Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in California
Based on 14K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$44,480
$21.38/hr
vs National Average
$48,149
-7.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $69K
14K employed in California
# Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in California
The median rehabilitation counselor salary in California is $44,480 per year, with approximately 13,690 professionals working in the state. While this represents a solid middle-class income, it falls about 8% below the national average for the occupation. Salaries in this field typically range from $35,940 at the entry level to $69,260 for experienced counselors, reflecting significant earning potential as professionals advance in their careers.
Several factors influence rehabilitation counselor compensation throughout California. Experience level remains a primary driver, with seasoned counselors earning substantially more than newcomers. Employer type also matters significantly—counselors working for state agencies, hospitals, or private rehabilitation facilities may earn differently than those in nonprofit settings. Geographic location within California, educational credentials, specialized certifications, and caseload management skills all contribute to individual salary variations within the profession.
Salary Distribution — Rehabilitation Counselor in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,940 |
| 25th percentile | $37,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $44,480 |
| 75th percentile | $51,420 |
| 90th percentile | $69,260 |
Top-Paying Industries for Rehabilitation Counselor (U.S.)
Which industries pay Rehabilitation Counselors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Rehabilitation Counselors in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $95,720 | 520 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $86,690 | — |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $64,780 | 18K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $52,360 | — |
| Educational Services | $51,150 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Rehabilitation Counselor in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $37,760 |
| 2023 | $43,890 |
| 2024 | $44,280 |
| 2025 | $44,480 |
| 2026 (projected) | $44,681 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $37,760 | $42,359 |
| 2023 | $43,890 | $45,055 |
| 2024 | $44,280 | $48,045 |
| 2025 | $44,480 | $48,149 |
| 2026 (projected) | $44,681 | $48,366 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $44,480 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $51,420 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $69,260 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Rehabilitation Counselor ($44,480 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Rehabilitation Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +694.7% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +605.7% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +577.2% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +557.4% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +508.3% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +466.6% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +381.4% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +358.3% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +352.6% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +317.3% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +278.9% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +273.1% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do rehabilitation counselors make in California?
- The median salary for rehabilitation counselors in California is $44,480 per year, or $21 per hour. This is 7.6% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for rehabilitation counselors in California?
- Rehabilitation counselors in California earn between $35,940 and $69,260 annually, depending on experience, employer, and location within the state.
How many rehabilitation counselors are employed in California?
- There are currently 13,690 rehabilitation counselors employed in California, making it a reasonably sized profession in the state.
Is the rehabilitation counselor salary in California below the national average?
- Yes, California's median rehabilitation counselor salary of $44,480 per year is 7.6% below the national average, despite being a high cost-of-living state.