Rehabilitation Counselors
O*NET 21-1015.00 · SOC 21-1015
Rehabilitation Counselor is a solid career choice. Median pay is $47k a year with +2.2% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 8,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Evaluate clients' physical, emotional, and vocational rehabilitation needs.
- →Develop individualized plans to help clients return to work.
- →Coordinate with medical providers to support client recovery goals.
- →Help clients access assistive technology or workplace accommodations.
- →Monitor client progress toward employment and independent living goals.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Rehabilitation Counselor roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Rehabilitation Counselor involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Rehabilitation Counselor?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Rehabilitation Counselor Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Rehabilitation Counselors is projected to grow 2.2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·53% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Rehabilitation Counselor make?
The median Rehabilitation Counselor earns $47k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Rehabilitation Counselor jobs?
Our model puts Rehabilitation Counselor at 22 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 53% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Rehabilitation Counselor a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 8,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Rehabilitation Counselor?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Rehabilitation Counselor roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Rehabilitation Counselor?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Rehabilitation Counselor career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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