Rehabilitation Counselors
Rehabilitation counselors work with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social, or psychological effects of disabilities on employment or independent living.
Is rehabilitation counselors a good career?
It scores 12/100 and ranks #647 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Tracked in official BLS wage and projection data, so the numbers here are verifiable
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($46,850 vs $61,390)
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+1.4%)
- Typically requires a master's degree
What rehabilitation counselors earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. rehabilitation counselors earn between $38,770 and $59,260 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live rehabilitation counselors jobs
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- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
Many employers require or prefer that rehabilitation counselors have a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. Master’s degree programs teach students to evaluate clients’ needs, formulate and implement job placement strategies, and understand the medical and psychological aspects of disabilities. These programs typically include a period of supervised clinical experience, such as an internship.
Some employers hire workers with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, health, social sciences, or another field related to rehabilitation. However, these workers typically cannot offer the full range of services that a rehabilitation counselor with a master’s degree can provide.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Licensing requirements for rehabilitation counselors differ by state and by type of services provided. Rehabilitation counselors who provide counseling services to clients must attain a counselor license through their state licensing board. Rehabilitation counselors who provide other services, however, may be exempt from state licensing requirements. For example, rehabilitation counselors who provide only vocational rehabilitation services or job placement assistance may not need a license.
Licensure typically requires a master’s degree and a specified number of hours of supervised clinical experience. In addition, counselors must pass a state-recognized exam and complete continuing education every year.
Contact your state licensing board
Some employers require or prefer that rehabilitation counselors have professional certification, which can help to demonstrate competency in the field.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Rehabilitation counselors need to be able to communicate effectively with clients.
Compassion. Rehabilitation counselors often work with people who are dealing with stressful and difficult situations. They must be able to empathize with their clients.
Critical-thinking skills. Rehabilitation counselors must be able to develop a treatment plan to help clients reach their goals by considering each client’s abilities and interests.
Interpersonal skills. Rehabilitation counselors work directly with clients, families, employers, or other professionals. They must be able to develop and maintain good working relationships.
Listening skills. Rehabilitation counselors need to give their full attention in sessions in order to understand clients’ problems, concerns, and values.
Patience. Rehabilitation counselors must have patience to help clients learn new skills and strategies to address their disabilities.
Related occupations
How much do rehabilitation counselors make?
The national median wage is $46,850 a year, with the middle half earning between $38,770 and $59,260 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is rehabilitation counselors a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 12 of 100 and ranks #647 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +1.4% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a rehabilitation counselor?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree.
Where do rehabilitation counselors earn the most?
Among states, Wyoming pays the highest median ($67,640). Local pay for every state and metro is below.