Healthcare Wasilla, AK Pop. 12,000

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Wasilla, Alaska

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Wasilla, AK is $61,143 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Alaska state average.

City Median
$61,143
vs State Avg
$-2,983
vs National
+$11,433
Cost of Living
118%

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

Wasilla offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $61,143, which is $2,983 below the Alaska state average of $64,126. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Wasilla pays above average for this role.

However, Wasilla's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $61,143 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,816. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Wasilla should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Wasilla spans from $36,900 at the 10th percentile to $100,860 at the 90th percentile — a $63,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,590, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,940. Wasilla is a smaller market (pop. 12,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Wasilla by Experience

In Wasilla, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $40,590, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,940 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,590
+$7,590 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,730
+$11,730 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,940
+$17,940 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wasilla, AK

Percentile Wasilla
10th Percentile $36,900
25th Percentile $46,740
Median (50th) $61,143
75th Percentile $79,950
90th Percentile $100,860

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Alaska Cities

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Wasilla

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Wasilla

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Wasilla

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Wasilla, AK? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Wasilla, Alaska is $61,143 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $36,900 (10th percentile) to $100,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Wasilla? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,143, a substance abuse counselor in Wasilla earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wasilla compare to the Alaska state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Wasilla's median substance abuse counselor salary of $61,143 is 4.7% below the Alaska state average of $64,126. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wasilla, AK? ▼
Wasilla has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $61,143 in Wasilla 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 Wasilla? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Wasilla 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.