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Alcohol and drug counsellor

Find out more about working as an alcohol and drug counsellor and the possible pathways to job opportunities.

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There is a strong demand for alcohol and drug counsellors across the state. They are an essential support for people who are experiencing alcohol or drug related issues.

Find out what an alcohol and drug counsellor does and the related Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses and pathways you can take to secure a job.

What is an alcohol and drug counsellor?

Alcohol and drug counsellors help people with alcohol or drug issues. You might provide support with:

There are a range of places you could work to support people. These include:

Find out more about alcohol and drug counsellors(opens in a new window) and these related jobs on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):

Explore these related TAFE and training courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):

You may be eligible for government funding to help pay for your course.

Median salary

The average median earnings for counsellors in Australia is $1,477.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia(opens in a new window)

Note this salary is current as of January 2025 and is indicative only. A range of salaries apply to different roles across the industry.

Job demand in Victoria

Below are the employment forecasts for counsellor jobs in Victoria. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.

‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.

Specific data is not available for alcohol and drug counsellors.

Region Workers 2024 New workers expected by 2027 New workers expected by 2034
Victoria 10,001 1,229 4,836
Melbourne – inner metropolitan 1,924 241 926
Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan 836 87 338
Melbourne – southern metropolitan 1,041 120 481
Melbourne – northern metropolitan 1,227 163 668
Melbourne – eastern metropolitan 1,241 123 519
Melbourne – western metropolitan 1,044 164 649
Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) 325 42 156
Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) 401 52 196
Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) 696 91 353
Gippsland 503 52 237
Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) 85 <10 30
Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) 160 19 57
Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) 172 17 72
Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) 208 19 88
Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) 139 30 65

Source: Victorian Skills Authority Employment Projections Dashboard

Career story

Kim Jackson case study

Kim’s career switch to community services

“I completed my Diploma of Counselling online and when I finished I was employed from then onwards. There are many more opportunities for me now, but I want to stay in a job where I’m helping people.”

Resources to plan your next steps

Visit our community services industry profile to find out about:

Explore growing industries in your region

Training and careers in your region

Explore training, skills and job opportunities in your area of Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Training and careers in growing industries

Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of jobs you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Updated 23 January 2025

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