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Job outlook for rehabilitation technicians in the United States
Rehabilitation technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected rehabilitation technician job growth rate is 24% from 2018-2028.
About 33,900 new jobs for rehabilitation technicians are projected over the next decade.
Rehabilitation technician salaries have increased 5% for rehabilitation technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 31,052 rehabilitation technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 31,196 active rehabilitation technician job openings in the US.
The average rehabilitation technician salary is $29,533.
Are rehabilitation technician jobs in demand?
Rehabilitation technician job and salary trends over time
Rehabilitation technician jobs over time
Rehabilitation technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 31,052 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 33,565 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 36,410 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 32,185 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 33,409 | 0.01% |
Average rehabilitation technician salary over time
Rehabilitation technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $29,533 | $14.20 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $28,731 | $13.81 | --0.7% |
| 2024 | $28,938 | $13.91 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $28,452 | $13.68 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $28,130 | $13.52 | +2.7% |
Rehabilitation technician jobs by state
Most common states for rehabilitation technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 190 | 30% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 187 | 25% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 252 | 19% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 188 | 18% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 176 | 18% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 157 | 18% |
| 7 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 316 | 17% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 517 | 16% |
| 9 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 214 | 16% |
| 10 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 94 | 16% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 116 | 15% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 978 | 14% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 765 | 14% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 264 | 14% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 889 | 13% |
| 16 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 630 | 13% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 475 | 13% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 274 | 13% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 137 | 13% |
| 20 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,044 | 12% |
Most common cities for rehabilitation technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lewiston | 5 | 15% | $35,456 |
| 2 | Nampa | 5 | 5% | $35,011 |
| 3 | Lawrence | 4 | 5% | $29,870 |
| 4 | Towson | 3 | 5% | $29,025 |
| 5 | Maricopa | 2 | 4% | $32,024 |
| 6 | Gainesville | 2 | 2% | $23,955 |
| 7 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $28,842 |
| 8 | Tallahassee | 2 | 1% | $24,307 |
| 9 | Warren | 2 | 1% | $26,658 |
| 10 | Auburn | 1 | 1% | $38,108 |
| 11 | Jacksonville | 3 | 0% | $24,021 |
| 12 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $28,982 |
Rehabilitation Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of rehabilitation technician experts
Western University of Health Sciences
University of New England
Josh Matacotta
Assistant Dean of Assessment & Strategic Initiatives, Assistant ProfessorWestern University of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Rehabilitation Technician resumes?
Josh Matacotta: One skill that should stand out on the resume is working effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Rehabilitation technicians who will successfully work with administrative staff, clinicians, administrators, and other healthcare professionals are highly sought. A rehab technician will work alongside doctors and therapists and interact with other professionals and support staff within their work setting. Having an appreciation for teamwork and how patients ultimately benefit from the effective collaboration is essential.
What soft skills should all Rehabilitation 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 Rehabilitation 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 Rehabilitation 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.
What technical skills for a Rehabilitation 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 Rehabilitation 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.