The average turnover rate among substance abuse treatment counselors is 18.5%.
This rate far exceeds the national average of 11% across all occupations and is significantly higher than the average annual turnover rates of teachers (13%) and nurses (12%), occupations traditionally known to have high rates of turnover.8
Retaining qualified workers is a priority issue for the addictions treatment and recovery field. A sound infrastructure must be in place to ensure continuity, a positive work environment, and the presence of a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of those requiring alcohol or illicit drug treatment.
High turnover rates result in significant costs to the treatment care system, including:
Consider the following:
Each year U.S. businesses spend billions of dollars recruiting & replacing their employees. Individually, it costs between $4,000 - $14,000 to replace an hourly employee, and upwards to $40,000 to replace a manager.10
Turnover Replacement Costs by Industry: (per employee)
Construction: $14,500
Manufacturing - $14,000
Trade & Transportation - $12,500
Information - $19,000
Financial Activities - $18,000
Professional & Business - $15,500
Education & Health - $14,000
Leisure & Hospitality - $7,000
Other Services - $12,750
All Private - $14,000
Click here to learn how management practices influence turnover.
