Healthcare Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Fort Collins, CO is $53,687 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 0.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$53,687
vs State Avg
+$497
vs National
+$3,977
Cost of Living
106%

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

Fort Collins offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $53,687, which is $497 above the Colorado state average of $53,190. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% 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 Fort Collins spans from $32,400 at the 10th percentile to $88,560 at the 90th percentile — a $56,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,640, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,240. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $35,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,640
+$2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,080
+$4,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,240
+$6,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $32,400
25th Percentile $41,040
Median (50th) $53,687
75th Percentile $70,200
90th Percentile $88,560

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$64,623
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$56,669
Pop. 715,522
Aurora, CO
$53,190
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$50,704
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Fort Collins, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $53,687 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $32,400 (10th percentile) to $88,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,687, a substance abuse counselor in Fort Collins earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median substance abuse counselor salary of $53,687 is 0.9% above the Colorado state average of $53,190. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $53,687 in Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Fort Collins 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.