Healthcare Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $43,745 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$43,745
vs State Avg
$-497
vs National
$-5,965
Cost of Living
88%

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

Cedar Rapids offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745, which is $497 below the Iowa state average of $44,242. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $43,745 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,710 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Cedar Rapids spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $72,160 at the 90th percentile — a $45,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,040, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $29,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,040
$-3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,880
$-6,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $33,440
Median (50th) $43,745
75th Percentile $57,200
90th Percentile $72,160

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$47,225
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$45,733
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$42,751
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$41,756
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $43,745 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $72,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,745, a substance abuse counselor in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $44,242. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745 in Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Cedar Rapids 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.