Healthcare Bridgeport, CT Pop. 148,529

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Bridgeport, Connecticut

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Bridgeport, CT is $55,675 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 3.4% below the Connecticut state average.

City Median
$55,675
vs State Avg
$-1,989
vs National
+$5,965
Cost of Living
108%

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

Bridgeport offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $55,675, which is $1,989 below the Connecticut state average of $57,664. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Bridgeport pays above average for this role.

Bridgeport's cost of living is 108% 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 Bridgeport spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $91,840 at the 90th percentile — a $58,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,360. With a population of 148,529, Bridgeport is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Bridgeport by Experience

In Bridgeport, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
+$3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,120
+$6,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,360
+$9,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bridgeport, CT

Percentile Bridgeport
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $42,560
Median (50th) $55,675
75th Percentile $72,800
90th Percentile $91,840

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Connecticut Cities

Stamford, CT
$70,588
Pop. 135,470
New Haven, CT
$56,669
Pop. 134,023
Hartford, CT
$54,184
Pop. 121,054
Waterbury, CT
$50,704
Pop. 114,403

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Bridgeport

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Bridgeport

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Bridgeport, CT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Bridgeport

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Bridgeport, CT? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Bridgeport, Connecticut is $55,675 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $91,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Bridgeport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,675, a substance abuse counselor in Bridgeport earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bridgeport compare to the Connecticut state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Bridgeport's median substance abuse counselor salary of $55,675 is 3.4% below the Connecticut state average of $57,664. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bridgeport, CT? ▼
Bridgeport has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $55,675 in Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Bridgeport 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.