Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Virginia Beach, VA: $51,698 (2026)

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

Virginia Beach offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $51,698, which is $995 below the Virginia state average of $52,693. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach'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 Virginia Beach 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. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, 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

Percentile	Virginia Beach	VA State	National
10th Percentile	$31,200	$31,800	$30,000
25th Percentile	$39,520	$40,280	$38,000
Median (50th)	$51,698	$52,693	$49,710
75th Percentile	$67,600	$68,900	$65,000
90th Percentile	$85,280	$86,920	$82,000

Percentile

Virginia Beach

10th Percentile

$31,200

25th Percentile

$39,520

Median (50th)

$51,698

75th Percentile

$67,600

90th Percentile

$85,280

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Virginia Beach

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia 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 Virginia Beach? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $51,698, a substance abuse counselor in Virginia Beach earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Virginia Beach's median substance abuse counselor salary of $51,698 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $52,693. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼

Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $51,698 in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Virginia Beach 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.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia