Healthcare Oklahoma City, OK Pop. 681,054

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Oklahoma City, OK is $42,751 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.4% above the Oklahoma state average.

City Median
$42,751
vs State Avg
+$995
vs National
$-6,959
Cost of Living
88%

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

Oklahoma City offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $42,751, which is $995 above the Oklahoma state average of $41,756. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Oklahoma City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Oklahoma City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $42,751 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,581 in an average-cost city. This makes Oklahoma City an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Oklahoma City spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $70,520 at the 90th percentile — a $44,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,380, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. As a major metro area with a population of 681,054, Oklahoma City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Oklahoma City by Experience

In Oklahoma City, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $28,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,380
$-4,620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,860
$-7,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,080
$-10,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma City, OK

Percentile Oklahoma City
10th Percentile $25,800
25th Percentile $32,680
Median (50th) $42,751
75th Percentile $55,900
90th Percentile $70,520

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Oklahoma Cities

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Oklahoma City

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Oklahoma City

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Oklahoma City, OK:

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Oklahoma City

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Oklahoma City, OK? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is $42,751 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $70,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Oklahoma City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,751, a substance abuse counselor in Oklahoma City earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Oklahoma City compare to the Oklahoma state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Oklahoma City's median substance abuse counselor salary of $42,751 is 2.4% above the Oklahoma state average of $41,756. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Oklahoma City, OK? ▼
Oklahoma City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $42,751 in Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Oklahoma City 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.