Drug and Alcohol Counselor salary in District of Columbia
A strong career option in District of Columbia — with programs that take 1 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$60,450/ yr
$5,038 / mo · $29.06 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$43,056
Median
$60,450
Experienced
$107,994
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
- Drug and Alcohol Counselor (entry-level)$43,056
- Drug and Alcohol Counselor (mid-career)$60,450
- Drug and Alcohol Counselor (experienced)$107,994
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$43,056
- Median salary$60,450
- Experienced salary$107,994
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 District of Columbia
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Drug and Alcohol Counselor program in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia.
Get hired in District of Columbia
With roughly thousands of Drug and Alcohol Counselor openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in District of Columbia.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in District of Columbia is $60,450 per year, which is $29.06 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $43,056 while experienced Drug and Alcohol Counselors can earn up to $107,994 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.