Healthcare Jacksonville, FL Pop. 949,611

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Jacksonville, Florida

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Jacksonville, FL is $48,219 per year, which is 3% below the national median and 3% below the Florida state average.

City Median
$48,219
vs State Avg
$-1,491
vs National
$-1,491
Cost of Living
95%

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

Jacksonville offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $48,219, which is $1,491 below the Florida state average of $49,710. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Jacksonville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Jacksonville's cost of living is 95% 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 Jacksonville spans from $29,100 at the 10th percentile to $79,540 at the 90th percentile — a $50,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,010, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,660. As a major metro area with a population of 949,611, Jacksonville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Jacksonville by Experience

In Jacksonville, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $32,010, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,660 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,010
$-990 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,470
$-1,530 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,660
$-2,340 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jacksonville, FL

Percentile Jacksonville
10th Percentile $29,100
25th Percentile $36,860
Median (50th) $48,219
75th Percentile $63,050
90th Percentile $79,540

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Florida Cities

Miami, FL
$59,652
Pop. 442,241
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$58,161
Pop. 182,760
Orlando, FL
$51,698
Pop. 307,573
Tampa, FL
$50,704
Pop. 384,959

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Jacksonville

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Jacksonville

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Jacksonville, FL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Jacksonville

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Jacksonville, FL? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Jacksonville, Florida is $48,219 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $29,100 (10th percentile) to $79,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Jacksonville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,219, a substance abuse counselor in Jacksonville earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jacksonville compare to the Florida state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Jacksonville's median substance abuse counselor salary of $48,219 is 3% below the Florida state average of $49,710. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jacksonville, FL? ▼
Jacksonville has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $48,219 in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Jacksonville 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.