Healthcare Huntsville, AL Pop. 216,963

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Huntsville, Alabama

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Huntsville, AL is $45,733 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 5.7% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$45,733
vs State Avg
+$2,485
vs National
$-3,977
Cost of Living
92%

Substance Abuse Counselor Pay in Huntsville: What to Expect (2026)

Huntsville offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $45,733, which is $2,485 above the Alabama state average of $43,248. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Huntsville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Huntsville's cost of living is 92% 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 Huntsville spans from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $75,440 at the 90th percentile — a $47,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,360, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,760. With a population of 216,963, Huntsville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Huntsville by Experience

In Huntsville, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $30,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,360
$-2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,920
$-4,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Huntsville, AL

Percentile Huntsville
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $34,960
Median (50th) $45,733
75th Percentile $59,800
90th Percentile $75,440

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Birmingham, AL
$44,739
Pop. 197,575
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 Huntsville

Education

Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Huntsville 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 Huntsville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Huntsville

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Huntsville, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Huntsville

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Huntsville, AL? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Huntsville, Alabama is $45,733 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $75,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Huntsville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,733, a substance abuse counselor in Huntsville earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Huntsville compare to the Alabama state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Huntsville's median substance abuse counselor salary of $45,733 is 5.7% above the Alabama state average of $43,248. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Huntsville, AL? ▼
Huntsville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $45,733 in Huntsville 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 Huntsville? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Huntsville 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.