📍 North Carolina Programs from 1 to 4 years📈 Steady demand across the United States

Drug and Alcohol Counselor salary in North Carolina

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

Median pay · May 2025

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$55,490/ yr

$4,624 / mo · $26.68 / hr

Pay by experience

Entry

$37,440

Median

$55,490

Experienced

$86,008

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

  • 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$37,440
  • Median salary$55,490
  • Experienced salary$86,008

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 North Carolina

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

1

Find a Drug and Alcohol Counselor program in North Carolina

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 North Carolina.

3

Get hired in North Carolina

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

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Frequently asked questions

The median salary for a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in North Carolina is $55,490 per year, which is $26.68 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $37,440 while experienced Drug and Alcohol Counselors can earn up to $86,008 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.