Healthcare Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $56,172 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 5.8% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$56,172
vs State Avg
$-3,480
vs National
+$6,462
Cost of Living
108%

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

Elizabeth offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $56,172, which is $3,480 below the New Jersey state average of $59,652. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth's cost of living is 108% 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 Elizabeth spans from $33,900 at the 10th percentile to $92,660 at the 90th percentile — a $58,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,290, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,140. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $37,290, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,140 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,290
+$4,290 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,630
+$6,630 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,140
+$10,140 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
10th Percentile $33,900
25th Percentile $42,940
Median (50th) $56,172
75th Percentile $73,450
90th Percentile $92,660

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Elizabeth

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey is $56,172 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $33,900 (10th percentile) to $92,660 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,172, a substance abuse counselor in Elizabeth earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median substance abuse counselor salary of $56,172 is 5.8% below the New Jersey state average of $59,652. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $56,172 in Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Elizabeth 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.