Healthcare Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Waipahu, HI is $84,507 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 4.5% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$84,507
vs State Avg
$-3,977
vs National
+$34,797
Cost of Living
162%

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

Waipahu offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $84,507, which is $3,977 below the Hawaii state average of $88,484. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Waipahu pays above average for this role.

However, Waipahu's cost of living index is 162%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $84,507 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,165. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Waipahu spans from $51,000 at the 10th percentile to $139,400 at the 90th percentile — a $88,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,100, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,600. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $56,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,100
+$23,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,700
+$35,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,600
+$54,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $51,000
25th Percentile $64,600
Median (50th) $84,507
75th Percentile $110,500
90th Percentile $139,400

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$90,969
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$88,484
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$87,490
Pop. 47,698
Hilo, HI
$79,536
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Waipahu

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Waipahu

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Waipahu, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Waipahu

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $84,507 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $51,000 (10th percentile) to $139,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,507, a substance abuse counselor in Waipahu earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Waipahu's median substance abuse counselor salary of $84,507 is 4.5% below the Hawaii state average of $88,484. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waipahu, HI? ▼
Waipahu has a cost of living index of 162% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $84,507 in Waipahu 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 Waipahu? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Waipahu 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.