Healthcare Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Dover, DE is $48,716 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 4.9% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$48,716
vs State Avg
$-2,485
vs National
$-994
Cost of Living
96%

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

Dover offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $48,716, which is $2,485 below the Delaware state average of $51,201. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% 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 Dover spans from $29,400 at the 10th percentile to $80,360 at the 90th percentile — a $50,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,340, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,440. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $32,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,340
$-660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,980
$-1,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,440
$-1,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $29,400
25th Percentile $37,240
Median (50th) $48,716
75th Percentile $63,700
90th Percentile $80,360

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$53,190
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$51,698
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$50,207
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$49,710
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Dover

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Dover

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Dover

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Dover, Delaware is $48,716 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $29,400 (10th percentile) to $80,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,716, a substance abuse counselor in Dover earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Dover's median substance abuse counselor salary of $48,716 is 4.9% below the Delaware state average of $51,201. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $48,716 in Dover 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 Dover? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Dover 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.