Healthcare Burlington, VT Pop. 44,743

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Burlington, Vermont

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Burlington, VT is $55,675 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Vermont state average.

City Median
$55,675
vs State Avg
+$4,474
vs National
+$5,965
Cost of Living
110%

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

Burlington offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $55,675, which is $4,474 above the Vermont state average of $51,201. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Burlington pays above average for this role.

Burlington's cost of living is 110% 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 Burlington spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $91,840 at the 90th percentile — a $58,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,360. Burlington is a smaller market (pop. 44,743), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Burlington by Experience

In Burlington, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
+$3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,120
+$6,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,360
+$9,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Burlington, VT

Percentile Burlington
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $42,560
Median (50th) $55,675
75th Percentile $72,800
90th Percentile $91,840

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Vermont Cities

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Burlington

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Burlington

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Burlington, VT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Burlington

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Burlington, VT? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Burlington, Vermont is $55,675 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $91,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Burlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,675, a substance abuse counselor in Burlington earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Burlington compare to the Vermont state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Burlington's median substance abuse counselor salary of $55,675 is 8.7% above the Vermont state average of $51,201. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Burlington, VT? ▼
Burlington has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $55,675 in Burlington 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 Burlington? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Burlington 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.