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The differences between vocational counselors and vocational rehabilitation counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a vocational rehabilitation counselor has an average salary of $45,871, 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 vocational rehabilitation counselor are rehabilitation, substance abuse, and transferable.
| Vocational Counselor | Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $39,135 | $45,871 |
| Hourly rate | $18.81 | $22.05 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 77,189 | 78,174 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| 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.
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.
Vocational counselors and vocational rehabilitation counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Vocational Counselor | Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Average salary | $39,135 | $45,871 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $33,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Shasta, CA | Williston, ND |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Lower Eastside Service Center | New York State Restaurant Association |
| Best paying industry | Education | Non Profits |
There are a few differences between a vocational counselor and a vocational rehabilitation counselor in terms of educational background:
| Vocational Counselor | Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between vocational counselors' and vocational rehabilitation counselors' demographics:
| Vocational Counselor | Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.8% Female, 70.2% | Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6% |
| 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% |