Rehabilitation Counselors earn a median of $46,850 per year ($22.52/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 2.2% through 2035, with about 8,200 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
- SOC 21-1015
- Community and Social Service
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Rehabilitation Counselor in four numbers
- Median pay
- $46,850a year, or $22.52/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $35KTop 10% $77K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +2.2%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+2.2%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +2.2% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 8,20096,900 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202596.9K
- Projected 203599K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 96.9K Projected 2035 99K - Typical education
- Master'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
Also advertised as: Classification Counselor, CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor), Employment Advisor, Job Coach, Rehabilitation Specialist, Vocational Counselor.
Pay
How much do Rehabilitation Counselors make?
Every rehabilitation counselor in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$46,850
Middle half earn $38,770 to $59,260
- 10th
- $35,060
- 25th
- $38,770
- 75th
- $59,260
- 90th
- $77,170
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $35,060 |
| 25th | $38,770 |
| Median | $46,850 |
| 75th | $59,260 |
| 90th | $77,170 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $46,850
- Median hourly wage
- $22.52/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $51,820
- People employed
- 94,740
Versus all US occupations
At $46,850, Rehabilitation Counselors earn 8% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $4,130 a year.
Versus community and social service occupations
Inside the Community and Social Service group, where the middle occupation pays $60,300, this is 22% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $77,170 or more while the bottom 10% earn $35,060, a gap of 2.2×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 15% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Wyoming pays the most at $67,640, and still leads at $72,974 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Rehabilitation Counselors the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Wyoming | $67,640 | $72,974 | 70 |
| 2North Dakota | $63,050 | $70,875 | 210 |
| 3Alaska | $61,590 | $60,171 | 130 |
| 4Kentucky | $58,540 | $64,930 | 790 |
| 5Washington | $58,050 | $54,246 | 5,440 |
| 6Connecticut | $56,340 | $54,377 | 2,410 |
| 7Georgia | $55,000 | $57,117 | 740 |
| 8Oregon | $54,970 | $53,183 | 1,630 |
| 9Idaho | $54,550 | $57,124 | 820 |
| 10Alabama | $54,040 | $60,840 | 540 |
Job outlook
Is Rehabilitation Counselor a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +2.2% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Rehabilitation Counselors | +2.2% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Rehabilitation Counselors to change 2.2% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 2,200 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 8,200 openings are projected each year, 8.5% of the 96,900 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Despite limited employment growth, about 8,200 openings for rehabilitation counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Demand for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow with the increase in the older population and with the continued rehabilitation needs of other groups, such as veterans and people with disabilities.
Despite federal guidelines mandating that states provide vocational rehabilitation services, budget constraints may limit job opportunities for rehabilitation counselors.
Getting in
How to become a Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation counselors typically need a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field, although for some jobs a bachelor’s degree is sufficient. Some positions require a license or certification.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Master's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
Full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entryThe work
What does a Rehabilitation Counselor do?
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
Rehabilitation counselors work with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social, or psychological effects of disabilities on employment or independent living.
Day-to-day tasks
- Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed.
- Locate barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, or transportation problems, and work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
- Analyze information from interviews, educational and medical records, consultation with other professionals, and diagnostic evaluations to assess clients' abilities, needs, and eligibility for services.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community referral sources, such as schools or community groups.
- Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
- Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation, such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence.
- Monitor and record clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met.
- Maintain close contact with clients during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most rehabilitation counselors work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Depending on where they are employed, rehabilitation counselors may work evenings, weekends, or part time.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where rehabilitation counselors work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Vocational rehabilitation services34%
- Individual and family services17%
- State government, excluding education and hospitals16%
- Nursing and residential care facilities14%
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Vocational rehabilitation services | 34% |
| Individual and family services | 17% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 16% |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | 14% |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 4% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening4.1
- Speaking4.1
- Monitoring4.1
- Reading Comprehension3.9
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Writing3.5
- Active Learning3.3
- Learning Strategies3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 4.1 |
| Speaking | 4.1 |
| Monitoring | 4.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 |
| Writing | 3.5 |
| Active Learning | 3.3 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Social Perceptiveness4.1
- Coordination4.0
- Service Orientation4.0
- Judgment and Decision Making3.5
- Systems Evaluation3.3
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Systems Analysis3.1
- Time Management3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Social Perceptiveness | 4.1 |
| Coordination | 4.0 |
| Service Orientation | 4.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.5 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.1 |
| Time Management | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Accounting software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Document management software
- Internet browser software
- Medical software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Rehabilitation Counselor?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Rehabilitation Counselor |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 1 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 3 |
| Social | 7 |
| Enterprising | 4 |
| Conventional | 3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around teaching, helping and working directly with other people, combined with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions.
- Social6.8
- Enterprising3.6
- Investigative3.3
- Conventional3.3
- Artistic3.0
- Realistic1.2
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Rehabilitation Counselor
O*NET related occupations
- Community and Social Service
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
$60,280median a year
Most earn $40K to $104K
+10.3%Master's - Community and Social Service
Mental Health Counselor
$60,320median a year
Most earn $39K to $101K
+10.9%Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed - Community and Social Service
- Community and Social Service
- Healthcare Support
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
More community and social service careers
Median annual pay, with rehabilitation counselors highlighted
- Healthcare Social Worker$67,880
- Geriatric Care Manager$67,880
- Marriage and Family Therapist$66,940
- Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist$66,270
- Health Education Specialist$64,070
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$60,280
- Community Health Worker$51,850
- Rehabilitation Counselor$46,850
- Social and Human Service Assistant$45,930
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Social Worker | $67,880 |
| Geriatric Care Manager | $67,880 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $66,940 |
| Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist | $66,270 |
| Health Education Specialist | $64,070 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $60,280 |
| Community Health Worker | $51,850 |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | $46,850 |
| Social and Human Service Assistant | $45,930 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within rehabilitation counselor
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Rehabilitation Counselor appears on
Questions
Rehabilitation Counselor: frequently asked questions
How much do Rehabilitation Counselors make?
Rehabilitation Counselors earn a median of $46,850 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 8% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $22.52/hr. The middle half earn between $38,770 and $59,260. The top 10% earn $77,170 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Rehabilitation Counselor?
Yes. BLS reports a master's degree as the typical entry-level education for Rehabilitation Counselors, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation.
Is Rehabilitation Counselor a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 2.2% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 8,200 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Rehabilitation Counselor do?
Rehabilitation counselors work with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social, or psychological effects of disabilities on employment or independent living. A core O*NET task: confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Office suite software, Presentation software.
Which states pay Rehabilitation Counselors the most?
The highest state medians for Rehabilitation Counselors are Wyoming ($67,640), North Dakota ($63,050), Alaska ($61,590) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Rehabilitation Counselor?
O*NET scores Rehabilitation Counselors highest on the Social, Enterprising and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes teaching, helping and working directly with other people with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ENFJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.