Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $49,213 (2026)

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

Pawtucket offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $49,213, which is $4,474 below the Rhode Island state average of $53,687. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Pawtucket pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Pawtucket's cost of living is 96% 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 Pawtucket spans from $29,700 at the 10th percentile to $81,180 at the 90th percentile — a $51,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,670, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,220. Pawtucket is a smaller market (pop. 75,604), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Pawtucket by Experience

In Pawtucket, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $32,670, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,220 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$32,670

$-330 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$50,490

$-510 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,220

$-780 vs national

Percentile	Pawtucket	RI State	National
10th Percentile	$29,700	$32,400	$30,000
25th Percentile	$37,620	$41,040	$38,000
Median (50th)	$49,213	$53,687	$49,710
75th Percentile	$64,350	$70,200	$65,000
90th Percentile	$81,180	$88,560	$82,000

Percentile

Pawtucket

10th Percentile

$29,700

25th Percentile

$37,620

Median (50th)

$49,213

75th Percentile

$64,350

90th Percentile

$81,180

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Pawtucket

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Pawtucket

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Pawtucket, RI? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Pawtucket, Rhode Island is $49,213 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $29,700 (10th percentile) to $81,180 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $49,213, a substance abuse counselor in Pawtucket earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Pawtucket compare to the Rhode Island state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Pawtucket's median substance abuse counselor salary of $49,213 is 8.3% below the Rhode Island state average of $53,687. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Pawtucket, RI? ▼

Pawtucket has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $49,213 in Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket, Rhode Island