Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fargo, ND: $46,727 (2026)

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

Fargo offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $46,727, which is $1,988 above the North Dakota state average of $44,739. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Fargo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Fargo's cost of living is 94% 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 Fargo spans from $28,200 at the 10th percentile to $77,080 at the 90th percentile — a $48,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,020, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,320. With a population of 125,990, Fargo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fargo by Experience

In Fargo, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $31,020, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$31,020

$-1,980 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$47,940

$-3,060 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,320

$-4,680 vs national

Percentile	Fargo	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$28,200	$27,000	$30,000
25th Percentile	$35,720	$34,200	$38,000
Median (50th)	$46,727	$44,739	$49,710
75th Percentile	$61,100	$58,500	$65,000
90th Percentile	$77,080	$73,800	$82,000

Percentile

Fargo

10th Percentile

$28,200

25th Percentile

$35,720

Median (50th)

$46,727

75th Percentile

$61,100

90th Percentile

$77,080

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Fargo

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fargo

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

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Fargo, North Dakota is $46,727 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $28,200 (10th percentile) to $77,080 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $46,727, a substance abuse counselor in Fargo earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Fargo's median substance abuse counselor salary of $46,727 is 4.4% above the North Dakota state average of $44,739. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

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

Fargo has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $46,727 in Fargo 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 Fargo? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Fargo 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 Fargo, North Dakota