Healthcare Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Des Moines, IA is $45,733 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$45,733
vs State Avg
+$1,491
vs National
$-3,977
Cost of Living
92%

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

Des Moines offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $45,733, which is $1,491 above the Iowa state average of $44,242. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% 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 Des Moines spans from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $75,440 at the 90th percentile — a $47,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,360, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,760. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $30,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,360
$-2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,920
$-4,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $34,960
Median (50th) $45,733
75th Percentile $59,800
90th Percentile $75,440

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$47,225
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$43,745
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$42,751
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$41,756
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Des Moines

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $45,733 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $75,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,733, a substance abuse counselor in Des Moines earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Des Moines's median substance abuse counselor salary of $45,733 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $44,242. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $45,733 in Des Moines 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 Des Moines? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Des Moines 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.