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The differences between vocational counselors and rehabilitation counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a rehabilitation counselor has an average salary of $43,111, which is higher than the $39,135 average annual salary of a vocational counselor.
The top three skills for a vocational counselor include rehabilitation, social work and mental health. The most important skills for a rehabilitation counselor are rehabilitation, social work, and mental health.
| Vocational Counselor | Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $39,135 | $43,111 |
| Hourly rate | $18.81 | $20.73 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 77,189 | 77,220 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | 12 |
People who have issues with getting employment or have certain disabilities require the help of a vocational counselor. This individual provides counseling, provides job plans for patients, and assists patients in achieving their employment goals so they can earn the income needed to live comfortably. They may be expected to help clients understand what they are capable of and using this, help develop their career goals. They provide the link between clients who are seeking employment and employers.
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.
Vocational counselors and rehabilitation counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Vocational Counselor | Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Average salary | $39,135 | $43,111 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $31,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Shasta, CA | Cleveland, OH |
| Highest paying state | California | Ohio |
| Best paying company | Lower Eastside Service Center | North Shore Healthcare |
| Best paying industry | Education | Government |
There are a few differences between a vocational counselor and a rehabilitation counselor in terms of educational background:
| Vocational Counselor | Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | 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 vocational counselors' and rehabilitation counselors' demographics:
| Vocational Counselor | Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.8% Female, 70.2% | Male, 33.9% Female, 66.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 | 11% | 21% |