Healthcare Gulfport, MS Pop. 72,926

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Gulfport, Mississippi

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Gulfport, MS is $39,768 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 1.2% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$39,768
vs State Avg
$-497
vs National
$-9,942
Cost of Living
82%

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

Gulfport offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $39,768, which is $497 below the Mississippi state average of $40,265. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Gulfport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Gulfport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $39,768 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,498 in an average-cost city. This makes Gulfport an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Gulfport spans from $24,000 at the 10th percentile to $65,600 at the 90th percentile — a $41,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,400, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,400. Gulfport is a smaller market (pop. 72,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Gulfport by Experience

In Gulfport, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,400
$-6,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,400
$-15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Gulfport, MS

Percentile Gulfport
10th Percentile $24,000
25th Percentile $30,400
Median (50th) $39,768
75th Percentile $52,000
90th Percentile $65,600

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$41,259
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$40,762
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$40,265
Pop. 46,212
Hattiesburg, MS
$38,774
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Gulfport

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Gulfport

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Gulfport, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Gulfport

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Gulfport, MS? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Gulfport, Mississippi is $39,768 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $24,000 (10th percentile) to $65,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Gulfport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,768, a substance abuse counselor in Gulfport earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Gulfport compare to the Mississippi state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Gulfport's median substance abuse counselor salary of $39,768 is 1.2% below the Mississippi state average of $40,265. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Gulfport, MS? ▼
Gulfport has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $39,768 in Gulfport 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 Gulfport? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Gulfport 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.