Healthcare Manchester, NH Pop. 115,644

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Manchester, New Hampshire

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Manchester, NH is $54,184 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 0.9% above the New Hampshire state average.

City Median
$54,184
vs State Avg
+$497
vs National
+$4,474
Cost of Living
106%

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

Manchester offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $54,184, which is $497 above the New Hampshire state average of $53,687. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Manchester pays above average for this role.

Manchester's cost of living is 106% 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 Manchester spans from $32,700 at the 10th percentile to $89,380 at the 90th percentile — a $56,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,970, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,020. With a population of 115,644, Manchester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Manchester by Experience

In Manchester, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $35,970, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,020 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,970
+$2,970 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,590
+$4,590 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,020
+$7,020 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Manchester, NH

Percentile Manchester
10th Percentile $32,700
25th Percentile $41,420
Median (50th) $54,184
75th Percentile $70,850
90th Percentile $89,380

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other New Hampshire Cities

Nashua, NH
$56,172
Pop. 91,322
Dover, NH
$53,190
Pop. 32,741
Concord, NH
$52,196
Pop. 43,976
Rochester, NH
$50,207
Pop. 31,366

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Manchester

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Manchester

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Manchester, NH:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Manchester

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Manchester, NH? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Manchester, New Hampshire is $54,184 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $32,700 (10th percentile) to $89,380 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Manchester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,184, a substance abuse counselor in Manchester earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Manchester compare to the New Hampshire state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Manchester's median substance abuse counselor salary of $54,184 is 0.9% above the New Hampshire state average of $53,687. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Manchester, NH? ▼
Manchester has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $54,184 in Manchester 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 Manchester? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Manchester 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.