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The differences between vocational rehabilitation counselors and clinical counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a vocational rehabilitation counselor, becoming a clinical counselor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a clinical counselor has an average salary of $54,191, which is higher than the $45,871 average annual salary of a vocational rehabilitation counselor.
The top three skills for a vocational rehabilitation counselor include rehabilitation, substance abuse and transferable. The most important skills for a clinical counselor are social work, patients, and foster care.
| Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | Clinical Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $45,871 | $54,191 |
| Hourly rate | $22.05 | $26.05 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 78,174 | 146,133 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
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.
A Clinical Counselor interviews clients to assess their mental health and behavioral problems. They examine issues such as substance abuse, depression, stress, aging and self-image.
Vocational rehabilitation counselors and clinical counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | Clinical Counselor | |
| Average salary | $45,871 | $54,191 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $62,000 | Between $43,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Williston, ND | Bethesda, MD |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Maryland |
| Best paying company | New York State Restaurant Association | Novo Nordisk |
| Best paying industry | Non Profits | Professional |
There are a few differences between a vocational rehabilitation counselor and a clinical counselor in terms of educational background:
| Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | Clinical Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between vocational rehabilitation counselors' and clinical counselors' demographics:
| Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | Clinical Counselor | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6% | Male, 28.4% Female, 71.6% |
| 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, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 21% | 15% |