Mental HealthUpdated Q1 2026

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary
in Raleigh, NC

Help individuals overcome addiction through counseling, support, and treatment planning. Median salary in Raleigh: $53K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$53K
per year
Take-home: $35K

Salary range in Raleigh

Entry level (25th)$40,000
Median (50th)$53,000
Senior (75th)$68,000
Top earner (90th)$89,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Key facts for Raleigh

Median salary
$53K
annual
Take-home pay
$35K
after fed/state tax
COL index
102
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,600
per month
YoY growth
+6.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Raleigh Substance Abuse Counselor to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $53K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Raleigh

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Substance Abuse Counselor salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$44K$48K$52K$56K$60K201920212023202520272029
2026
$54K
projected
2027
$56K
projected
2028
$57K
projected
2029
$59K
projected
2030
$60K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$53,000+$0
2028 projected$53,000+$0
2029 projected$53,000+$0
2030 projected$53,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Substance Abuse Counselor salary in Raleigh, NC is $53,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Raleigh–NC metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Substance Abuse Counselor in Raleigh

Entry-level Substance Abuse Counselors in Raleigh with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $40,000 and $53,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $53,000 to $68,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $68,000 to $89,000 or more.

Cost of living in Raleigh for Substance Abuse Counselors

Raleigh has a cost of living index of 102 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Raleigh are close to the national average. North Carolina has a 4.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Substance Abuse Counselor

Bachelor's or Master's in Counseling; CADC certification. 35% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Substance Abuse Counselor salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Raleigh (current)$53K102
Charlotte$51K100
Greensboro$44K88
Durham$54K100
Winston-Salem$43K85
Fayetteville$41K82