Healthcare Lowell, MA Pop. 115,554

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Lowell, Massachusetts

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Lowell, MA is $56,172 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 21% below the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$56,172
vs State Avg
$-14,913
vs National
+$6,462
Cost of Living
105%

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

Lowell offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $56,172, which is $14,913 below the Massachusetts state average of $71,085. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Lowell pays above average for this role.

Lowell'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 Lowell spans from $33,900 at the 10th percentile to $92,660 at the 90th percentile — a $58,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,290, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,140. With a population of 115,554, Lowell is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Lowell by Experience

In Lowell, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $37,290, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,140 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,290
+$4,290 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,630
+$6,630 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,140
+$10,140 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lowell, MA

Percentile Lowell
10th Percentile $33,900
25th Percentile $42,940
Median (50th) $56,172
75th Percentile $73,450
90th Percentile $92,660

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$83,513
Pop. 118,403
Boston, MA
$79,536
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$58,658
Pop. 206,518
Springfield, MA
$52,693
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Lowell

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Lowell

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Lowell, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Lowell

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Lowell, MA? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Lowell, Massachusetts is $56,172 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $33,900 (10th percentile) to $92,660 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Lowell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,172, a substance abuse counselor in Lowell earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lowell compare to the Massachusetts state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Lowell's median substance abuse counselor salary of $56,172 is 21% below the Massachusetts state average of $71,085. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lowell, MA? ▼
Lowell has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $56,172 in Lowell 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 Lowell? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Lowell 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.