Healthcare Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Portland, Maine

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Portland, ME is $54,681 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 10.0% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$54,681
vs State Avg
+$4,971
vs National
+$4,971
Cost of Living
108%

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

Portland offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $54,681, which is $4,971 above the Maine state average of $49,710. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Portland pays above average for this role.

Portland's cost of living is 108% 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 Portland spans from $33,000 at the 10th percentile to $90,200 at the 90th percentile — a $57,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,300, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,800. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $36,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,300
+$3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,100
+$5,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,800
+$7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $33,000
25th Percentile $41,800
Median (50th) $54,681
75th Percentile $71,500
90th Percentile $90,200

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Maine Cities

South Portland, ME
$53,190
Pop. 25,665
Bangor, ME
$46,727
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$45,733
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$45,236
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Portland

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Portland

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Portland, ME:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Portland

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Portland, Maine is $54,681 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $33,000 (10th percentile) to $90,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,681, a substance abuse counselor in Portland earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Portland's median substance abuse counselor salary of $54,681 is 10.0% above the Maine state average of $49,710. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $54,681 in Portland 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 Portland? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Portland 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.