Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Minneapolis, MN: $54,184 (2026)

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

Minneapolis offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $54,184, which is $3,977 above the Minnesota state average of $50,207. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Minneapolis pays above average for this role.

Minneapolis'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 Minneapolis spans from $32,700 at the 10th percentile to $89,380 at the 90th percentile — a $56,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,970, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,020. With a population of 429,954, Minneapolis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Minneapolis by Experience

In Minneapolis, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $35,970, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,020 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,970

+$2,970 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,590

+$4,590 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$85,020

+$7,020 vs national

Percentile	Minneapolis	MN State	National
10th Percentile	$32,700	$30,300	$30,000
25th Percentile	$41,420	$38,380	$38,000
Median (50th)	$54,184	$50,207	$49,710
75th Percentile	$70,850	$65,650	$65,000
90th Percentile	$89,380	$82,820	$82,000

Percentile

Minneapolis

10th Percentile

$32,700

25th Percentile

$41,420

Median (50th)

$54,184

75th Percentile

$70,850

90th Percentile

$89,380

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Minneapolis

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Minneapolis

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Minneapolis, MN? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota is $54,184 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $32,700 (10th percentile) to $89,380 (90th percentile).

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Minneapolis? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,184, a substance abuse counselor in Minneapolis earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Minneapolis compare to the Minnesota state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Minneapolis's median substance abuse counselor salary of $54,184 is 7.9% above the Minnesota state average of $50,207. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Minneapolis, MN? ▼

Minneapolis has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $54,184 in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Minneapolis 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.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota