Rehabilitation Counselors
Key Insights
Rehabilitation Counselors are a dynamic career within the sector, offering a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for professionals seeking meaningful work.
The median annual salary for this occupation is $46,110, which is below the typical salary for this field. Over the next decade, employment is projected to grow by 1.0%, reflecting modest demand and new opportunities . The automation risk for this occupation is 6.0%. This suggests a high degree of job security, as automation is less likely to impact this role in the near future. Work-life balance is rated as 8.0, which can be an important factor for job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Individuals with Social, Artistic, or Investigative personality traits tend to thrive in this career. Key skills for success include Communication skills, Compassion, Critical-thinking skills, Interpersonal skills, Listening skills, Patience. Developing and refining these abilities can set you apart from other candidates and help you excel in your role. Notable strengths for this occupation are High Demand, Flexible Work, Continuous Learning. Leveraging these strengths can lead to greater job satisfaction and career advancement. Some common challenges professionals may encounter include Burnout Risk, Rapid Technological Change. Being aware of these potential obstacles can help you prepare and develop strategies to overcome them.
The highest employment levels for this occupation are found in California, offering strong job prospects in that region. The leading industry for this role is State government, excluding education and hospitals, which may provide additional opportunities for specialization and growth.
Whether you are just starting your career journey or looking to make a change, Rehabilitation Counselors offers a compelling mix of salary potential, job outlook, and personal fit. By understanding the key factors that influence success in this field, you can make informed decisions and position yourself for long-term achievement.
What They Do
Rehabilitation Counselors are human services professionals who help individuals with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities achieve greater independence and participation in work and daily life. They provide counseling, guidance, and coordination of services to support clients’ vocational, educational, and personal goals. Their work focuses on empowerment, accessibility, and long-term success.
This career is well suited for individuals who are empathetic, patient, and motivated to help others overcome barriers and build meaningful lives.
What Do Rehabilitation Counselors Do?
Rehabilitation counselors assess client needs and develop plans to support independence and employment.
Common responsibilities include:
- Evaluating clients’ abilities, interests, and limitations
- Developing individualized rehabilitation or vocational plans
- Providing counseling related to adjustment, coping, and goal setting
- Coordinating services such as job training, education, or assistive technology
- Assisting clients with job placement and workplace accommodations
- Advocating for client needs with employers and service providers
- Monitoring progress and updating plans as needed
Areas of Focus and Specialization
Rehabilitation counselors may specialize in certain populations or services:
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Helping clients prepare for, find, and maintain employment.
- Disability Counseling: Supporting adjustment and independent living skills.
- Mental Health Rehabilitation: Assisting individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
- Substance Use Rehabilitation:[[ /B]] Supporting recovery and reintegration.
- Transition Services:[[ /B]] Helping students with disabilities move into adulthood.
Skills and Abilities Needed
Rehabilitation counselors combine counseling skills with advocacy and coordination.
Core Professional Skills
- Individual and group counseling techniques - Assessment and case management - Knowledge of disability services and accommodations - Vocational planning and job development - Documentation and service coordination - Ethical and culturally responsive practicePersonal Qualities That Matter
- Empathy and active listening - Patience and encouragement - Strong communication skills - Problem-solving and adaptability - Respect for diversity and inclusion - Commitment to client empowermentEducation and Certification Pathway
Entering this field typically requires graduate-level education and credentials:
- Master’s Degree (required): Rehabilitation counseling or a related counseling field
- Supervised Clinical Experience: Practicum or internship hours
- State Licensure or Certification: Required to practice
- Professional Certification (common): Rehabilitation counseling credentials
- Continuing Education: Required to maintain licensure
Where Do Rehabilitation Counselors Work?
Rehabilitation counselors are employed across healthcare, education, and community settings:
- State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers
- Community Mental Health Programs
- Nonprofit and Disability Service Organizations
- Schools and Postsecondary Institutions
Work settings may include offices, clinics, or community locations.
How Much Do Rehabilitation Counselors Earn?
Earnings vary by employer, location, and licensure:
- Entry-Level Counselors: Typically earn professional counseling salaries
- Experienced or Licensed Counselors: Often earn higher compensation
- Supervisory or Program Leaders: May earn more with leadership roles
Compensation often includes benefits and job stability in public-sector roles.
Is This Career Difficult?
Rehabilitation counseling can be emotionally demanding. Counselors support clients facing complex challenges related to disability, employment, and mental health. The challenge lies in balancing empathy with realistic planning, maintaining professional boundaries, and navigating service systems.
Who Should Consider Becoming a Rehabilitation Counselor?
This career may be a strong fit if you:
- Want to help people achieve independence and employment
- Communicate empathetically and clearly
- Value advocacy and social inclusion
- Are patient and resilient
- Want a purpose-driven counseling career
How to Prepare Early
- Study psychology, counseling, or social sciences
- Volunteer with disability or rehabilitation programs
- Learn about accessibility and assistive technology
- Develop communication and counseling skills
- Explore accredited rehabilitation counseling graduate programs
Rehabilitation counselors empower individuals to overcome barriers and pursue meaningful lives—transforming support, advocacy, and guidance into greater independence, opportunity, and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Career Video
Key facts
Top Skills
StartRight Career Intelligence Metrics
Job Growth Outlook
+1.0%Automation Risk Assessment
Low RiskWork-Life Balance Score
8.0/10Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling
Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor
Strengths
- High Demand
- Flexible Work
- Continuous Learning
Challenges
- Burnout Risk
- Rapid Technological Change
Median Salary Comparison
Employment projection (2024–2034)
Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis
BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05States with Highest Employment
- California 13,450
- Massachusetts 5,560
- Ohio 4,880
- Washington 4,660
- Illinois 4,080
- Michigan 3,860
- Maryland 3,840
- Pennsylvania 3,480
- North Carolina 3,470
- New York 2,800
Regional Wage Variations
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California -4%$44,280
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Massachusetts -1%$45,730
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Ohio -5%$43,830
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Washington +27%$58,620
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Illinois 5%$48,580
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Michigan -5%$43,830
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Maryland -7%$42,680
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Pennsylvania +11%$51,350
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North Carolina 1%$46,670
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New York +6%$48,710