Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Lafayette, LA is $43,745 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$43,745
vs State Avg
$-1,491
vs National
$-5,965
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745, which is $1,491 below the Louisiana state average of $45,236. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette'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 Lafayette an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
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 Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$48,716
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$45,733
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$42,751
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$42,254
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,745, a substance abuse counselor in Lafayette earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Lafayette's median substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $45,236. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745 in Lafayette 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 Lafayette? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Lafayette 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.