Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Arkansas
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Arkansas is $40,762 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $49,710.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for substance abuse counselor compensation. Substance Abuse Counselor salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $40,762 per year, substance abuse counselors in Arkansas earn $8,948 less than the national median of $49,710.
A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $40,762 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $48,526 in an average-cost area.
The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: substance abuse counselors at the 10th percentile earn $24,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $67,240 — a $42,640 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $42,751.
Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Arkansas and beyond.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Arkansas by Experience
In Arkansas, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $27,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,960 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.
Save More on Student Loans
Earning $40,762? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.
Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →Salary Percentiles in Arkansas
| Percentile | AR Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $24,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,160 |
| Median (50th) | $40,762 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,300 |
| 90th Percentile | $67,240 |
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary by City in Arkansas
The largest employment areas for substance abuse counselors in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Arkansas
Education
Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Arkansas
Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
Stand Out from the Competition
85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 338,100 other Substance Abuse Counselors.
Get a Professional Resume →Open to Substance Abuse Counselor Roles in Arkansas?
Get matched with recruiters hiring substance abuse counselors in Arkansas at competitive salaries.
Or browse positions directly: