Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $41,756 (2026)

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

Aberdeen offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $41,756, which is $1,989 below the South Dakota state average of $43,745. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Aberdeen pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Aberdeen's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $41,756 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,710 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Aberdeen spans from $25,200 at the 10th percentile to $68,880 at the 90th percentile — a $43,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,720, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,520. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $27,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,720

$-5,280 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$42,840

$-8,160 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$65,520

$-12,480 vs national

Percentile	Aberdeen	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$25,200	$26,400	$30,000
25th Percentile	$31,920	$33,440	$38,000
Median (50th)	$41,756	$43,745	$49,710
75th Percentile	$54,600	$57,200	$65,000
90th Percentile	$68,880	$72,160	$82,000

Percentile

Aberdeen

10th Percentile

$25,200

25th Percentile

$31,920

Median (50th)

$41,756

75th Percentile

$54,600

90th Percentile

$68,880

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Aberdeen

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $41,756 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $25,200 (10th percentile) to $68,880 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $41,756, a substance abuse counselor in Aberdeen earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Aberdeen's median substance abuse counselor salary of $41,756 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $43,745. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

Aberdeen has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $41,756 in Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen, South Dakota