Healthcare Kailua, HI Pop. 38,635

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Kailua, Hawaii

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Kailua, HI is $88,484 per year, which is 78.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$88,484
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$38,774
Cost of Living
170%

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

Kailua offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $88,484, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $88,484. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Kailua pays above average for this role.

However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $88,484 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,049. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Kailua spans from $53,400 at the 10th percentile to $145,960 at the 90th percentile — a $92,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,740, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $138,840. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $58,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,740
+$25,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,780
+$39,780 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,840
+$60,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kailua, HI

Percentile Kailua
10th Percentile $53,400
25th Percentile $67,640
Median (50th) $88,484
75th Percentile $115,700
90th Percentile $145,960

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$90,969
Pop. 350,964
Pearl City, HI
$87,490
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$84,507
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$79,536
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Kailua

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Kailua

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Kailua, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Kailua

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Kailua, HI? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $88,484 per year, which is 78.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $53,400 (10th percentile) to $145,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Kailua? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,484, a substance abuse counselor in Kailua earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Kailua's median substance abuse counselor salary of $88,484 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $88,484. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kailua, HI? ▼
Kailua has a cost of living index of 170% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $88,484 in Kailua 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 Kailua? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Kailua 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.