Healthcare South Portland, ME Pop. 25,665

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in South Portland, Maine

The median substance abuse counselor salary in South Portland, ME is $53,190 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$53,190
vs State Avg
+$3,480
vs National
+$3,480
Cost of Living
105%

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

South Portland offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190, which is $3,480 above the Maine state average of $49,710. Compared to the national median of $49,710, South Portland pays above average for this role.

South Portland's cost of living is 105% 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 South Portland spans from $32,100 at the 10th percentile to $87,740 at the 90th percentile — a $55,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,310, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,460. South Portland is a smaller market (pop. 25,665), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in South Portland by Experience

In South Portland, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $35,310, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,460 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,310
+$2,310 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,570
+$3,570 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,460
+$5,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Portland, ME

Percentile South Portland
10th Percentile $32,100
25th Percentile $40,660
Median (50th) $53,190
75th Percentile $69,550
90th Percentile $87,740

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Maine Cities

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in South Portland

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in South Portland

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in South Portland, ME:

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in South Portland

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in South Portland, ME? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in South Portland, Maine is $53,190 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $32,100 (10th percentile) to $87,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in South Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,190, a substance abuse counselor in South Portland earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Portland compare to the Maine state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
South Portland's median substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190 is 7.0% above the Maine state average of $49,710. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Portland, ME? ▼
South Portland has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190 in South 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 South Portland? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in South 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.