Healthcare Omaha, NE Pop. 486,051

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Omaha, Nebraska

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Omaha, NE is $46,230 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$46,230
vs State Avg
+$1,491
vs National
$-3,480
Cost of Living
93%

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

Omaha offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $46,230, which is $1,491 above the Nebraska state average of $44,739. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Omaha pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Omaha's cost of living is 93% 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 Omaha spans from $27,900 at the 10th percentile to $76,260 at the 90th percentile — a $48,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,690, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,540. With a population of 486,051, Omaha is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Omaha by Experience

In Omaha, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $30,690, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,540 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,690
$-2,310 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,430
$-3,570 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,540
$-5,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Omaha, NE

Percentile Omaha
10th Percentile $27,900
25th Percentile $35,340
Median (50th) $46,230
75th Percentile $60,450
90th Percentile $76,260

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Bellevue, NE
$45,733
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$44,739
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$42,751
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$41,756
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Omaha

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Omaha

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Omaha, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Omaha

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Omaha, NE? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Omaha, Nebraska is $46,230 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,900 (10th percentile) to $76,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Omaha? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,230, a substance abuse counselor in Omaha earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Omaha compare to the Nebraska state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Omaha's median substance abuse counselor salary of $46,230 is 3.3% above the Nebraska state average of $44,739. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Omaha, NE? ▼
Omaha has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $46,230 in Omaha 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 Omaha? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Omaha 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.