Drug and Alcohol Counselor salary in Illinois
A strong career option in Illinois — with programs that take 1 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$60,730/ yr
$5,061 / mo · $29.20 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$43,014
Median
$60,730
Experienced
$109,096
Demand
Moderate
Program length
1 to 4 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete1 to 4 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$43,014
- Median salary$60,730
- Experienced salary$109,096
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Illinois
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Drug and Alcohol Counselor program in Illinois
Browse certified training programs. Most Drug and Alcohol Counselor tracks complete in 1 to 4 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in Illinois.
Get hired in Illinois
With roughly thousands of Drug and Alcohol Counselor openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Illinois.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Illinois is $60,730 per year, which is $29.20 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $43,014 while experienced Drug and Alcohol Counselors can earn up to $109,096 annually.
Next step
Find Drug and Alcohol Counselor Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Drug and Alcohol Counselor classes in your area.