Drug and Alcohol Counselor salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 1 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$59,250/ yr
$4,938 / mo · $28.49 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$44,637
Median
$59,250
Experienced
$111,072
Demand
Moderate
Program length
1 to 4 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete1 to 4 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$44,637
- Median salary$59,250
- Experienced salary$111,072
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Drug and Alcohol Counselor program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Drug and Alcohol Counselor tracks complete in 1 to 4 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly thousands of Drug and Alcohol Counselor openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in California is $59,250 per year, which is $28.49 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $44,637 while experienced Drug and Alcohol Counselors can earn up to $111,072 annually.
Next step
Find Drug and Alcohol Counselor Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Drug and Alcohol Counselor classes in your area.