Healthcare Essex, VT Pop. 22,044

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Essex, Vermont

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Essex, VT is $51,698 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Vermont state average.

City Median
$51,698
vs State Avg
+$497
vs National
+$1,988
Cost of Living
102%

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

Essex offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $51,698, which is $497 above the Vermont state average of $51,201. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Essex pays above average for this role.

Essex'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 Essex spans from $31,200 at the 10th percentile to $85,280 at the 90th percentile — a $54,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,320, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,120. Essex is a smaller market (pop. 22,044), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Essex by Experience

In Essex, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $34,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,320
+$1,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,040
+$2,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,120
+$3,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Essex, VT

Percentile Essex
10th Percentile $31,200
25th Percentile $39,520
Median (50th) $51,698
75th Percentile $67,600
90th Percentile $85,280

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Vermont Cities

Burlington, VT
$55,675
Pop. 44,743
South Burlington, VT
$54,681
Pop. 20,292
Colchester, VT
$50,704
Pop. 17,658
Rutland, VT
$45,733
Pop. 15,807

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Essex

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Essex

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Essex, VT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Essex

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Essex, VT? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Essex, Vermont is $51,698 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $31,200 (10th percentile) to $85,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Essex? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,698, a substance abuse counselor in Essex earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Essex compare to the Vermont state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Essex's median substance abuse counselor salary of $51,698 is 1.0% above the Vermont state average of $51,201. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Essex, VT? ▼
Essex has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $51,698 in Essex 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 Essex? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Essex 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.