Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Anchorage, AK: $65,120 (2026)

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

Anchorage offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $65,120, which is $994 above the Alaska state average of $64,126. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Anchorage pays above average for this role.

However, Anchorage's cost of living index is 126%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $65,120 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,683. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Anchorage should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Anchorage spans from $39,300 at the 10th percentile to $107,420 at the 90th percentile — a $68,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,230, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,180. With a population of 291,247, Anchorage is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Anchorage by Experience

In Anchorage, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $43,230, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,180 per year. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$43,230

+$10,230 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$66,810

+$15,810 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$102,180

+$24,180 vs national

Percentile	Anchorage	AK State	National
10th Percentile	$39,300	$38,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$49,780	$49,020	$38,000
Median (50th)	$65,120	$64,126	$49,710
75th Percentile	$85,150	$83,850	$65,000
90th Percentile	$107,420	$105,780	$82,000

Percentile

Anchorage

10th Percentile

$39,300

25th Percentile

$49,780

Median (50th)

$65,120

75th Percentile

$85,150

90th Percentile

$107,420

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Anchorage

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Anchorage

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Anchorage, AK? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Anchorage, Alaska is $65,120 per year, which is 31.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $39,300 (10th percentile) to $107,420 (90th percentile).

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Anchorage? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $65,120, a substance abuse counselor in Anchorage earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Anchorage compare to the Alaska state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Anchorage's median substance abuse counselor salary of $65,120 is 1.6% above the Alaska state average of $64,126. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Anchorage, AK? ▼

Anchorage has a cost of living index of 126% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $65,120 in Anchorage has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a substance abuse counselor in Anchorage? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Anchorage 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.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Anchorage, Alaska