Healthcare Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Cambridge, MA is $83,513 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 17.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$83,513
vs State Avg
+$12,428
vs National
+$33,803
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $83,513, which is $12,428 above the Massachusetts state average of $71,085. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $83,513 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,196. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Cambridge spans from $50,400 at the 10th percentile to $137,760 at the 90th percentile — a $87,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,440, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $131,040. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $55,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,440
+$22,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,680
+$34,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,040
+$53,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $63,840
Median (50th) $83,513
75th Percentile $109,200
90th Percentile $137,760

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$79,536
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$58,658
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$56,172
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$52,693
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Cambridge

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $83,513 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $137,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,513, a substance abuse counselor in Cambridge earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Cambridge's median substance abuse counselor salary of $83,513 is 17.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $71,085. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $83,513 in Cambridge 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 Cambridge? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Cambridge 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.