Healthcare Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Cleveland, OH is $43,745 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.3% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$43,745
vs State Avg
$-1,988
vs National
$-5,965
Cost of Living
86%

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

Cleveland offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745, which is $1,988 below the Ohio state average of $45,733. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $43,745 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $50,866 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Cleveland spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $72,160 at the 90th percentile — a $45,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,040, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $29,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,040
$-3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,880
$-6,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH

Percentile Cleveland
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $33,440
Median (50th) $43,745
75th Percentile $57,200
90th Percentile $72,160

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$48,219
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$45,733
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$42,751
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$41,756
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Cleveland

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $43,745 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $72,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,745, a substance abuse counselor in Cleveland earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Cleveland's median substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745 is 4.3% below the Ohio state average of $45,733. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745 in Cleveland 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 Cleveland? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Cleveland 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.