Healthcare Dover, NH Pop. 32,741

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Dover, New Hampshire

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Dover, NH is $53,190 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 0.9% below the New Hampshire state average.

City Median
$53,190
vs State Avg
$-497
vs National
+$3,480
Cost of Living
104%

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

Dover offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190, which is $497 below the New Hampshire state average of $53,687. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Dover pays above average for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 104% 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 Dover spans from $32,100 at the 10th percentile to $87,740 at the 90th percentile — a $55,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,310, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,460. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 32,741), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $35,310, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,460 per year. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,310
+$2,310 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,570
+$3,570 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,460
+$5,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, NH

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $32,100
25th Percentile $40,660
Median (50th) $53,190
75th Percentile $69,550
90th Percentile $87,740

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other New Hampshire Cities

Nashua, NH
$56,172
Pop. 91,322
Manchester, NH
$54,184
Pop. 115,644
Concord, NH
$52,196
Pop. 43,976
Rochester, NH
$50,207
Pop. 31,366

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Dover

Education

Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Dover and the surrounding New Hampshire 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 Dover may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Dover

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Dover, NH:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Dover

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Dover, NH? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Dover, New Hampshire is $53,190 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $32,100 (10th percentile) to $87,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,190, a substance abuse counselor in Dover earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the New Hampshire state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Dover's median substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190 is 0.9% below the New Hampshire state average of $53,687. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, NH? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 104% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $53,190 in Dover has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a substance abuse counselor in Dover? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Dover 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.