How much does a rehab counselor make?
a year · about $23 an hour
A typical rehab counselor in the United States makes $46,850 a year, about $23 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They meet clients to learn their goals and strengths, then build a plan for work or independent living. They may contact employers and doctors, find helpful equipment, and track progress in case notes.
Did you know? A rehab counselor may arrange a job coach at someone's workplace—or a specially equipped wheelchair—to help them work or attend school.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $35,060 and $77,170How do you become one?
Most U.S. rehab counselors earn a master’s after college; some jobs accept a bachelor’s. CRC certification involves a supervised internship and exam, and license rules vary by job and state; people usually start after graduate school.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like helping and teaching and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary with experience and with a license or certification. It also differs by location and employer type; full-time or part-time hours change total earnings, while shifts vary by workplace.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Kentucky ($58,540), lowest in Arkansas ($35,210).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,060 | $46,850 | $77,170 | about 95,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $58,540 | about 790 |
| Washington | $58,050 | about 5,000 |
| Connecticut | $56,340 | about 2,000 |
| Georgia | $55,000 | about 740 |
| Oregon | $54,970 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: 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. Excludes “Occupational Therapists” (29-1122).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1015.00
- crccertification.com/get-certified
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY