Healthcare Worcester, MA Pop. 206,518

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Worcester, Massachusetts

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Worcester, MA is $58,658 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 17.5% below the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$58,658
vs State Avg
$-12,427
vs National
+$8,948
Cost of Living
110%

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

Worcester offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $58,658, which is $12,427 below the Massachusetts state average of $71,085. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Worcester pays above average for this role.

Worcester's cost of living is 110% 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 Worcester spans from $35,400 at the 10th percentile to $96,760 at the 90th percentile — a $61,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,940, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,040. With a population of 206,518, Worcester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Worcester by Experience

In Worcester, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $38,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,940
+$5,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,180
+$9,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,040
+$14,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Worcester, MA

Percentile Worcester
10th Percentile $35,400
25th Percentile $44,840
Median (50th) $58,658
75th Percentile $76,700
90th Percentile $96,760

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$83,513
Pop. 118,403
Boston, MA
$79,536
Pop. 675,647
Lowell, MA
$56,172
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$52,693
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Worcester

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Worcester

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Worcester, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Worcester

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Worcester, MA? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Worcester, Massachusetts is $58,658 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $35,400 (10th percentile) to $96,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Worcester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,658, a substance abuse counselor in Worcester earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Worcester compare to the Massachusetts state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Worcester's median substance abuse counselor salary of $58,658 is 17.5% below the Massachusetts state average of $71,085. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Worcester, MA? ▼
Worcester has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $58,658 in Worcester 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 Worcester? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Worcester 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.