Healthcare Utah (UT) Rank #24 of 50

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Utah

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Utah is $48,219 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $49,710.

Median Salary
$48,219
vs National
$-1,491
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary Overview in Utah (2026)

Utah ranks #24 out of 50 states for substance abuse counselor compensation. Utah falls in the middle of the pack for substance abuse counselor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $48,219 per year, substance abuse counselors in Utah earn $1,491 less than the national median of $49,710.

Utah's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning substance abuse counselor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Utah is significant: substance abuse counselors at the 10th percentile earn $29,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $79,540 — a $50,440 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Utah for this role is Salt Lake City, where the median reaches $50,704.

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 Utah and beyond.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Utah by Experience

In Utah, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $32,010, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,660 per year. The cost of living index in Utah is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,010
$-990 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,470
$-1,530 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,660
$-2,340 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Utah

Percentile UT Salary
10th Percentile $29,100
25th Percentile $36,860
Median (50th) $48,219
75th Percentile $63,050
90th Percentile $79,540

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary by City in Utah

The largest employment areas for substance abuse counselors in Utah include Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Utah

Education

Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Utah has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Addiction CounselingCBT/MIGroup TherapyCrisis InterventionDocumentationEmpathy

Job Outlook in Utah

Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Utah's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Utah

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Utah? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Utah is $48,219 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $29,100 (10th percentile) to $79,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Utah? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,219, a substance abuse counselor in Utah earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Utah a good state for substance abuse counselors? ▼
Utah ranks #24 out of 50 states for substance abuse counselor pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level substance abuse counselors earn $32,010, while senior professionals earn $75,660.
How does Utah compare to other states for substance abuse counselor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for substance abuse counselors is Hawaii at $88,484. Utah's median of $48,219 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arizona ($48,219) and Illinois ($48,219).
What is the entry-level substance abuse counselor salary in Utah? ▼
An entry-level substance abuse counselor in Utah earns approximately $32,010 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $49,470. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $75,660.
What city in Utah pays substance abuse counselors the most? ▼
Salt Lake City is the highest paying city in Utah for substance abuse counselors, with a median salary of $50,704. Other cities include West Valley City and Provo.