Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepared to empower individuals with disabilities and those recovering from injury or illness, this program equips professionals with the expertise to guide clients toward maximum independence and life satisfaction. By integrating clinical insight with practical support strategies, graduates help clients navigate physical, emotional, and vocational challenges to reach their full potential across all life domains.
- Patient evaluation and testing: Learn to assess physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities using standardized tools to inform personalized rehabilitation plans.
- Rehabilitation program planning: Develop comprehensive, individualized strategies that align with client goals, functional needs, and long-term outcomes.
- Support services and referrals: Master the coordination of community resources, medical services, and social programs to ensure holistic client care.
- Job analysis: Gain skills in evaluating job requirements and workplace environments to match client abilities with suitable employment opportunities.
- Adjustment psychology: Understand the psychological processes involved in adapting to disability or life-altering health conditions, supporting emotional resilience.
- Rehabilitation services provision: Explore the delivery of specialized interventions, including vocational training, assistive technology, and daily living skills development.
- Patient counseling and education: Build expertise in therapeutic communication, goal setting, and client education to promote self-advocacy and informed decision-making.
- Applicable law and regulations: Study federal and state policies, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to ensure compliance and protect client rights.
- Professional standards and ethics: Engage with ethical frameworks and best practices that govern confidentiality, boundaries, and responsible professional conduct.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Rehabilitation Counselors. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 318,650 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Rehabilitation Counselors 21-1015 | $46,110 | $34,480 - $77,200 | 88,930 | $22.17 |
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $47,270 in Hawaii to $118,120 in District of Columbia—a 150% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Arkansas, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 318,650 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 58 institutions offering Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling is found at University of Wisconsin-Madison (60 graduates), California State University, Los Angeles (48 graduates), The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) (48 graduates), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) (40 graduates), and Auburn University (AU) (37 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 941 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
60 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
48 | Los Angeles, California | Public | calstatela.edu |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
48 | Edinburg, Texas | Public | utrgv.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
40 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
37 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
36 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Public | wssu.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UA Little Rock) |
Master's
|
34 | Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | ualr.edu |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
30 | San Diego, California | Public | sdsu.edu |
| Southern University and A & M College (SUBR) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
29 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | subr.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Master's
|
29 | Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
28 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Master's
|
27 | Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
27 | Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Master's
|
26 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Master's
|
24 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Master's
|
22 | Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Public | unc.edu |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) |
Master's
|
21 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttuhsc.edu |
| Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) |
Master's
|
20 | Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | stcloudstate.edu |
| Mercer University |
Master's
|
18 | Macon, Georgia | Private | mercer.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
18 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR) |
Master's
|
18 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | uprrp.edu |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis |
Master's
|
16 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | maryville.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Master's
|
16 | Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Master's
|
15 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| Western Oregon University (WOU) |
Master's
|
15 | Monmouth, Oregon | Public | wou.edu |
| Assumption University |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
14 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | assumption.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Master's
|
14 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| Western Washington University (WWU) |
Master's
|
14 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | wwu.edu |
| California State University (CSUSB) |
Master's
|
13 | San Bernardino, California | Public | csusb.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Master's
|
13 | El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
13 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Master's
|
11 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| California State University |
Master's
|
10 | Fresno, California | Public | fresnostate.edu |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) |
Master's
|
10 | Greeley, Colorado | Public | unco.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Master's
|
9 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| Fort Valley State University (FVSU) |
Master's
|
9 | Fort Valley, Georgia | Public | fvsu.edu |
| North Carolina A & T State University (NC A&T) |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | ncat.edu |
| Kent State University |
Master's
|
9 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Wright State University |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | wright.edu |
| Salve Regina University |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
8 | Newport, Rhode Island | Private | salve.edu |
| Langston University (LU) |
Master's
|
6 | Langston, Oklahoma | Public | langston.edu |
| Mount Mary University |
Master's
|
5 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | mtmary.edu |
| Taft College |
Associate's
|
4 | Taft, California | Public | taftcollege.edu |
| Emporia State University (ESU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Emporia, Kansas | Public | emporia.edu |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC-NO) |
Master's
|
4 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | lsuhsc.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Master's
|
4 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| University of Scranton |
Master's
|
4 | Scranton, Pennsylvania | Private | scranton.edu |
| Universidad Central de Bayamon (UCB) |
Master's
|
4 | Bayamón, Puerto Rico | Private | ucb.edu.pr |
| Alabama State University (ASU) |
Master's
|
2 | Montgomery, Alabama | Public | alasu.edu |
| University of the District of Columbia (UDC) |
Master's
|
2 | Washington, District of Columbia | Public | udc.edu |
| Northern Illinois University (NIU) |
Master's
|
2 | Dekalb, Illinois | Public | niu.edu |
| Jackson State University (JSU) |
Master's
|
2 | Jackson, Mississippi | Public | jsums.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| Thomas University (TU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Thomasville, Georgia | Private | thomasu.edu |
| Springfield College |
Master's
|
1 | Springfield, Massachusetts | Private | springfield.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Master's
|
1 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) |
Master's
|
1 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | ollusa.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling programs
How much can I earn with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling degree?
Salaries for Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Rehabilitation Counselors earn around $46,110. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $118,120 compared to $47,270 in Hawaii. Approximately 318,650 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling programs?
Currently 58 accredited institutions offer Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Wisconsin-Madison (60 graduates), California State University, Los Angeles (48 graduates), and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) (48 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,337 in 2010 to a peak of 1,228 in 2020, before declining slightly to 941 in 2023-24. This represents a 30% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Rehabilitation Counselors, . Related occupations employ approximately 318,650 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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