Healthcare Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Birmingham, AL is $44,739 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$44,739
vs State Avg
+$1,491
vs National
$-4,971
Cost of Living
90%

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $29,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,700
$-3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,900
$-5,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $34,200
Median (50th) $44,739
75th Percentile $58,500
90th Percentile $73,800

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$45,733
Pop. 216,963
Tuscaloosa, AL
$43,745
Pop. 101,129
Montgomery, AL
$42,751
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$42,254
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Birmingham

Education

Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Addiction CounselingCBT/MIGroup TherapyCrisis InterventionDocumentationEmpathy

Job Outlook

Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.