Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Albany, New York
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Albany, NY is $51,201 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median and 18.9% below the New York state average.
Substance Abuse Counselor Pay in Albany: What to Expect (2026)
Albany offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $51,201, which is $11,931 below the New York state average of $63,132. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Albany pays above average for this role.
Albany's cost of living is 98% 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 Albany spans from $30,900 at the 10th percentile to $84,460 at the 90th percentile — a $53,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,990, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,340. Albany is a smaller market (pop. 99,224), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Albany by Experience
In Albany, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $33,990, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,340 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Albany, NY
| Percentile | Albany |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,900 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,140 |
| Median (50th) | $51,201 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,950 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,460 |
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other New York Cities
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Albany
Education
Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Albany and the surrounding New York area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Albany may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Albany
Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Albany, NY: