Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Little Rock, AR: $42,254 (2026)

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

Little Rock offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $42,254, which is $1,492 above the Arkansas state average of $40,762. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $42,254 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,568 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Little Rock spans from $25,500 at the 10th percentile to $69,700 at the 90th percentile — a $44,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,050, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,300. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $28,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,050

$-4,950 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$43,350

$-7,650 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$66,300

$-11,700 vs national

Percentile	Little Rock	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$25,500	$24,600	$30,000
25th Percentile	$32,300	$31,160	$38,000
Median (50th)	$42,254	$40,762	$49,710
75th Percentile	$55,250	$53,300	$65,000
90th Percentile	$69,700	$67,240	$82,000

Percentile

Little Rock

10th Percentile

$25,500

25th Percentile

$32,300

Median (50th)

$42,254

75th Percentile

$55,250

90th Percentile

$69,700

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Little Rock

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Little Rock, AR? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $42,254 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $25,500 (10th percentile) to $69,700 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $42,254, a substance abuse counselor in Little Rock earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Little Rock's median substance abuse counselor salary of $42,254 is 3.7% above the Arkansas state average of $40,762. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼

Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $42,254 in Little Rock 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 Little Rock? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Little Rock 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 Little Rock, Arkansas