Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Honolulu, HI: $90,969 (2026)

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

Honolulu offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $90,969, which is $2,485 above the Hawaii state average of $88,484. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $90,969 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,982. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Honolulu spans from $54,900 at the 10th percentile to $150,060 at the 90th percentile — a $95,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,390, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,740. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $60,390, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,740 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$60,390

+$27,390 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$93,330

+$42,330 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$142,740

+$64,740 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$54,900	$53,400	$30,000
25th Percentile	$69,540	$67,640	$38,000
Median (50th)	$90,969	$88,484	$49,710
75th Percentile	$118,950	$115,700	$65,000
90th Percentile	$150,060	$145,960	$82,000

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$54,900

25th Percentile

$69,540

Median (50th)

$90,969

75th Percentile

$118,950

90th Percentile

$150,060

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Honolulu

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Honolulu, HI? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $90,969 per year, which is 83.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $54,900 (10th percentile) to $150,060 (90th percentile).

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Honolulu? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $90,969, a substance abuse counselor in Honolulu earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Honolulu's median substance abuse counselor salary of $90,969 is 2.8% above the Hawaii state average of $88,484. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼

Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $90,969 in Honolulu 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 Honolulu? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Honolulu 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.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii