Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
SOC Code: 21-1018
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $59,190 and +16.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 483,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (SOC 21-1018) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 483,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +16.8% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $59,190, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors?
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow by 16.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 483,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors?
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors requires a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Typical education requirement: Master's degree.
How much do Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn?
The median annual wage for Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is $59,190, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors?
The typical entry-level education for Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors?
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on O*NET task analysis. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).