Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Bismarck, ND: $44,739 (2026)

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

Bismarck offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739, which is $0 above the North Dakota state average of $44,739. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Bismarck pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Bismarck's cost of living is 90% 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 Bismarck spans from $27,000 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $46,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,700, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. Bismarck is a smaller market (pop. 73,529), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Bismarck by Experience

In Bismarck, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $29,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$29,700

$-3,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$45,900

$-5,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$70,200

$-7,800 vs national

Percentile	Bismarck	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$27,000	$27,000	$30,000
25th Percentile	$34,200	$34,200	$38,000
Median (50th)	$44,739	$44,739	$49,710
75th Percentile	$58,500	$58,500	$65,000
90th Percentile	$73,800	$73,800	$82,000

Percentile

Bismarck

10th Percentile

$27,000

25th Percentile

$34,200

Median (50th)

$44,739

75th Percentile

$58,500

90th Percentile

$73,800

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Bismarck

Education

Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Bismarck and the surrounding North Dakota 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 Bismarck may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Bismarck

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Bismarck, ND? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Bismarck, North Dakota is $44,739 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Bismarck? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $44,739, a substance abuse counselor in Bismarck earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Bismarck compare to the North Dakota state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Bismarck's median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 is 0.0% above the North Dakota state average of $44,739. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND? ▼

Bismarck has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 in Bismarck has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a substance abuse counselor in Bismarck? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Bismarck 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.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Bismarck, North Dakota