Social Worker
Help children and families stay safe, get support and overcome hard times.
- $59,550
- 4 years (BSW); 6 years for MSW
Community, Social & Government Services career
Rehabilitation Counselor
Also called: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor · Disability Counselor · Rehab Counselor · Employment Counselor
What rehabilitation counselors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a rehabilitation counselor do?
Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental and emotional disabilities live independently, overcome barriers and find and keep jobs. The median pay is $46,850 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 years (bachelor’s + master’s), and employment is projected to grow +2.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$46,850$22.52/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+2.2%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year8,200Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationMaster's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train6 years (bachelor’s + master’s)Typical program length
- U.S. jobs96,900Employment, 2025
What rehabilitation counselors do
Rehabilitation counselors help people with disabilities reach their goals. They assess strengths and limitations, create plans for education, training and employment, arrange assistive technology and accommodations, connect clients with services, and work with employers. Many work for state vocational rehabilitation agencies, veterans’ programs and nonprofits.
Most rehab counselors have a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. Some jobs accept a bachelor’s degree. Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is valued.
Typical duties
- Assess client strengths and needs
- Develop individualized plans
- Counsel clients on goals and adjustment
- Arrange training and education
- Coordinate accommodations and assistive technology
- Work with employers
- Track progress and outcomes
Work environment and schedule
Rehab counselors work in agency offices, schools, hospitals, community programs and workplaces.
Schedule: Most work full-time during regular business hours.
A day in the life
- Review cases and new referrals.
- Meet a veteran about job training options.
- Visit an employer to discuss accommodations.
- Order assistive technology for a client.
See a full day in the life of a rehabilitation counselor →
Rehabilitation Counselor salary
Half of rehabilitation counselors earned more than $46,850 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,060 for the lowest 10% to $77,170 for the top 10%.
Full rehabilitation counselor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a rehabilitation counselor
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Earn a master’s
- Complete an internship
- Earn the CRC
- Advance
A master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field is typical; some roles accept a bachelor’s degree.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a rehabilitation counselor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Vocational assessment
- Case management
- Disability knowledge
- Job development
- Assistive technology
People skills
- Empathy
- Advocacy
- Communication
- Patience
All rehabilitation counselor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Help people gain independence
- Regular hours
- Variety of settings
- Strong mission
Cons
- Bureaucracy and paperwork
- Caseload pressure
- Slow progress with some clients
- Master’s often required
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC): National credential.
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): State counseling license.
- Certified Vocational Evaluator: Assessment credential.
- Assistive technology certification: Technology expertise.
Career path
- Rehab Counselor Trainee: Learn casework.
- Rehabilitation Counselor: Manage cases.
- Senior Counselor or Specialist: Handle complex cases.
- Program Manager: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Rehabilitation Counselor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as develop an employment plan and request a workplace accommodation, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Human Services Assistant
Help clients get food, housing, benefits and support services.
- $45,930
- 1–4 weeks on the job
Substance Abuse Counselor
Help people recover from addiction and mental health challenges.
- $59,350
- 1–6 years depending on credential
School Counselor
Help students succeed academically, socially and in planning their futures.
- $64,330
- Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s
Compare: Rehabilitation Counselor vs. Social Worker · Rehabilitation Counselor vs. Human Services Assistant · Rehabilitation Counselor vs. Addiction Counselor · Rehabilitation Counselor vs. School Counselor
Rehabilitation Counselor FAQ
Do rehab counselors need a master’s?
Usually, though some roles accept a bachelor’s.
Where do they work?
State agencies, VA programs, nonprofits and schools.
What is the CRC?
A national certification for rehabilitation counselors.
How much does a rehabilitation counselor make?
The median annual wage for rehabilitation counselors was $46,850 ($22.52 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,060 and the highest 10% earned more than $77,170.
How long does it take to become a rehabilitation counselor?
Most people need about 6 years (bachelor’s + master’s) of training. A master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field is typical; some roles accept a bachelor’s degree.
Do you need a degree to be a rehabilitation counselor?
Usually. BLS lists a master’s degree as typical, and many state agencies require one, though some entry roles accept a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
More rehabilitation counselor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 21-1015 (Rehabilitation counselors).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Rehabilitation counselors (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.