📍 Iowa⏱ Programs from 1 to 4 years📈 Steady demand across the United States

Drug and Alcohol Counselor salary in Iowa

A strong career option in Iowa — with programs that take 1 to 4 years to complete.

Median pay · May 2025

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$60,880/ yr

$5,073 / mo · $29.27 / hr

Pay by experience

Entry

$44,450

Median

$60,880

Experienced

$102,898

Demand

Moderate

Program length

1 to 4 years

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Job demand & outlook

Steady demand across the United States

Moderate demand

Source: BLS Employment Projections

Where this career can take you

A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step

  • Drug and Alcohol Counselor (entry-level)$44,450
  • Drug and Alcohol Counselor (mid-career)$60,880
  • Drug and Alcohol Counselor (experienced)$102,898

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$44,450
  • Median salary$60,880
  • Experienced salary$102,898

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 Iowa

A clear path from where you are to where you want to be

1

Find a Drug and Alcohol Counselor program in Iowa

Browse certified training programs. Most Drug and Alcohol Counselor tracks complete in 1 to 4 years.

2

Earn your certification

Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in Iowa.

3

Get hired in Iowa

With roughly thousands of Drug and Alcohol Counselor openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Iowa.

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Frequently asked questions

The median salary for a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Iowa is $60,880 per year, which is $29.27 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $44,450 while experienced Drug and Alcohol Counselors can earn up to $102,898 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.

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