Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Chesapeake, VA is $49,710 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 5.7% below the Virginia state average.
Substance Abuse Counselor Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)
Chesapeake offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $49,710, which is $2,983 below the Virginia state average of $52,693. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Chesapeake pays above average for this role.
Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $30,000 at the 10th percentile to $82,000 at the 90th percentile — a $52,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,000, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,000. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Chesapeake by Experience
In Chesapeake, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $33,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA
| Percentile | Chesapeake |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,000 |
| Median (50th) | $49,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $82,000 |
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Virginia Cities
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Chesapeake
Education
Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Chesapeake and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chesapeake may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Chesapeake
Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Chesapeake, VA: