Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Milwaukee, WI: $46,727 (2026)

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

Milwaukee offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $46,727, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $46,727. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $28,200 at the 10th percentile to $77,080 at the 90th percentile — a $48,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,020, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,320. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $31,020, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$31,020

$-1,980 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$47,940

$-3,060 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,320

$-4,680 vs national

Percentile	Milwaukee	WI State	National
10th Percentile	$28,200	$28,200	$30,000
25th Percentile	$35,720	$35,720	$38,000
Median (50th)	$46,727	$46,727	$49,710
75th Percentile	$61,100	$61,100	$65,000
90th Percentile	$77,080	$77,080	$82,000

Percentile

Milwaukee

10th Percentile

$28,200

25th Percentile

$35,720

Median (50th)

$46,727

75th Percentile

$61,100

90th Percentile

$77,080

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Milwaukee

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $46,727 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $28,200 (10th percentile) to $77,080 (90th percentile).

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $46,727, a substance abuse counselor in Milwaukee earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Milwaukee's median substance abuse counselor salary of $46,727 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $46,727. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼

Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $46,727 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a substance abuse counselor in Milwaukee? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, Wisconsin