Healthcare Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Wilmington, DE is $53,190 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 3.9% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$53,190
vs State Avg
+$1,989
vs National
+$3,480
Cost of Living
105%

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

Wilmington offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190, which is $1,989 above the Delaware state average of $51,201. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Wilmington pays above average for this role.

Wilmington'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 Wilmington 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. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
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 Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$51,698
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$50,207
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$49,710
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$48,716
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Wilmington

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Wilmington, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Wilmington, Delaware 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 Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,190, a substance abuse counselor in Wilmington earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Wilmington's median substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190 is 3.9% above the Delaware state average of $51,201. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, DE? ▼
Wilmington has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190 in Wilmington 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 Wilmington? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Wilmington 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.