Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Knoxville, TN: $44,739 (2026)

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

Knoxville offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739, which is $497 below the Tennessee state average of $45,236. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Knoxville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $44,739 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $50,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Knoxville spans from $27,000 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $46,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,700, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $29,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$29,700

$-3,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$45,900

$-5,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$70,200

$-7,800 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$27,000	$27,300	$30,000
25th Percentile	$34,200	$34,580	$38,000
Median (50th)	$44,739	$45,236	$49,710
75th Percentile	$58,500	$59,150	$65,000
90th Percentile	$73,800	$74,620	$82,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$27,000

25th Percentile

$34,200

Median (50th)

$44,739

75th Percentile

$58,500

90th Percentile

$73,800

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Knoxville

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $44,739 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $44,739, a substance abuse counselor in Knoxville earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Knoxville's median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $45,236. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN? ▼

Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 in Knoxville 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 Knoxville? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Knoxville 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 Knoxville, Tennessee