Rehabilitation counselors
SOC Code: 21-1015Also known as:
Blind Rehabilitation Specialist, Care Navigator, Career Navigator, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Classification Counselor
Median Annual Salary
$46,110
+1.4% growth (2024-2034)
10K
Openings/Year
92K
Current Jobs
What Rehabilitation counselors Do
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
💰 Salary
$46,110
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.4%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
10K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
91,900
Projected Employment (2034)
93,200
Related Careers
Child, family, and school social workers
$58,570 •
+3.4% growth
Healthcare social workers
$68,090 •
+7.7% growth
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
$60,060 •
+9.7% growth
Occupational therapy aides
$37,370 •
+2.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation, such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence.
- Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed.
- Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
- Locate barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, or transportation problems, and work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
- Monitor and record clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met.
- Participate in job development and placement programs, contacting prospective employers, placing clients in jobs, and evaluating the success of placements.
- Analyze information from interviews, educational and medical records, consultation with other professionals, and diagnostic evaluations to assess clients' abilities, needs, and eligibility for services.
- Collaborate with clients' families to implement rehabilitation plans, such as behavioral, residential, social, or employment goals.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community referral sources, such as schools or community groups.
- Maintain close contact with clients during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Rehabilitation counselors
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a rehabilitation counselors:
Rehabilitation Science
1,107 degrees awarded •
48 colleges offer this program
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor
941 degrees awarded •
58 colleges offer this program
Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering
108 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Rehabilitation counselors
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become rehabilitation counselors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do rehabilitation counselors make?
The median annual salary for rehabilitation counselors is $46,110.
What education do rehabilitation counselors need?
Most rehabilitation counselors positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Rehabilitation Science, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor, Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering.
Is becoming rehabilitation counselors a good career choice?
Rehabilitation counselors is projected to see +1.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 10,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for rehabilitation counselors?
Top colleges for aspiring rehabilitation counselors include
Boston University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Southern California, University of Florida, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to rehabilitation counselors?
Rehabilitation counselors may also be known as: Blind Rehabilitation Specialist, Care Navigator, Career Navigator, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Classification Counselor, Client Navigator, Client Trainer, Developmental Disabilities Specialist, Direct Care Counselor, Direct Care Specialist, Disability Consultant, Disability Counselor, Disability Program Navigator, Disability Service Coordinator, Eligibility Referral Specialist, Employment Advisor, Employment Case Manager, Employment Instructional Associate (EIA), Employment Navigator, Employment Services Case Manager.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.