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Job outlook for rehab technicians in the United States
Rehab technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected rehab technician job growth rate is 24% from 2018-2028.
About 33,900 new jobs for rehab technicians are projected over the next decade.
Rehab technician salaries have increased 11% for rehab technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 50,330 rehab technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 27,969 active rehab technician job openings in the US.
The average rehab technician salary is $28,505.
Are rehab technician jobs in demand?
Rehab technician job and salary trends over time
Rehab technician jobs over time
Rehab technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 50,330 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 52,647 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 56,352 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 51,596 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 51,968 | 0.02% |
Average rehab technician salary over time
Rehab technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,505 | $13.70 | +5.4% |
| 2024 | $27,052 | $13.01 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | $26,290 | $12.64 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $25,779 | $12.39 | +0.2% |
| 2021 | $25,729 | $12.37 | +2.2% |
Rehab technician jobs by state
Most common states for rehab technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 362 | 27% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 108 | 17% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 210 | 16% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,046 | 15% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 98 | 13% |
| 6 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 209 | 12% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 211 | 11% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 367 | 10% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 327 | 10% |
| 10 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 284 | 10% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 103 | 10% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 96 | 10% |
| 13 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 567 | 9% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 529 | 9% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 508 | 9% |
| 16 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 77 | 9% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,041 | 8% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 750 | 8% |
| 19 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 540 | 8% |
| 20 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 461 | 8% |
Most common cities for rehab technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dunedin | 1 | 3% | $26,088 |
| 2 | Grand Rapids | 3 | 2% | $26,482 |
| 3 | Berwyn | 1 | 2% | $28,494 |
| 4 | Council Bluffs | 1 | 2% | $25,019 |
| 5 | Elmhurst | 1 | 2% | $28,513 |
| 6 | Urban Honolulu | 2 | 1% | $26,839 |
| 7 | Columbia | 1 | 1% | $25,523 |
| 8 | Davenport | 1 | 1% | $25,195 |
| 9 | Flagstaff | 1 | 1% | $27,038 |
| 10 | Fort Myers | 1 | 1% | $25,926 |
| 11 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $26,840 |
| 12 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $25,608 |
| 13 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $31,774 |
Rehab Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of rehab technician experts
Western University of Health Sciences
Concordia University
University of New England
Josh Matacotta
Assistant Dean of Assessment & Strategic Initiatives, Assistant ProfessorWestern University of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
What soft skills should all Rehab Technicians possess?
Josh Matacotta: I teach psychosocial and cultural aspects of healthcare to health sciences students. We explore the impact of psychological, social, and cultural factors that affect interactions between the care provider and their patients. Authentic empathy, active listening, cultural humility, and an ability to communicate in a way that makes others truly feel heard are essential soft skills to have. Many people experienced increased isolation due to COVID-19. This reminded so many of us how vital social connection is to our wellbeing. In the rehabilitation setting, you will experience patients contending with challenges associated with a newly acquired disability or an injury that has placed limitations on their activities of daily living. I cannot stress enough how necessary soft skills are so that you can help your patients and the people around them feel hopeful.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Rehab Technicians?
Josh Matacotta: Comfort with computers and a willingness to learn how to use various software is essential. Technicians and aides will prepare, record, and navigate patient records and case management data. Day-to-day duties might vary greatly depending on the setting you are working in. Generally, it would be best if you had a good understanding of physiology and anatomy, patient confidentiality, and protected health information.
What skills will help Rehab Technicians earn the most?
Josh Matacotta: As an educator of various health science students, I remind students that they are lifelong learners. After graduation, stay abreast of the latest science through continuing education. I think specializing in a particular setting or a particular condition may help you earn more, especially if there is a shortage of expertise in a specific area or setting. I might add that knowledge about healthcare administration, or organizational skills would help you earn the most.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Rehab Technicians?
Elizabeth Paly: According to Dr. Robert Barnhart, director and Dr. Elizabeth Paly Associate Professor at Concordia University's Doctoral Physical Therapy Program in Mequon, WI it is really too soon to predict because we are still in the midst of the pandemic.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Rehab Technicians?
Elizabeth Paly: In the field of Physical Therapy to improve job prospects, become licensed. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification (CSCS) is helpful. Also, a dual certification as Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) could be useful depending on the setting that you work. Given the increased prevalence of those diagnosed with Parkinson Disease, becoming certified in The Lee Silverman Voice Training- Big (LSVT-Big) Program can also be increasingly favorable.
What soft skills should all Rehab Technicians possess?
Elizabeth Paly: Soft skills that are becoming increasingly more favorable in the work environment include active listening and communication skills, willingness to collaborate with others, creativity, and adaptability to changing situations.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Rehab Technician job market given the pandemic?
Tara Paradie: While I truly have not been studying the official trends, what I have been experience with my new graduates with Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees is that there is a lot of hiring that is part time, or reduced time, hoping that those positions will move to full-time positions as the conditions of the pandemic change. New graduates have accepted positions for 30 hours, 32 hours, and have also taken per-deim positions as they await more full-time positions becoming available.
What technical skills for a Rehab Technician stand out to employers?
Tara Paradie: Again, my experience has been in the health care field--and I believe that employers are looking for graduates who are confident and bring their health care skills to the table, ready to assist and relieve the current workforce who has been working overtime to keep patients healthy and safe. The ability to be flexible and apply what they have learned in school immediately will be valued. I believe this to be true of any of the health professions that I am affiliated with--physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing and nurse anesthesia, dental medicine and dental hygiene, social work and pharmacy.
What's a good job out of college for Rehab Technicians?
Tara Paradie: From our perspective, any that I have listed are all good jobs and are typically in high demand. Covid has changed the landscape, and I have not had a long enough experience with new graduates moving into this new economy to guess overall how the health care climate may have changed in the long term. My guess is that the demand will continue on, with new and heightened opportunities as patients are recovering from complications of Covid.