Healthcare Salt Lake City, UT Pop. 200,133

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Salt Lake City, Utah

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Salt Lake City, UT is $50,704 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the Utah state average.

City Median
$50,704
vs State Avg
+$2,485
vs National
+$994
Cost of Living
102%

Substance Abuse Counselor Pay in Salt Lake City: What to Expect (2026)

Salt Lake City offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $50,704, which is $2,485 above the Utah state average of $48,219. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Salt Lake City pays above average for this role.

Salt Lake City's cost of living is 102% 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 Salt Lake City 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. With a population of 200,133, Salt Lake City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Salt Lake City by Experience

In Salt Lake City, 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 102% 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 Salt Lake City, UT

Percentile Salt Lake City
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 Utah Cities

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Salt Lake City

Education

Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah 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 Salt Lake City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Salt Lake City

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Salt Lake City

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Salt Lake City, Utah 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 Salt Lake City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,704, a substance abuse counselor in Salt Lake City earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salt Lake City compare to the Utah state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Salt Lake City's median substance abuse counselor salary of $50,704 is 5.2% above the Utah state average of $48,219. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $50,704 in Salt Lake City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a substance abuse counselor in Salt Lake City? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Salt Lake City 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.