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 Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739, which is $1,491 above the Alabama state average of $43,248. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Birmingham spans from $27,000 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $46,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,700, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

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.

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Birmingham, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $44,739 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,739, a substance abuse counselor in Birmingham earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Birmingham's median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $43,248. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a substance abuse counselor in Birmingham? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Birmingham require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Addiction Counseling, CBT/MI, Group Therapy, Crisis Intervention. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.