Healthcare Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Grand Island, NE is $41,756 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$41,756
vs State Avg
$-2,983
vs National
$-7,954
Cost of Living
84%

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

Grand Island offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $41,756, which is $2,983 below the Nebraska state average of $44,739. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $41,756 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,710 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Grand Island spans from $25,200 at the 10th percentile to $68,880 at the 90th percentile — a $43,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,720, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,520. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $27,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,840
$-8,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $25,200
25th Percentile $31,920
Median (50th) $41,756
75th Percentile $54,600
90th Percentile $68,880

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$46,230
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$45,733
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$44,739
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$42,751
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Grand Island

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $41,756 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $25,200 (10th percentile) to $68,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,756, a substance abuse counselor in Grand Island earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Grand Island's median substance abuse counselor salary of $41,756 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $44,739. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $41,756 in Grand Island 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 Grand Island? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Grand Island 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.