are willing to work in less densely populated areas.
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 New York
Some New York-specific factors impact salary growth for substance abuse counselors, influencing how much counselors can earn and how quickly their salaries may increase over time.
- Experience and certifications:
- Counselors with the full CASAC certification (rather than the provisional CASAC-T) and those with advanced degrees (like a master’s in counseling or social work) tend to earn more.
- Type of employer:
- Government-run or hospital-based programs often offer higher salaries compared to non-profits or community-based organizations, though the latter may offer other benefits such as more flexible work environments.
What resources are there if I believe I’m being paid unfairly in NY?
If you believe you are being paid unfairly in New York State, there are several resources and legal protections specific to the state that you can use to address the issue:
New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL)
- Wage and hour complaints: The NYSDOL enforces New York’s wage and hour laws, ensuring that employees are paid fairly and according to state regulations. If you believe you’re being paid less than the minimum wage, not receiving overtime pay or otherwise being underpaid, you can file a wage complaint with the NYSDOL. You can file a complaint online, by mail or in person at any NYSDOL office. The department will investigate the complaint and ensure any owed wages are paid.
New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)
- Equal pay and discrimination: Under the NYSHRL, you are protected against wage discrimination based on protected characteristics like gender, race or national origin. New York’s Equal Pay Law requires employers to provide equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. If you believe you’re being paid unfairly due to discrimination, you can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights. You can file a complaint online, by mail or at one of the Division’s offices across the state.
New York Pay Transparency Law
- Salary transparency: Effective September 17, 2023, New York State implemented a law requiring employers to include salary ranges in job postings. This helps ensure fairness and transparency around pay and can be a tool to determine whether you’re being paid fairly. If your employer is not complying with this law, you can report the violation to the NYSDOL.
Legal assistance
- Nonprofit legal help: There are organizations like Legal Aid Society or New York Lawyers for the Public Interest that provide free or low-cost legal services to individuals dealing with wage issues or workplace discrimination. If you believe that your situation involves complex wage issues or discrimination, you can consult with an employment lawyer to understand your rights and explore legal options.
Education, licensing and training
Here are the key requirements for practicing as a substance abuse counselor in New York. New York State has specific training requirements for substance abuse counselors in addition to national standards. To become a credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC) in New York, candidates must meet state-specific requirements outlined by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). These requirements go beyond national certifications like the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC). Here are the key additional components specific to New York:
Education requirements
- CSAC: Requires a high school diploma or GED, though higher degrees are recommended for career advancement.
- LCAS: Requires a master’s degree in addiction counseling or a closely related field such as psychology, social work, or counseling.
State-specific training requirements
Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) Certification
- Required CASAC training hours: Applicants must complete 350 hours of education and training approved by OASAS. This training is specific to New York’s guidelines and covers substance abuse counseling topics such as assessment, treatment planning, counseling services and case management.
- Education providers: The training must be completed at an OASAS-approved education provider. These are institutions or training programs that have been approved by the state to deliver coursework specific to New York’s addiction treatment regulations and needs.
Practical work experience
- Work experience requirements: In addition to educational training, candidates must complete at least 6,000 hours of supervised work experience in an approved alcohol and drug treatment program. The number of required hours can be reduced if the applicant has a degree in addiction counseling or a related field.
- Supervised work in a New York setting: New York requires that the supervised experience meet the specific standards of the state, often with a focus on the local addiction landscape and the regulatory framework established by OASAS.
Ethics training and state-specific competencies
- Ethics training: New York State mandates specific coursework on ethical responsibilities in substance abuse counseling, which is integrated into the CASAC training program.
- State-specific regulations: Candidates must be familiar with New York’s addiction treatment regulations and policies, as these may differ from other states, especially regarding client confidentiality, reporting and treatment modalities.
Written exam (CASAC exam)
- After completing the required education and work experience, candidates must pass the CASAC exam, which is administered by OASAS. This exam covers New York-specific counseling practices, in addition to national addiction counseling standards.
Cost of living in New York
RentCafe cites the cost of living in New York State as being 26% higher than the national average. World Population Review says New York is the fifth highest cost of living state in the U.S. after Hawaii, Washington DC, Massachusetts and California.
Cost of living overview: Housing is 75% higher than the national average, and housing prices are rising in more rural areas as residents flee expensive urban areas. Utilities are 3% higher and basic necessities such as groceries are 9% higher than the national average.
Affordable areas: The majority of New York’s metro areas are above the national average, but Rochester, Utica and Oneonta are right at the national average, and Ilion is 1% lower.
Higher cost of living areas: The majority of NY cities are above the national average for cost of living, with Manhattan at 128% above, New York City at 77%, Brooklyn at 62%, Albany and Syracuse at 3% above and Ithaca at 1% above. With Ithaca and Syracuse tending to pay more combined with a lower cost of living, these may be desirable areas to seek employment.
Professional groups for substance abuse counselors in New York
There are several professional groups and associations in New York that offer resources, advocacy, and support specifically for substance abuse counselors. These organizations provide networking opportunities, continuing education, advocacy for workplace rights, and resources for counselors in the field of addiction treatment. Here are some key groups:
New York State Association of Addiction Services and Professionals (ASAP): ASAP is the leading organization in New York for addiction service providers and professionals, including substance abuse counselors. It offers professional development, networking opportunities and advocacy at the state level to improve addiction treatment services.
New York Certification Board (NYCB): The NYCB is responsible for certifying addiction professionals, including Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs) in New York State. While it primarily focuses on certification and credentialing, it offers resources for continuing education and maintaining professional standards.
National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) New York Chapter: NAADAC is a national organization with state chapters that represent and support addiction counselors. The New York chapter offers local resources and advocacy, along with opportunities for networking and professional development.
New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA): NYMHCA represents mental health counselors, many of whom work in substance abuse counseling. It provides advocacy, resources and support for professionals across the state.
This substance abuse counselor salary guide for New York aims to provide you with a realistic and comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the substance abuse 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.