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 Utah
Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Utah offers unique opportunities despite the state’s relatively low addiction rate compared to national averages. Here are some reasons why it might still be worthwhile:
- Focus on prevention and intervention: Utah’s strong focus on preventive measures creates opportunities for counselors to engage in educational and early intervention programs. This proactive approach can be rewarding for counselors who want to make a difference before addiction becomes severe.
- Faith-based counseling opportunities: Given Utah’s significant religious population, faith-based substance abuse counseling is often in demand. Those interested in integrating spiritual approaches with counseling may find Utah to be a good fit.
- Supportive community: Utah is known for its tight-knit communities, which can offer a strong support network for individuals in recovery. Counselors working in such environments may find their work more effective and fulfilling.
- Family-centered approach: Utah’s focus on family values can influence substance abuse treatment to be more family-centered, creating opportunities for counselors to work closely with families to support recovery.
- Job stability in rural areas: While addiction rates are lower overall, there are underserved rural areas where addiction issues are growing. These areas often have fewer mental health and substance abuse professionals, making counselors highly valuable.
Quick view
There are 3,850 people employed as substance abuse and behavioral counselors in Utah says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This equates to just over two people working in the profession for every 1,000 people who live in the state and makes a statement on Utah’s low mortality rate from drug overdoses. In fact, the CDC says Utah has a death rate of only 19.8 per 100,000 people in the state, which places it at the lower end of the spectrum.
The median wage per hour in Utah is $32 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 16.8%.
The BLS ranks Utah as the second best paying state in the U.S. for substance abuse and behavioral counselors, which confirms its commitment to prevention and early intervention, and just how much it values these professionals. The following employers represent a mix of nonprofit, luxury and broad service centers, giving substance abuse counselors diverse opportunities to work in Utah:
- Odyssey House of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT:
- A major provider of substance abuse treatment services, Odyssey House offers residential and outpatient programs for individuals struggling with addiction. They employ counselors in various roles to support recovery.
- First Step House, Salt Lake City, UT:
- Specializing in addiction recovery, housing and employment services, First Step House is known for comprehensive treatment programs and provides opportunities for substance abuse counselors in clinical settings.
- Valley Behavioral Health, Salt Lake City, Kearns, Tooele, UT:
- This large mental health organization offers substance abuse treatment programs across Utah. They employ counselors for both outpatient and inpatient services.
- Cirque Lodge, Orem, UT:
- A luxury rehabilitation center, Cirque Lodge is located in the mountains of Utah and provides holistic treatment programs for individuals with substance use disorders. Counselors work in a serene, retreat-like environment.
- Steps Recovery Centers, Payson, St. George, Orem, Murray, UT:
- With multiple locations in Utah, Steps Recovery Centers provide detox, residential, and outpatient services for addiction recovery. They offer positions for counselors specializing in various aspects of addiction treatment.
Salary stats for Utah substance abuse counselors
While the median salary for substance abuse and behavioral counselors in Utah is considerably higher than the national median, pay still may vary depending upon where you work in the state (Orem and Salt Lake City are two major hubs for substance abuse counseling positions), how much experience you have, what level of education you have attained and if you have earned any professional credentials.
Utah does not have entirely unique credentials for substance abuse counselors, but it does have state-specific requirements and certifications that are important to know if you plan to work there and which we will cover below.
Median substance abuse counselor salary in Utah
The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors in Utah is $65,920, 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, Logan’s median pay is well over the national median—at $64,190—and is the fourth highest paying area in the country for substance abuse counselors, according to the BLS. Salt Lake City takes the fifth highest paying spot at $63,430. Here are salaries for the Utah cities that the BLS records:
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
10%$34,560
25%$42,210
50%$65,920Median
75%$94,630
90%$111,470
Median Hourly Wage$32
Job growth16.8%
Total Employment4,720
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ogden, UT | $81,300 | $35,940 | $123,240 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $74,400 | $30,880 | $123,280 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $67,540 | $37,120 | $107,150 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT | $60,170 | $33,820 | $103,960 |
| St. George, UT | $59,230 | $33,790 | $126,270 |
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 Utah
The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Utah typically spans from $34,560 to $111,470 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 Utah:
Entry-level counselors
- Salary range: $32,000 to $45,000 per year
- Entry-level counselors, including those with an SUDC license or less experience, typically start on the lower end of the pay scale. Salaries may be higher for those working in higher-demand or rural areas.
Mid-career counselors
- Salary range: $62,000 to $85,000 per year
- Counselors with a few years of experience or those with an advanced certification, such as CASUDC, may earn within this range. This also applies to counselors who work in more specialized roles, such as opioid treatment or family therapy.
Experienced or senior-level counselors
- Salary range: $85,000 to $106,000 per year or more
- Experienced counselors, especially those with advanced degrees such as a master’s degree, and additional licenses like the CMHC, may earn higher salaries. Positions in private practice or leadership roles in large organizations may reach or exceed the top end of this range.
Pay by metro area for Utah substance abuse counselors
As noted above, substance abuse counselors in larger Utah metro areas such as Salt Lake City and Logan 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 Logan’s annual mean wage is the fourth highest paying area in the country for substance abuse counselors, while Salt Lake City takes the fifth highest paying spot. Ogden has the seventh highest median pay in the U.S., which you can see below.
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.
Factors supporting job growth in Utah:
- Population growth: Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., which naturally increases demand for healthcare and counseling services, including for substance abuse.
- Opioid crisis and prescription drug misuse: Despite Utah’s lower ranking in drug-related deaths, the state has dealt with opioid misuse, particularly involving prescription drugs. This ongoing issue will keep the demand for addiction treatment professionals steady.
- Emphasis on mental health and preventive care: Utah has been increasing its focus on mental health care and early intervention for substance use, which includes addiction counseling services. This trend is likely to drive job growth as more individuals seek preventive help or support for early-stage addiction.
Impact of low drug-related deaths in UT on job growth:
- Helping the field: Utah’s lower number of drug-related deaths may reflect its success in preventive and treatment programs, which can increase job stability for counselors who focus on education, early intervention and community outreach.
- Moderating job growth: On the other hand, the lower addiction and drug-related death rates could temper demand for crisis-driven addiction treatment, possibly leading to slower growth compared to states with more severe substance use issues. However, counselors specializing in opioid recovery, prescription misuse and holistic care may still be needed.
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 UT
Some factors specific to Utah influence addiction counselor salaries in the state. Here’s how these factors affect wages for substance abuse counselors:
- Moderate cost of living:
- Utah’s overall cost of living is moderate compared to national averages, especially outside urban areas like Salt Lake City. This tends to moderate salary levels, with counselors earning a bit less than in states with higher living costs, like California or New York.
- Better salaries in metro areas:
- Salaries in cities like Salt Lake City, Ogden and Logan tend to be higher due to a larger client base and higher demand for services. Rural areas often face shortages of addiction counselors, which may result in slightly lower wages but higher job stability and less competition.
- Faith-based treatment:
- Given Utah’s significant religious population, faith-based treatment programs are popular. Counselors who are trained to provide faith-integrated addiction counseling may see higher demand for their services, potentially boosting their salaries, especially if they work for private or nonprofit organizations with this focus.
- Shortage of counselors in rural areas:
- Some regions of Utah face a shortage of licensed addiction counselors, particularly in rural areas. This can lead to higher wages for counselors willing to work in these underserved areas, though urban centers generally offer higher pay due to more concentrated demand.
- Public vs. private employers:
- Salaries for addiction counselors vary significantly depending on whether they work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations or private rehab facilities. In Utah, government and nonprofit jobs may offer lower pay but provide benefits and job stability. Private rehab centers, especially luxury or specialized centers like Cirque Lodge, tend to offer higher salaries for experienced counselors.
- Education and certification level:
- Counselors with advanced credentials, such as a Certified Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CASUDC) or Certified Mental Health Counselor (CMHC), may command higher salaries in Utah. These certifications, along with a master’s degree, may open up higher-paying positions, especially in leadership or clinical supervisory roles.
What resources are there if I believe I’m being paid unfairly in Utah?
If you believe your wages are incorrect in Utah, there are several resources and steps you can take to address the issue:
Work with your employer
First, carefully review your paystub to check for discrepancies in hours worked, overtime pay or deductions. Sometimes errors can be clerical, and discussing it directly with your employer or HR department may resolve the issue quickly.
If the issue persists, request a written explanation of how your wages were calculated. This can help you clarify whether the problem is a misunderstanding or an error on the employer’s part.
Contact the Utah Labor Commission
If discussing the issue with your employer doesn’t resolve it, you can file a Wage Claim with the Utah Labor Commission’s Wage Claim Unit. This department investigates complaints regarding unpaid wages, incorrect wage calculations and other wage-related disputes. You can file a claim online or by submitting a form, and the commission will review your case and contact your employer to resolve the issue.
Consult an employment attorney
You may also want to consult with an employment lawyer if your case is more complex, such as wage theft, retaliation or repeated violations. Many lawyers in Utah offer free consultations, and they can help you determine whether you have grounds for legal action.
Contact the Utah Office of the Inspector General
If you work in a healthcare setting and believe wage issues are related to healthcare fraud or unethical practices, the Utah OIG may assist in addressing broader violations that could impact your wages.
Education, licensing and training
First, complete your 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).
After completing your education, you’ll need to consider state-specific licenses, which are aligned with national certifications and ensure that counselors meet Utah’s standards for substance use treatment professionals. There are certain educational requirements that must be met for each level. Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed in Utah:
Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) license
Utah offers a specific license for substance abuse counselors called the Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) license. This credential is issued by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) and is tailored to professionals who focus on addiction counseling. To qualify, you generally need:
- A minimum of an associate degree in a behavioral science field or a related field with coursework in substance abuse treatment.
- Completion of a clinical training program approved by the state.
- Passing the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) certification exam or the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) exam.
Certified Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CASUDC)
For those seeking a higher credential, Utah offers the CASUDC. This advanced certification requires:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in a behavioral science or related field.
- Completion of more advanced coursework and supervised clinical training.
- Passing a more rigorous examination.
Utah Mental Health Counselor (CMHC)
Some substance abuse counselors may also pursue the Certified Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) license if they work in both mental health and addiction counseling. This requires a master’s degree in mental health counseling or a related field, along with passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Continuing Education
To maintain an SUDC or CASUDC license, counselors must complete a certain number of continuing education hours regularly, focusing on addiction counseling, ethics and mental health topics.
Cost of living in Utah
The cost of living in Utah is right at the national average, says RentCafe, which means Utah’s higher salaries for substance abuse counselors may go further, and provide a comfortable living and working existence.
Cost of living overview: Though the overall cost of living is right at the national average, housing coats 4% more while utilities are 7% less. Necessities such as food and groceries are right at the national average.
Affordable areas: Ogden and Nephi list under or at the national average for cost of living.
Higher cost of living areas: The majority of Utah’s major metro areas rank higher than the national cost of living, with Salt Lake City being the highest at 9% higher, St. George at 8% higher and Provo at 4% higher.
Professional groups for substance abuse counselors in Utah
There are several professional associations and groups that substance abuse counselors in Utah can join. These organizations offer networking opportunities, professional development, advocacy and support for members of this sometimes stressful profession:
Utah Association for Addiction Treatment Providers (UAATP): UAATP is a state-based organization that brings together professionals working in addiction treatment. The association provides resources, educational workshops and advocacy for improving addiction services in Utah. It’s a great networking platform for substance abuse counselors.
Utah Mental Health Counselors Association (UMHCA): While not solely focused on addiction counseling, UMHCA is a strong resource for all mental health professionals in Utah, including substance abuse counselors. They offer training, networking opportunities and advocate for mental health services in the state, including those for addiction treatment.
National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) Utah Chapter: NAADAC is a nationwide organization for addiction professionals, and its Utah chapter provides local support, resources and networking for counselors. The association promotes standards for education and training, and offers certifications to enhance credentials.
Utah Behavioral Healthcare Committee (UBHC): UBHC brings together behavioral health providers and professionals in Utah, including those in substance abuse counseling. It works to advocate for policies that support mental health and addiction services statewide. Joining UBHC can connect you with other professionals and offer insights into state policy changes.
This substance abuse counselor salary guide for Utah strives 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.