Rehabilitation Counselor Salary 2025: $46,850 Median, Slow Growth Ahead
The median annual wage for rehabilitation counselors is $46,850, according to the latest BLS data. That works out to roughly $23 per hour. The middle 80 percent of earners range from $35,060 at the 10th percentile to $77,170 at the 90th, meaning top earners pull in nearly double the median. With about 94,740 counselors employed nationally, this is a modest-sized field where pay varies significantly by location and setting.
How much Rehabilitation Counselors earn
The national mean wage for rehabilitation counselors is $51,820, slightly above the median because high earners pull the average up. Counselors in the bottom 10th percentile start around $35,060, while those in the top 10th earn $77,170 or more.
Pay depends heavily on the work setting. Counselors in government agencies and hospitals tend to earn more than those in community-based nonprofits or schools. Experience and specialized certifications also boost income.
- Median annual: $46,850
- Mean annual: $51,820 ($23/hour)
- 10th percentile: $35,060
- 90th percentile: $77,170
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot for this career. Wyoming tops the list with an average salary of $67,640. North Dakota ($63,050), Alaska ($61,590), Kentucky ($58,540), and Washington ($58,050) round out the top five. All have either remote/rural service demands or higher cost-of-living adjustments.
At the other end, Oklahoma pays the least at $38,260, followed by South Carolina ($35,990) and Arkansas ($35,210). These states have lower overall wage levels and fewer large healthcare employers.
How to become Rehabilitation Counselor
The standard route requires a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or a related field. Most states also require licensure or certification, such as the CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) credential.
Typical steps: earn a bachelor's (often in psychology, social work, or human services), then complete a 48-60 credit master's program that includes a supervised internship. After graduation, pass a national exam to get licensed. Some states allow provisional licenses while completing supervised clinical hours.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in a related field.
- Complete a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or clinical mental health counseling (CACREP-accredited is preferred).
- Accrue 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (varies by state).
- Pass the state licensing exam or the CRC exam.
- Maintain license through continuing education.
Job outlook
The BLS projects only 1.4% employment growth from 2024 to 2034 for rehabilitation counselors, much slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 10,000 job openings each year over the decade, mostly due to workers retiring or changing fields.
Growth is constrained by tight state and local budgets that fund many rehabilitation programs. However, an aging population and continued need for substance abuse and disability services will sustain demand. Jobs in private practice and hospitals may grow slightly faster than community settings.
Frequently asked questions
Is rehabilitation counseling a growing field?
Not really — BLS projects only 1.4% growth from 2024 to 2034, much slower than average. Still, about 10,000 openings per year come from turnover.
What state pays rehabilitation counselors the most?
Wyoming, with an average salary of $67,640. North Dakota, Alaska, Kentucky, and Washington also rank high.
Do rehabilitation counselors need a master's degree?
Yes, most states require a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field, plus licensure or certification like the CRC.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Rehabilitation Counselors data.