What is the Salary for an Addiction Therapist in Texas?
In the state of Texas, the average salary for an addiction therapist is approximately $35,100 per year. For those who are on an hour pay rate, this averages out to around $16.87 per hour. This might not seem like a lot and, in truth, it's not when you consider most of the work that many addiction therapists do. However, you should know that there are several ways in which you can increase your salary in the state and enable yourself to go above and beyond the average salary range for Texas.
One of the big things you can do, if you have not already, is to get yourself licensed and/or certified. While some positions in the state do require you to have a license or a certification in order to work, not all of them do. If you took on a job without this requirement, you can still make more money by choosing to go out and get a licensure or certification yourself. Not only will this give you an automatic boost in pay, but it will also open you up for even more opportunities in the field, either with your current company or place of work or with another.
Increasing education is an option for those who are already licensed or certified or who wish to become licensed or certified. In fact, in order to obtain some degrees of licensure or certification, you will have to possess at least a master's degree. No matter what your current degree level, though, think about taking it up a notch. Once you have even the lowest level degree, which is an associate's degree, you can easily move up to the next level with minimal work, and you don't even have to quit your current job. There are plenty of Texas colleges and universities that offer night classes or online courses for those with busy working schedules. The best news of all is that if you're already working in the field, many employers will actually pay all or part of the bill for your continued education. So, if this is an option you're considering, make sure you talk to your employer first.
Another very simple thing that can help to increase your salary range is just staying put. Remember that the longer you stay at a particular position and the longer you stay with a certain company, the more money you can make over time. Most major places of business offer pay raises to their employees each year, and the harder and longer you work, the more promotions you will be eligible for. This is also a great way to create a strong resume in case you ever do have to leave your current position and seek a new job in the field.
Just as there are things you should do to increase your salary, there are also many things you should not do. For example, it is a well known fact in the addiction therapy world that some places of business pay addiction therapists more than others. Hospitals and private rehabilitation centers, for example, tend to pay far more than group homes, halfway houses, or non-profit organizations. However, you should never switch your line or work or job just for better pay. If you love working with non-profits, you shouldn't leave to go work in a hospital setting just to make more money. With a line of work as demanding as addiction therapy, it is extremely important that you enjoy what you do to keep from getting burnt out, so that extra bit of money you might make from switching to a job you don't like simply isn't worth it.
You also shouldn't move or relocate just to make more money. Most people know that the bigger cities in Texas are the ones that pay their addiction therapists the most money. However, you shouldn't switch your entire life around just for a salary increase, unless it is truly monumental and/or worth it to you. The truth of the matter is that you can often make just as much as you would from moving by staying with your present company for just a little bit longer.