Career comparison
Rehabilitation Counselor vs. Special Education Teacher
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Special education teachers earn more at the median ($65,120 vs. $46,850), while special education teachers usually get to work faster (4 years plus licensing of training). Rehabilitation counselors help people with disabilities live independently and find meaningful work. Special education teachers teach and support students with disabilities so they can learn and thrive.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Rehabilitation Counselor | Special Education Teacher | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $46,850 ($22.52/hr) | $65,120 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,060 – $77,170 | $49,350 – $103,010 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.2% (slower than average) | -0.4% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 8,200 | 16,400 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 6 years (bachelor’s + master’s) | 4 years plus licensing |
| Key credential | Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) | State special education license |
| Work setting | Rehab counselors work in agency offices, schools, hospitals, community programs and workplaces.. | Special education teachers work in resource rooms, self-contained classrooms and general education classrooms, with meetings and paperwork.. |
What each job does
Rehabilitation Counselor
- Assess client strengths and needs
- Develop individualized plans
- Counsel clients on goals and adjustment
- Arrange training and education
- Coordinate accommodations and assistive technology
Special Education Teacher
- Assess students’ needs and progress
- Write and implement IEPs
- Adapt lessons and materials
- Teach individuals and small groups
- Co-teach in general education classes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, and indoor work. They sit in different fields, community, social & government services and education & childcare, but share transferable skills such as empathy and patience.
Which should you choose?
Choose rehabilitation counselor if…
- I want to help people with disabilities
- I believe in independence
- I like career planning
Choose special education teacher if…
- I want to help students with disabilities
- I’m patient and persistent
- I like individualized teaching
Still torn? Take the Rehabilitation Counselor fit quiz and the Special Education Teacher fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, rehabilitation counselor or special education teacher?
Special Education Teachers earn more at the median: $65,120 versus $46,850 for rehabilitation counselors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Special Education Teachers typically train faster (4 years plus licensing) than rehabilitation counselors (6 years (bachelor’s + master’s)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects rehabilitation counselors to grow +2.2% from 2025–35, compared with -0.4% for special education teachers.