Rehabilitation Counselors help individuals with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently. They develop personalized plans for clients to manage or overcome their disabilities and achieve personal and career goals.
Education: Master's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 1.9% (below average)
Annual job openings: 10,000
Direct AI exposure: 26% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 68% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $47K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $35K per year | $39K per year | $47K per year | $59K per year | $77K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $4.13K below the national average. | ||||
Rehabilitation Counselors work in various settings, including rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, government agencies, and private practices. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals and may work in multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care.
Rehabilitation Counselors play a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Their work involves assessing clients' abilities and limitations, and formulating personalized rehabilitation programs. These programs may include therapy, job training, and resources to help clients develop life skills, cope with their disabilities, and integrate into the community and workforce. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and patience, as counselors often work with individuals facing significant life challenges. Rehabilitation Counselors must also have a good understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of counseling and disability rights. They need to stay updated on the latest developments in rehabilitation techniques and resources. This career can be emotionally demanding but also immensely rewarding. Counselors have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of their clients, helping them achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
A master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field is typically required, taking about 6-7 years of post-secondary education. Most states also require certification or licensure for practicing rehabilitation counseling.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.