Healthcare Jackson, MS Pop. 153,701

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Jackson, Mississippi

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Jackson, MS is $41,259 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 2.5% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$41,259
vs State Avg
+$994
vs National
$-8,451
Cost of Living
85%

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

Jackson offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $41,259, which is $994 above the Mississippi state average of $40,265. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Jackson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jackson's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $41,259 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Jackson an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Jackson spans from $24,900 at the 10th percentile to $68,060 at the 90th percentile — a $43,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,390, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,740. With a population of 153,701, Jackson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Jackson by Experience

In Jackson, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $27,390, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,740 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,390
$-5,610 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,330
$-8,670 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,740
$-13,260 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jackson, MS

Percentile Jackson
10th Percentile $24,900
25th Percentile $31,540
Median (50th) $41,259
75th Percentile $53,950
90th Percentile $68,060

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Southaven, MS
$40,762
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$40,265
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$39,768
Pop. 72,926
Hattiesburg, MS
$38,774
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Jackson

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Jackson

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Jackson, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Jackson

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Jackson, MS? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Jackson, Mississippi is $41,259 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $24,900 (10th percentile) to $68,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Jackson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,259, a substance abuse counselor in Jackson earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jackson compare to the Mississippi state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Jackson's median substance abuse counselor salary of $41,259 is 2.5% above the Mississippi state average of $40,265. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS? ▼
Jackson has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $41,259 in Jackson 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 Jackson? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Jackson 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.