Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Kearney, NE: $42,751 (2026)

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

Kearney offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $42,751, which is $1,988 below the Nebraska state average of $44,739. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $42,751 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,710 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Kearney spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $70,520 at the 90th percentile — a $44,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,380, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $28,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,380

$-4,620 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$43,860

$-7,140 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$67,080

$-10,920 vs national

Percentile	Kearney	NE State	National
10th Percentile	$25,800	$27,000	$30,000
25th Percentile	$32,680	$34,200	$38,000
Median (50th)	$42,751	$44,739	$49,710
75th Percentile	$55,900	$58,500	$65,000
90th Percentile	$70,520	$73,800	$82,000

Percentile

Kearney

10th Percentile

$25,800

25th Percentile

$32,680

Median (50th)

$42,751

75th Percentile

$55,900

90th Percentile

$70,520

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Kearney

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Kearney

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Kearney, NE? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $42,751 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $70,520 (90th percentile).

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Kearney? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $42,751, a substance abuse counselor in Kearney earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Kearney's median substance abuse counselor salary of $42,751 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $44,739. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼

Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $42,751 in Kearney 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 Kearney? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Kearney 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.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Kearney, Nebraska