Healthcare Dallas, TX Pop. 1,304,379

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Dallas, Texas

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Dallas, TX is $50,704 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 8.5% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$50,704
vs State Avg
+$3,977
vs National
+$994
Cost of Living
100%

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

Dallas offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $50,704, which is $3,977 above the Texas state average of $46,727. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Dallas pays above average for this role.

Dallas's cost of living is 100% 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 Dallas spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $83,640 at the 90th percentile — a $53,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,660, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,560. As a major metro area with a population of 1,304,379, Dallas typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Dallas by Experience

In Dallas, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $33,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,660
+$660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,020
+$1,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,560
+$1,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dallas, TX

Percentile Dallas
10th Percentile $30,600
25th Percentile $38,760
Median (50th) $50,704
75th Percentile $66,300
90th Percentile $83,640

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Dallas

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Dallas

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Dallas, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Dallas

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Dallas, TX? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Dallas, Texas is $50,704 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $30,600 (10th percentile) to $83,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Dallas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,704, a substance abuse counselor in Dallas earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dallas compare to the Texas state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Dallas's median substance abuse counselor salary of $50,704 is 8.5% above the Texas state average of $46,727. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dallas, TX? ▼
Dallas has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $50,704 in Dallas 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 Dallas? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Dallas 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.