Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Boise, ID: $48,716 (2026)

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

Boise offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $48,716, which is $2,983 above the Idaho state average of $45,733. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Boise pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Boise's cost of living is 100% 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 Boise spans from $29,400 at the 10th percentile to $80,360 at the 90th percentile — a $50,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,340, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,440. With a population of 235,684, Boise is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Boise by Experience

In Boise, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $32,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$32,340

$-660 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$49,980

$-1,020 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$76,440

$-1,560 vs national

Percentile	Boise	ID State	National
10th Percentile	$29,400	$27,600	$30,000
25th Percentile	$37,240	$34,960	$38,000
Median (50th)	$48,716	$45,733	$49,710
75th Percentile	$63,700	$59,800	$65,000
90th Percentile	$80,360	$75,440	$82,000

Percentile

Boise

10th Percentile

$29,400

25th Percentile

$37,240

Median (50th)

$48,716

75th Percentile

$63,700

90th Percentile

$80,360

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Boise

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Boise

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Boise, ID? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Boise, Idaho is $48,716 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $29,400 (10th percentile) to $80,360 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $48,716, a substance abuse counselor in Boise earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Boise compare to the Idaho state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Boise's median substance abuse counselor salary of $48,716 is 6.5% above the Idaho state average of $45,733. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Boise, ID? ▼

Boise has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $48,716 in Boise 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 Boise? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Boise 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 Boise, Idaho