Healthcare Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Helena, Montana

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Helena, MT is $45,733 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$45,733
vs State Avg
$-497
vs National
$-3,977
Cost of Living
94%

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

Helena offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $45,733, which is $497 below the Montana state average of $46,230. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% 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 Helena spans from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $75,440 at the 90th percentile — a $47,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,360, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,760. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $30,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,360
$-2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,920
$-4,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $34,960
Median (50th) $45,733
75th Percentile $59,800
90th Percentile $75,440

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$56,172
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$49,710
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$46,727
Pop. 117,116
Great Falls, MT
$42,751
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Helena

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Helena

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Helena, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Helena

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Helena, Montana is $45,733 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $75,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,733, a substance abuse counselor in Helena earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Helena's median substance abuse counselor salary of $45,733 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $46,230. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $45,733 in Helena 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 Helena? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Helena 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.