How Much Do Addiction Nurses Make?

Do you want to make a living helping people experiencing addiction? The demand for addiction nurses could surpass most similar occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), positions for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors could grow by 23% from 2020-2030. During that time, employers will add 41,000 positions every year.

This guide explores what addiction nurses earn and how they can fetch higher earnings.

Addiction nurses make an average salary of $86,000 per year, or $36.63 per hour, according to Payscale data from March 2022. The figures listed below represent average salaries, whereas substance abuse nurses can earn more. Salaries vary by experience, education, credentials, work setting, and geographic area.

Salaries for addiction nurses rank above the national average of $58,260, as reported by BLS. However, other nursing positions earn more, especially those that require a bachelor’s degree or higher education. Nurse practitioners, a position that requires a master of science in nursing degree, earn a median annual salary of $120,680, according to the BLS.

Salaries for addiction nurses, also called substance abuse nurses, correlate to where they live. Addiction nurse salary ranges vary by state and city — much like registered nurses (RNs) who make the most in California ($124,000), Hawaii ($106,530), Oregon ($98,630), District of Columbia ($98,540), and Alaska ($97,230), according to the BLS.

Population size and demand also influence pay, with some regions demanding more RNs than others. The highest concentration of RNs can be found in Rochester, Minnesota; Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania; and Morgantown, West Virginia.

Many regions are experiencing nursing shortages, but the industry lacks specific data regarding demand by region for addiction nurses.

Recent graduates may enter the workforce and make entry-level salaries, such as the lowest 10th percentile for RNs of $59,450 a year. However, the top 90th percentile earns $120,250 a year.

Addiction nurses using the following strategies can increase their earning potential.

Addiction nurses can advance to administrator and management positions. This can happen with years of experience, a higher degree, and/or credentials, such as the Addictions Nursing Certification Board’s Certified Addictions Registered Nurse certification.

Substance abuse nurses earn more with a bachelor’s degree than high school graduates or associate degree-holders. The BLS reports that workers with a high school diploma earn an average of $712 per week, associate degree-holders make about $836 a week, and bachelor’s degree-holders earn a weekly salary of roughly $1,173.

Addiction nurses start at entry-level positions with base salaries. The lowest 10% of RNs earn about $59,450 a year, while RNs in the 25th percentile make $61,790 a year, according to the BLS.

Yes. Jobs for RNs could grow by 8% from 2020-2030. During that decade, employers could add roughly 194,500 each year.