Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $67,109 (2026)

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

Fairbanks offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $67,109, which is $2,983 above the Alaska state average of $64,126. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Fairbanks pays above average for this role.

However, Fairbanks's cost of living index is 130%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $67,109 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,622. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Fairbanks spans from $40,500 at the 10th percentile to $110,700 at the 90th percentile — a $70,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,550, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,300. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $44,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$44,550

+$11,550 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$68,850

+$17,850 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$105,300

+$27,300 vs national

Percentile	Fairbanks	AK State	National
10th Percentile	$40,500	$38,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$51,300	$49,020	$38,000
Median (50th)	$67,109	$64,126	$49,710
75th Percentile	$87,750	$83,850	$65,000
90th Percentile	$110,700	$105,780	$82,000

Percentile

Fairbanks

10th Percentile

$40,500

25th Percentile

$51,300

Median (50th)

$67,109

75th Percentile

$87,750

90th Percentile

$110,700

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Fairbanks

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fairbanks

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

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $67,109 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $40,500 (10th percentile) to $110,700 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $67,109, a substance abuse counselor in Fairbanks earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Fairbanks's median substance abuse counselor salary of $67,109 is 4.7% above the Alaska state average of $64,126. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

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

Fairbanks has a cost of living index of 130% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $67,109 in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks, Alaska