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 Do Substance Abuse Counselor Salaries Look Like in Texas?
One standout reason to consider becoming a substance abuse counselor in Texas is the state’s proactive approach to prevention and mental health support. Texas has developed numerous initiatives emphasizing mental health care, public health awareness and early intervention, especially in schools and communities that face social and economic challenges.
These efforts create demand for substance abuse counselors who can help address not only addiction issues but also the complex underlying factors, like mental health, that often contribute to substance use. This supportive, prevention-focused environment in Texas offers substance abuse counselors a chance to play an impactful role in both treatment and prevention across the state.
Quick view
There are 18,840 people employed as substance abuse and behavioral counselors in Texas said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This makes Texas the fifth highest state in the U.S. for employment of substance abuse and behavior counselors.
The median wage per hour in Texas is $29 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 16.8%.
With its proactive stance on substance abuse rehabilitation, Texas offers counselors the opportunity to work in diverse environments. Here are just five top employers for substance abuse counselors in Texas:
- The Fullbrook Center, Fredericksburg, TX:
- Located in Fredericksburg, The Fullbrook Center is a clinician-owned residential treatment facility specializing in assisting women with substance abuse issues, emphasizing holistic and individualized care.
- Texas Recovery Center, Scurry, TX:
- Texas Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs, providing opportunities for counselors to engage in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
- The Council on Recovery, Houston, TX:
- Based in Houston, this nonprofit is one of Texas’s largest addiction recovery organizations. It provides outpatient services and recovery programs, working with individuals and families to address substance use issues.
- La Hacienda Treatment Center, Hunt, TX:
- Located in Hunt, La Hacienda is a well-known residential treatment center that offers a range of addiction recovery services, including medical detox and individual counseling, which creates a demand for licensed substance abuse counselors.
- Nexus Recovery Center, Dallas, TX:
- Situated in Dallas, Nexus Recovery Center provides comprehensive treatment services, including residential, outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, for women and teens affected by substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Salary stats for Texas counselors
While the median salary for substance abuse and behavioral counselors in Texas is just under the national median, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work in the state, how much education you have earned and if you have attained any professional credentials or completed any courses offered by the state.
Texas has specific certification and licensure requirements for substance abuse counselors. They must attain the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), the primary license for substance abuse counselors that’s issued by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). To qualify, you need:
- At least an associate degree (though a bachelor’s or higher can be beneficial).
- Completion of specific education in substance abuse counseling (usually at least 270 hours).
- Supervised work experience, totaling 4,000 hours for those with an associate degree (less for higher degrees).
- Passing the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (TCBAP) exam.
LCDCs must also complete a certain number of continuing education hours every two years to maintain their license. Continuing education can include courses in can include courses in psychology, sociology, counseling, mental health, behavioral science, psychiatric nursing, ethics and rehabilitation counseling. Substance abuse counselors must also include three hours of ethics coursework and three hours of clinical supervision training.
Median substance abuse counselor salary in Texas
The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors in Texas is $60,630, lower than the national median of $59,190. It’s important, however, to note that location within the state makes a difference. As an example, Midland’s median pay is well over the national median—at $61,050. Cities such as Laredo, Houston and Dallas also pay higher than the national median. Here are salaries for the Texas cities that the BLS records:
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
10%$38,720
25%$47,600
50%$60,630Median
75%$76,390
90%$96,260
Median Hourly Wage$29
Job growth16.8%
Total Employment19,520
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $74,160 | $39,400 | $78,810 |
| Amarillo, TX | $66,930 | $38,090 | $99,800 |
| Laredo, TX | $65,500 | $37,890 | $86,450 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $65,000 | $40,880 | $86,200 |
| El Paso, TX | $64,170 | $41,760 | $81,660 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $64,140 | $41,200 | $93,880 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $62,440 | $38,630 | N/A |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $61,620 | $37,540 | $113,480 |
| San Angelo, TX | $60,700 | $40,160 | $81,330 |
| Victoria, TX | $58,970 | $31,740 | $82,120 |
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 Texas
The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Texas typically spans from $38,720 for the lowest 10% to $96,260 for the top 10% per year.
In Texas, substance abuse counselor salaries vary based on experience and location::
Entry-level: Entry-level counselors can expect salaries around $35,000 to $40,000 per year. Those working in areas with high demand or larger cities may see salaries at the higher end of this range.
Mid-level: With several years of experience, mid-level counselors in Texas earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually. Those with specialized skills or certifications may reach the top of this range.
Senior-level: Experienced or senior counselors in Texas, including those in supervisory or management roles, often make $66,000 to $79,000+ annually. In some cases, senior counselors working in high-demand areas or leadership roles may earn more.
Pay by metro area for TX substance abuse counselors
Substance abuse counselors in larger Texas cities such as 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 noted that Laredo is Texas’ top-paying city, followed by Midland. Here’s what the BLS reported as the top 10 highest paying metro areas in the U.S.:
Salary growth and job outlook
- 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.
- In Texas, job growth for substance abuse counselors is expected to be similarly strong, if not slightly higher, due to a combination of the state’s large population, rising mental health awareness and robust public health programs. With Texas’s proactive efforts in prevention and mental health services, the state could see demand outpace the national growth rate, making it a promising area for substance abuse counseling careers over the next 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 Texas
Several key factors influence substance abuse counselor salaries in Texas, given the state’s size and diverse demographics. While demand for substance abuse counselors in Texas is generally high, especially in remote and underserved areas, salaries are often influenced by available resources, employer budgets and geographic disparities. This creates a varied landscape where urban counselors may have access to better compensation, while rural counselors see strong demand but face more salary limitations. Here are factors that may affect pay:
- Location:
- Counselors in urban areas like Houston, Dallas and Laredo tend to earn higher salaries than those in rural regions. This is due to the higher demand and cost of living in cities, as well as a greater concentration of healthcare facilities with the resources to pay more. In contrast, rural areas may have fewer treatment centers and tighter budgets, leading to lower salaries.
- Funding and resources:
- Public and private funding levels directly impact counselor salaries. Urban centers with more established treatment facilities or public funding can often provide better salaries. Rural areas may struggle with limited resources, which can lead to salary constraints despite the high demand for services.
- Employer:
- Salaries can vary widely depending on the employer. Government-funded programs, non-profits, hospitals and private rehab centers each offer different compensation structures. Private facilities may offer higher pay or bonuses, especially if they cater to a higher-income clientele, while non-profits and publicly funded organizations may have budget constraints affecting pay scales.
- Education and credentials:
- Counselors with advanced degrees, specific certifications or experience in particular counseling methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, often earn higher salaries. Those in supervisory or program development roles may also command higher pay, especially in larger organizations.
- Socioeconomic status and demand:
- High-demand regions—often those with higher rates of substance abuse and mental health needs—may offer competitive salaries to attract counselors. However, regions with lower socioeconomic status might face limitations on what local treatment centers can pay, even if demand is high.
What resources are there if I think I’m being paid incorrectly in Texas?
If you’re experiencing wage disparity in Texas, here are some contacts to address the issue:
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): The TWC enforces Texas labor laws, including wage issues. You can file a wage complaint with them if you believe there’s an issue of underpayment or unequal pay.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): For federal wage-related concerns or violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), you can contact the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. DOL.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): If the wage disparity involves discrimination based on gender, race or other protected classes, the EEOC handles such cases. You can file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC.
Texas Attorney General’s Office: The Attorney General’s Office can offer guidance on wage disputes and direct you to additional resources. While they do not handle wage claims directly, they can provide relevant information and support.
Legal aid services or private employment attorneys: For additional support, especially if your case is complex, consider contacting a local legal aid organization or employment attorney. Texas has various legal aid resources available, and some offer free or reduced-cost services.
Education, licensing and training
To become a licensed substance abuse counselor in Texas, you’ll need to meet specific education, certification and experience requirements. Here’s an overview of the path:
Educational requirements
- Minimum of an associate degree: While an associate degree is the minimum educational requirement, earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in counseling, psychology or a related field can provide more career opportunities and may reduce required experience hours.
- Specific coursework: The LCDC requires at least 270 clock hours of approved education in chemical dependency counseling topics. These can be completed as part of your degree or through additional training programs.
Take part in an internship or practicum
- As part of your educational program, you’ll need a practicum or supervised training, typically involving direct client contact, to gain practical experience under the supervision of a licensed professional.
Complete supervised work experience
- 4,000 hours (about two years) of supervised work experience is required for those with an associate degree.
- With a bachelor’s degree, the required hours drop to 3,000, and with a master’s degree or higher, it’s reduced further to 2,000 hours.
- Supervision must be by a qualified supervisor, such as an LCDC or other licensed mental health professional.
Pass the certification exam
- After completing education and experience requirements, you’ll need to pass the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (TCBAP) exam or another approved national certification exam.
Apply for the LCDC License
- Submit your application to the Texas HHSC, along with proof of completed education, supervised work experience, and exam results. After approval, you will receive your LCDC license.
Complete continuing education requirements
To maintain your LCDC, you’ll need to complete continuing education every two years, including training in ethics and chemical dependency counseling topics.
Cost of living in Texas
RentCafe stated that Texas’ cost of living is 7% lower than the national average.
Cost of living overview: The good news is, housing is also lower than the cost of living average. Texas’ housing market run around 17% less than the national average, while utilities are 3% lower and basic necessities such as groceries and food are 4% lower than the national average.
Affordable areas: Many of Texas’ major metro areas—including those with potential employers—list lest than the national cost of living average: Austin is 1% lower, Midland (one of the highest paying cities) is 4% lower and Fort Worth is also 4% lower.
Higher cost of living areas: Texas metro areas that are higher than the cost of living national average include Dallas and Houston, which are both 2% higher on average.
Professional groups for substance abuse counselors in Texas
Texas has several professional associations specifically for substance abuse counselors, offering support, advocacy and resources:
Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP): TAAP is the Texas affiliate of the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). It provides networking opportunities, professional development and resources for substance abuse counselors in Texas. TAAP also advocates for policies that support addiction professionals and clients in the state.
Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals: While primarily a certifying body, TCBAP provides certification resources, training and continuing education opportunities specifically tailored for addiction professionals in Texas.
Texas Mental Health Counselors Association: TMHCA serves a broader range of mental health professionals, including substance abuse counselors. It offers education, resources and advocacy efforts to support behavioral health professionals across Texas.
This substance abuse counselor salary guide for Texas 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.