Vocational rehabilitation counselors: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Some rehabilitation counselors deal specifically with employment issues. These counselors, sometimes called vocational rehabilitation counselors, typically work with older students and adults.

Education Required
Most employers require a masters degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. Masters 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.
Job Outlook
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 10% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)
Licenses/Certifications
Licensing requirements for rehabilitation counselors differ by state and by type of services provided. Rehabilitation counselors who provide counseling services to clients and patients 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.
Median pay: How much do Rehabilitation Counselors make?
$34,670 Annual Salary
$16.67 per hour

Careers for Rehabilitation Counselors

  • Certified rehabilitation counselors
  • Coordinators of rehabilitation services
  • Psychosocial rehabilitation counselors
  • Veterans rehabilitation counselors

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