How to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor
Help people with disabilities or injuries build independent lives and careers through counseling and vocational planning. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $46,850 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$46,850/yr
Job growth
1%
Openings / yr
10,000
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Vocational Assessment
- Counseling
- Case Management
- Active Listening
- Advocacy
Helpful certifications
- CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Community Services Manager$80,390 median
- Marriage and Family Therapist$66,940 median
- Mental Health Counselor$59,350 median
- Human Services Assistant$45,930 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Rehabilitation Counselor make?
The median pay for a Rehabilitation Counselor is $46,850 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Rehabilitation Counselor?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Rehabilitation Services, Psychology, Social Work, and Human Services.
Is Rehabilitation Counselor a growing field?
The BLS projects slower than average demand for this role, about 1% over the decade, with roughly 10,000 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Rehabilitation Counselor use most?
Common skills for this role are Vocational Assessment, Counseling, Case Management, Active Listening, and Advocacy.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.