Substance Abuse Counselor pay range
State of North Carolina · class code 32000407
- Class code
- 32000407
- Pay group
- NC10
- Pay unit
- Year
- State
- North Carolina
- The State of North Carolina published pay range for Substance Abuse Counselor is $43,267 to $75,718 per year.
- North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) keys this classification as class code 32000407.
- This is the range the plan authorises, not the salary of any individual employee.
Class specification
The OSHR class specification for this class is published by North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR). The passages below are quoted from it as published, not paraphrased, and cut to their opening sentences; the full specification is the authority on duties and qualifications. It was last revised 10/2021.
What the state says the job is
Employees are assigned to state facilities such as an area alcohol and drug abuse treatment center (ADATC), a state psychiatric hospital, a state developmental center, or a correctional facility. Employees assist clients with substance use disorders with development of cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills through the use of counseling, behavioral and case management interventions. Work involves screening clients who are referred for addictive and/or psychological disorders. Employees use standardized tools to screen clients, conduct intakes and orientations, and complete assessments (social, educational, cultural, psychological, physical, career, and familial histories). Employees provide behavioral intervention therapy related to criminal related behaviors and attitudes for those clients involved with the criminal justice system.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Working knowledge and application of the substance use disorder processes, including psychological and physical withdrawal. Working knowledge of psycho pharmacy and drug interactions. Working knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and treatment related to decisions regarding clinical interventions and appropriate therapies based on medical and psychological diagnoses. Thorough knowledge and application of therapeutic approaches including group dynamics, crisis interventions, and family therapy, and behavioral intervention therapy for substance use disorders. Thorough knowledge of community support groups and resources for individuals with substance use disorders. Skill in evalu ...
Minimum qualifications
High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special requirements
Credentialed as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), or as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist - Associate (LCAS-A), or in an equivalent credential from a governing authority recognized by the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board. <h2
Quoted from the OSHR class specification, read 2026-10-21.
Where this comes from
North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) publishes this figure in OSHR salary schedules, joined to Class Specifications. Every number on this page is read from that document; nothing is estimated, modelled or averaged.
Job titles and their salary grades come from the Class Specifications, joined to the salary schedule.
Nearby classes in North Carolina
Substance Abuse Counselor in other states
| State | Minimum | Maximum | Per year at full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $48,244 | $76,028 | $48,244 to $76,028 |
Each state publishes its own range for a classification with this exact title. Duties, grade structures and bargaining units differ between states, so read each class page before comparing.