Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Alaska (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alaska, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Alaska Median
$80,770
per year
Hourly Rate
$38.83
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+36% vs US median
US median $59,350
State Rank
#1 of 51
1,290 employed here

How much do Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Alaska?

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors working in Alaska earn a median salary of $80,770 per year, or about $38.83 per hour. That is 36% above the national median of $59,350 for this occupation.

Within Alaska, entry-level pay starts around $58,240 while the top 10% make $114,650 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $65,710 and $97,960 a year.

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary range in Alaska

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$58,240$28.00
25th percentile (early career)$65,710$31.59
50th percentile (median)$80,770$38.83
75th percentile (experienced)$97,960$47.10
90th percentile (top earners)$114,650$55.12

How Alaska compares

Alaska ranks 1st out of 51 states and territories for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Alaska$80,770
2Oregon$74,590
3New Mexico$74,100
4Washington$68,910
5North Dakota$68,630

Working as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alaska

Nationally, about 492,000 people work as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Alaska pay ($80,770) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Alaska?
The median Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary in Alaska is $80,770 per year, or about $38.83 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $58,240 at the entry level to $114,650 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Alaska pay compare to the national average?
Alaska pays Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors about 36% more than the national median of $59,350. Alaska ranks 1st out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Alaska a good state for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Yes on pay — Alaska pays above the national median for this occupation, at $80,770 a year. About 1,290 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are employed in Alaska. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Alaska?
The highest-paying occupations in Alaska include Emergency Medicine Physician ($452,620), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($421,450), General Internal Medicine Physician ($366,080), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary report

Related salaries

Clergy

$60,810
median pay · 57,000 employed

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

$52,100
median pay · 22,000 employed

Social and Human Service Assistants

$45,930
median pay · 438,000 employed

Community Health Worker

$51,850
median pay · 62,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.