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The differences between rehabilitation counselors and vocational rehabilitation counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a rehabilitation counselor and a vocational rehabilitation counselor. Additionally, a vocational rehabilitation counselor has an average salary of $45,871, which is higher than the $43,111 average annual salary of a rehabilitation counselor.
The top three skills for a rehabilitation counselor include rehabilitation, social work and mental health. The most important skills for a vocational rehabilitation counselor are rehabilitation, substance abuse, and transferable.
| Rehabilitation Counselor | Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $43,111 | $45,871 |
| Hourly rate | $20.73 | $22.05 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 77,220 | 78,174 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Rehabilitation counselors are professional counselors who are responsible for helping individuals cope with their disabilities to live independently. These counselors are required to consult other professionals, family members, and individuals when developing a treatment plan based on the goals, strengths, limitations, and personal values of their clients. They must make connections with community support so that individuals with disabilities can avail of the types of services that are available. Rehabilitation counselors must also find employers and educate them in understanding the needs and abilities of disabled people.
The primary role of a vocational rehabilitation counselor is to help disabled people to live fully and independently. Vocational rehabilitation counselors assist people with disabilities in securing employment. They provide health care to those who are coping with mental illness, substance abuse issues, psychological disorders, or physical disabilities. Knowledge of patient care, health management, rehabilitation program, and clinical psychology is a must for this job.
Rehabilitation counselors and vocational rehabilitation counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Rehabilitation Counselor | Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Average salary | $43,111 | $45,871 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $58,000 | Between $33,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cleveland, OH | Williston, ND |
| Highest paying state | Ohio | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | North Shore Healthcare | New York State Restaurant Association |
| Best paying industry | Government | Non Profits |
There are a few differences between a rehabilitation counselor and a vocational rehabilitation counselor in terms of educational background:
| Rehabilitation Counselor | Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | University of Washington | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between rehabilitation counselors' and vocational rehabilitation counselors' demographics:
| Rehabilitation Counselor | Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 33.9% Female, 66.1% | Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 2.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% | Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 2.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 21% | 21% |