Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $38,774 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 3.7% below the Mississippi state average.
Substance Abuse Counselor Pay in Hattiesburg: What to Expect (2026)
Hattiesburg offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $38,774, which is $1,491 below the Mississippi state average of $40,265. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $38,774 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,468 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Hattiesburg spans from $23,400 at the 10th percentile to $63,960 at the 90th percentile — a $40,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,740, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,840. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience
In Hattiesburg, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $25,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS
| Percentile | Hattiesburg |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $23,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,640 |
| Median (50th) | $38,774 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,700 |
| 90th Percentile | $63,960 |
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Mississippi Cities
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Hattiesburg
Education
Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Hattiesburg and the surrounding Mississippi area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Hattiesburg may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Hattiesburg
Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Hattiesburg, MS: