Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Texas
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Texas is $46,727 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $49,710.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary Overview in Texas (2026)
Texas ranks #25 out of 50 states for substance abuse counselor compensation. Texas falls in the middle of the pack for substance abuse counselor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $46,727 per year, substance abuse counselors in Texas earn $2,983 less than the national median of $49,710.
A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $46,727 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $50,790 in an average-cost area.
The salary spread in Texas is significant: substance abuse counselors at the 10th percentile earn $28,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $77,080 — a $48,880 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $53,190.
Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Texas and beyond.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Texas by Experience
In Texas, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $31,020, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,320 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.
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Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →Salary Percentiles in Texas
| Percentile | TX Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,720 |
| Median (50th) | $46,727 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $77,080 |
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary by City in Texas
The largest employment areas for substance abuse counselors in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Texas
Education
Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Texas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Texas
Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Texas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
Stand Out from the Competition
85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 338,100 other Substance Abuse Counselors.
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