Healthcare Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Lincoln, NE is $44,739 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$44,739
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,971
Cost of Living
90%

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

Lincoln offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $44,739. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln's cost of living is 90% 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 Lincoln spans from $27,000 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $46,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,700, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. With a population of 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Lincoln by Experience

In Lincoln, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $29,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,700
$-3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,900
$-5,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lincoln, NE

Percentile Lincoln
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $34,200
Median (50th) $44,739
75th Percentile $58,500
90th Percentile $73,800

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$46,230
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$45,733
Pop. 64,176
Kearney, NE
$42,751
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$41,756
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Lincoln

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Lincoln, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Lincoln, Nebraska is $44,739 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,739, a substance abuse counselor in Lincoln earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Lincoln's median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $44,739. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 in Lincoln 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 Lincoln? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Lincoln 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.