Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in New York, NY-NJ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ

Median annual salary $64,900 +9.6% vs national
Median hourly $31.20
10th percentile $44,100
90th percentile $112,690
Employed locally 23,790
National median $59,190

Compare Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary & buying power

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    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the New York-NJ area earn a median annual salary of $64,900, which is higher than the national median of $59,190. The local household income stands at $97,334, indicating that counselors' earnings represent approximately 67% of the typical household's income. This comparison highlights the significant contribution such professionals make to their households while also underscoring a gap between individual counselor salaries and broader household income levels in this metropolitan area.

    For entry-level Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in New York-NJ, earnings start at around $44,100 annually, reflecting the 10th percentile salary. In contrast, those with more experience can earn up to $112,690 annually, which represents the 90th percentile. This disparity is driven by factors such as years of experience, specialization within mental health fields, and the setting in which counselors work—whether it be private practice, hospitals, or community organizations. Additionally, higher education levels and certifications contribute significantly to salary variations among experienced professionals in this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $44,100
    25th
    $52,770
    50th (median)
    $64,900
    75th
    $81,680
    90th
    $112,690

    New York economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $97,334 2023 • Census ACS
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary vs area income 67% Median Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary is 33% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make per hour in New York?

    The median hourly wage for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in New York, NY-NJ is $31.20, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $48.65 or more per hour.

    Is New York above or below average for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salaries?

    The median Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary in New York, NY-NJ is 9.6% above the national median of $59,190. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in New York?

    Entry-level Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (10th percentile) earn around $44,100 per year in New York, NY-NJ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $52,770.