Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Providence, RI: $55,178 (2026)

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

Providence offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $55,178, which is $1,491 above the Rhode Island state average of $53,687. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Providence pays above average for this role.

Providence's cost of living is 108% 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 Providence spans from $33,300 at the 10th percentile to $91,020 at the 90th percentile — a $57,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,630, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,580. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $36,630, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,580 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,630

+$3,630 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$56,610

+$5,610 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$86,580

+$8,580 vs national

Percentile	Providence	RI State	National
10th Percentile	$33,300	$32,400	$30,000
25th Percentile	$42,180	$41,040	$38,000
Median (50th)	$55,178	$53,687	$49,710
75th Percentile	$72,150	$70,200	$65,000
90th Percentile	$91,020	$88,560	$82,000

Percentile

Providence

10th Percentile

$33,300

25th Percentile

$42,180

Median (50th)

$55,178

75th Percentile

$72,150

90th Percentile

$91,020

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Providence

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Providence

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

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $55,178 per year, which is 11.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $33,300 (10th percentile) to $91,020 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $55,178, a substance abuse counselor in Providence earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Providence's median substance abuse counselor salary of $55,178 is 2.8% above the Rhode Island state average of $53,687. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

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

Providence has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $55,178 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Providence 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 Providence, Rhode Island