How Much Do Substance Use and Addiction Nurses Make?
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Cecilie_Arcurs / E+ / Getty ImagesDo you want to make a living helping people struggling with substance use disorders? The demand for substance use and 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 could add up to 41,000 of these new positions every year.
If you want to help people in their most vulnerable moments and join a rapidly growing field, substance abuse and addiction nurses could be the answer. Check out all the details below to see if this field is the best fit for you and your unique skills and experiences.
Average Salary for Substance Use and Addiction Nurses
Substance use and 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. As in most professions, nurse salaries vary by experience, education, credentials, work setting, and your geographic location.
Salaries for addiction nurses rank above the national average of $58,260, as reported by BLS. However, other nursing positions can pay more, especially to those that hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree or higher. Specially trained nurse practitioners — many of whom assist patients with mental health and substance use problems — require a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree but earn a median annual salary of $120,680, according to the BLS.
Highest-Paying States for Addiction Nurse
Salaries for substance use and addiction nurses correlate to where they live. Substance use and 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 substance use and addiction nurses.
4 Ways to Increase Pay As an Addiction Nurse
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.
- 1
Earn Your BSN
Becoming an RN only requires an associate in nursing degree, the minimum requirement to take the NCLEX-RN and earn a license. Pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) often puts RNs in reach of higher salaries and better positions. The education, experience, and connections earned through a BSN degree also give addiction nurses an advantage on the job market and provide the foundational education needed for higher degrees.
- 2
Become a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
Credentials like the CRRN provide verification of a nurse’s skills and knowledge in rehabilitation from substance use disorders. Employers may prefer certified nurses and even encourage existing staff to become certified. Certification as a rehabilitation nurse requires two years of work experience as a licensed RN and passing scores on the CRRN exam.
- 3
Become a Travel Nurse
Cities around the country are experiencing nursing shortages. These critical-need areas pay substance use and addiction nurses higher salaries to travel. Companies often provide bonuses to work as a travel nurse and discounts for entertainment, travel, and leisure.
- 4
Switch Nurse Settings
Different work settings have varying compensation rates for RNs. The top three settings that pay RNs the most include non-scheduled air transportation ($112,630), pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing ($105,270), and merchant wholesalers ($80,260).
Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Use and Addiction Nurse Salaries
What career advancement opportunities are available for substance use and addiction nurses?
Substance use and 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.
Do addiction nurses earn more with a BSN degree?
Substance use and addiction nurses 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.
What is the starting salary for addiction nurses?
Substance use and 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.
Are substance use and addiction nurses in demand?
Yes. Jobs for RNs could grow by 8% from 2020-2030. During that decade, employers could add roughly 194,500 each year. Substance use and addiction nurses remain in demand as the nation continues to struggle collectively with high rates of substance use disorders and addiction, which can lead to a host of problems including injury and death.
