Healthcare Aurora, CO Pop. 386,261

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Aurora, Colorado

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Aurora, CO is $53,190 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$53,190
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$3,480
Cost of Living
105%

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

Aurora offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190, which is $0 above the Colorado state average of $53,190. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Aurora pays above average for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Aurora spans from $32,100 at the 10th percentile to $87,740 at the 90th percentile — a $55,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,310, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,460. With a population of 386,261, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $35,310, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,460 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,310
+$2,310 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,570
+$3,570 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,460
+$5,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, CO

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $32,100
25th Percentile $40,660
Median (50th) $53,190
75th Percentile $69,550
90th Percentile $87,740

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$64,623
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$56,669
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$53,687
Pop. 169,810
Colorado Springs, CO
$50,704
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Aurora

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Aurora

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Aurora, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Aurora

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Aurora, CO? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Aurora, Colorado is $53,190 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $32,100 (10th percentile) to $87,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,190, a substance abuse counselor in Aurora earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Colorado state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Aurora's median substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190 is 0.0% above the Colorado state average of $53,190. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, CO? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190 in Aurora 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 Aurora? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Aurora 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.