Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Madison, Wisconsin
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Madison, WI is $50,704 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 8.5% above the Wisconsin state average.
Substance Abuse Counselor Pay in Madison: What to Expect (2026)
Madison offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $50,704, which is $3,977 above the Wisconsin state average of $46,727. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Madison pays above average for this role.
Madison's cost of living is 100% 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 Madison spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $83,640 at the 90th percentile — a $53,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,660, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,560. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Madison by Experience
In Madison, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $33,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI
| Percentile | Madison |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,760 |
| Median (50th) | $50,704 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,300 |
| 90th Percentile | $83,640 |
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Madison
Education
Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin 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 Madison may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Madison
Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Madison, WI: