Healthcare South Burlington, VT Pop. 20,292

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in South Burlington, Vermont

The median substance abuse counselor salary in South Burlington, VT is $54,681 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 6.8% above the Vermont state average.

City Median
$54,681
vs State Avg
+$3,480
vs National
+$4,971
Cost of Living
108%

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

South Burlington offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $54,681, which is $3,480 above the Vermont state average of $51,201. Compared to the national median of $49,710, South Burlington pays above average for this role.

South Burlington's cost of living is 108% 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 South Burlington spans from $33,000 at the 10th percentile to $90,200 at the 90th percentile — a $57,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,300, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,800. South Burlington is a smaller market (pop. 20,292), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in South Burlington by Experience

In South Burlington, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $36,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,300
+$3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,100
+$5,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,800
+$7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Burlington, VT

Percentile South Burlington
10th Percentile $33,000
25th Percentile $41,800
Median (50th) $54,681
75th Percentile $71,500
90th Percentile $90,200

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Vermont Cities

Burlington, VT
$55,675
Pop. 44,743
Essex, VT
$51,698
Pop. 22,044
Colchester, VT
$50,704
Pop. 17,658
Rutland, VT
$45,733
Pop. 15,807

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in South Burlington

Education

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

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in South Burlington

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in South Burlington, VT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in South Burlington

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in South Burlington, VT? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in South Burlington, Vermont is $54,681 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $33,000 (10th percentile) to $90,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in South Burlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,681, a substance abuse counselor in South Burlington earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Burlington compare to the Vermont state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
South Burlington's median substance abuse counselor salary of $54,681 is 6.8% above the Vermont state average of $51,201. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Burlington, VT? ▼
South Burlington has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $54,681 in South 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 South Burlington? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in South 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.