Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $45,733 (2026)

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

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

Sioux Falls's cost of living is 92% 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 Sioux Falls spans from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $75,440 at the 90th percentile — a $47,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,360, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,760. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $30,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$30,360

$-2,640 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$46,920

$-4,080 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$71,760

$-6,240 vs national

Percentile	Sioux Falls	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$27,600	$26,400	$30,000
25th Percentile	$34,960	$33,440	$38,000
Median (50th)	$45,733	$43,745	$49,710
75th Percentile	$59,800	$57,200	$65,000
90th Percentile	$75,440	$72,160	$82,000

Percentile

Sioux Falls

10th Percentile

$27,600

25th Percentile

$34,960

Median (50th)

$45,733

75th Percentile

$59,800

90th Percentile

$75,440

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Sioux Falls

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Sioux Falls

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

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $45,733 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $75,440 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $45,733, a substance abuse counselor in Sioux Falls earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Sioux Falls's median substance abuse counselor salary of $45,733 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $43,745. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼

Sioux Falls has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $45,733 in Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota