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The differences between residence counselors and rehabilitation counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a residence counselor, becoming a rehabilitation counselor takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a rehabilitation counselor has an average salary of $43,111, which is higher than the $34,931 average annual salary of a residence counselor.
The top three skills for a residence counselor include developmental disabilities, CPR and community resources. The most important skills for a rehabilitation counselor are rehabilitation, social work, and mental health.
| Residence Counselor | Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $34,931 | $43,111 |
| Hourly rate | $16.79 | $20.73 |
| Growth rate | 36% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 78,872 | 77,220 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
Residence counselors are professionals who are responsible for providing services such as one-to-one therapy and crisis support to clients who are living in group homes or assisted-living facilities. These counselors must assist adults with moderate intellectual disabilities to find employment while monitoring their work performance. They must facilitate and supervise daily personal care and activities for developmentally disabled adults. Residence counselors must also encourage clients to participate in community activities that can contribute to the development of skills necessary for independent living.
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.
Residence counselors and rehabilitation counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Residence Counselor | Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Average salary | $34,931 | $43,111 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $43,000 | Between $31,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Phoenix, AZ | Cleveland, OH |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Ohio |
| Best paying company | McLean Hospital | North Shore Healthcare |
| Best paying industry | Education | Government |
There are a few differences between a residence counselor and a rehabilitation counselor in terms of educational background:
| Residence Counselor | Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | University of Washington |
Here are the differences between residence counselors' and rehabilitation counselors' demographics:
| Residence Counselor | Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% | Male, 33.9% Female, 66.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 15% | 21% |