Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor Rehabilitation counselors may need to complete a period of supervised clinical experience as part of a master’s degree. Rehabilitation counselors typically need a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field, although for some jobs a bachelor’s degree is sufficient. Some positions require a license or certification.
Education
Many employers require or prefer that rehabilitation counselors have a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. Master’s degree programs teach students to evaluate clients’ needs, formulate and implement job placement strategies, and understand the medical and psychological aspects of disabilities. These programs typically include a period of supervised clinical experience, such as an internship. Some employers hire workers with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, health, social sciences, or another field related to rehabilitation. However, these workers typically cannot offer the full range of services that a rehabilitation counselor with a master’s degree can provide.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Licensing requirements for rehabilitation counselors differ by state and by type of services provided. Rehabilitation counselors who provide counseling services to clients must attain a counselor license through their state licensing board. Rehabilitation counselors who provide other services, however, may be exempt from state licensing requirements. For example, rehabilitation counselors who provide only vocational rehabilitation services or job placement assistance may not need a license. Licensure typically requires a master’s degree and a specified number of hours of supervised clinical experience. In addition, counselors must pass a state-recognized exam and complete continuing education every year. Contact your state licensing board for more information. Some employers require or prefer that rehabilitation counselors have professional certification, which can help to demonstrate competency in the field. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of rehabilitation counselors is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 8,200 openings for rehabilitation counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Demand for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow with the increase in the older population and with the continued rehabilitation needs of other groups, such as veterans and people with disabilities. Despite federal guidelines mandating that states provide vocational rehabilitation services, budget constraints may limit job opportunities for rehabilitation counselors. Rehabilitation Counselors Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists 8% Total, all occupations 3% Rehabilitation counselors 2% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Rehabilitation Counselors Do
Rehabilitation counselors work with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social, or psychological effects of disabilities on employment or independent living.
Duties
Rehabilitation counselors typically do the following:
- Provide individual and group counseling to help clients with a variety of issues
- Evaluate clients’ abilities, interests, experiences, skills, health, and education
- Develop a rehabilitation plan for clients, and, if necessary, consult with doctors, therapists, or other healthcare workers
- Refer clients to services, such as medical care or career training
- Help employers and community members understand the needs and abilities of people with disabilities, as well as related laws and resources
- Help clients develop their skills and use their strengths to adjust to functional or other limitations
- Locate resources, such as wheelchairs or computer programs, that help clients live and work more independently
- Maintain client records and monitor clients’ progress, adjusting the rehabilitation plan as necessary
- Advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to live in a community and work in the job of their choice
Rehabilitation counselors help people with disabilities at various stages in their lives. For example, some work with students to develop strategies for transitioning from school to work. Others help veterans to cope with the mental or physical effects of their military service. Still others help people adapt to disabilities developed later in life from illness or injury.
Some rehabilitation counselors deal specifically with employment issues. These counselors, sometimes called vocational rehabilitation counselors, typically work with older students and adults.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Rehabilitation counselors held about 96,900 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of rehabilitation counselors were as follows:
| Vocational rehabilitation services | 34% |
| Individual and family services | 17 |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 16 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | 14 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 4 |
Rehabilitation counselors work in a variety of settings, such as community rehabilitation centers, senior citizen centers, and youth guidance organizations.
Work Schedules
Most rehabilitation counselors work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Depending on where they are employed, rehabilitation counselors may work evenings, weekends, or part time.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Communication skills. Rehabilitation counselors need to be able to communicate effectively with clients. Compassion. Rehabilitation counselors often work with people who are dealing with stressful and difficult situations. They must be able to empathize with their clients. Critical-thinking skills. Rehabilitation counselors must be able to develop a treatment plan to help clients reach their goals by considering each client’s abilities and interests. Interpersonal skills. Rehabilitation counselors work directly with clients, families, employers, or other professionals. They must be able to develop and maintain good working relationships. Listening skills. Rehabilitation counselors need to give their full attention in sessions in order to understand clients’ problems, concerns, and values. Patience. Rehabilitation counselors must have patience to help clients learn new skills and strategies to address their disabilities.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about rehabilitation counselors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.