Healthcare Grand Rapids, MI Pop. 198,917

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Grand Rapids, MI is $44,739 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Michigan state average.

City Median
$44,739
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,971
Cost of Living
90%

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

Grand Rapids offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739, which is $0 above the Michigan state average of $44,739. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Grand Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Grand Rapids's cost of living is 90% 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 Grand Rapids spans from $27,000 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $46,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,700, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. With a population of 198,917, Grand Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Grand Rapids by Experience

In Grand Rapids, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $29,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,700
$-3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,900
$-5,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Rapids, MI

Percentile Grand Rapids
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $34,200
Median (50th) $44,739
75th Percentile $58,500
90th Percentile $73,800

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$52,196
Pop. 123,851
Detroit, MI
$43,745
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$43,745
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$42,751
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Grand Rapids

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Grand Rapids

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Grand Rapids, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Grand Rapids

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan is $44,739 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Grand Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,739, a substance abuse counselor in Grand Rapids earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Rapids compare to the Michigan state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Grand Rapids's median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 is 0.0% above the Michigan state average of $44,739. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 in Grand Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a substance abuse counselor in Grand Rapids? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Grand Rapids 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.