Healthcare New Hampshire (NH) Rank #11 of 50

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in New Hampshire

The median substance abuse counselor salary in New Hampshire is $53,687 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $49,710.

Median Salary
$53,687
vs National
+$3,977
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary Overview in New Hampshire (2026)

New Hampshire ranks #11 out of 50 states for substance abuse counselor compensation. New Hampshire falls in the middle of the pack for substance abuse counselor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $53,687 per year, substance abuse counselors in New Hampshire earn $3,977 more than the national median of $49,710.

New Hampshire's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning substance abuse counselor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in New Hampshire is significant: substance abuse counselors at the 10th percentile earn $32,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,560 — a $56,160 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Hampshire for this role is Nashua, where the median reaches $56,172.

Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in New Hampshire and beyond.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in New Hampshire by Experience

In New Hampshire, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $35,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,240 per year. The cost of living index in New Hampshire is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,640
+$2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,080
+$4,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,240
+$6,240 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Hampshire

Percentile NH Salary
10th Percentile $32,400
25th Percentile $41,040
Median (50th) $53,687
75th Percentile $70,200
90th Percentile $88,560

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary by City in New Hampshire

The largest employment areas for substance abuse counselors in New Hampshire include Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Dover. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in New Hampshire

Education

Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. New Hampshire has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Addiction CounselingCBT/MIGroup TherapyCrisis InterventionDocumentationEmpathy

Job Outlook in New Hampshire

Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). New Hampshire's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in New Hampshire

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in New Hampshire? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in New Hampshire is $53,687 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $32,400 (10th percentile) to $88,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in New Hampshire? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,687, a substance abuse counselor in New Hampshire earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Hampshire a good state for substance abuse counselors? ▼
New Hampshire ranks #11 out of 50 states for substance abuse counselor pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level substance abuse counselors earn $35,640, while senior professionals earn $84,240.
How does New Hampshire compare to other states for substance abuse counselor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for substance abuse counselors is Hawaii at $88,484. New Hampshire's median of $53,687 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($56,669) and Oregon ($55,675).
What is the entry-level substance abuse counselor salary in New Hampshire? ▼
An entry-level substance abuse counselor in New Hampshire earns approximately $35,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,240.
What city in New Hampshire pays substance abuse counselors the most? ▼
Nashua is the highest paying city in New Hampshire for substance abuse counselors, with a median salary of $56,172. Other cities include Manchester and Concord.