Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Memphis, TN: $43,745 (2026)

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

Memphis offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745, which is $1,491 below the Tennessee state average of $45,236. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $43,745 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $50,866 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Memphis spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $72,160 at the 90th percentile — a $45,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,040, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $29,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$29,040

$-3,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,880

$-6,120 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$68,640

$-9,360 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$26,400	$27,300	$30,000
25th Percentile	$33,440	$34,580	$38,000
Median (50th)	$43,745	$45,236	$49,710
75th Percentile	$57,200	$59,150	$65,000
90th Percentile	$72,160	$74,620	$82,000

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$26,400

25th Percentile

$33,440

Median (50th)

$43,745

75th Percentile

$57,200

90th Percentile

$72,160

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Memphis

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Memphis

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

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $43,745 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $72,160 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $43,745, a substance abuse counselor in Memphis earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Memphis's median substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745 is 3.3% below the Tennessee state average of $45,236. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

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

Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $43,745 in Memphis 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 Memphis? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Memphis 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 Memphis, Tennessee