Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in District of Columbia
State-level salary data from BLS OES and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$49,680
$23.88/hr
vs National Average
$48,149
+3.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $96K
The median Rehabilitation Counselor salary in District of Columbia is $49,680 per year, positioning the field competitively within the region. This figure sits approximately 3% above the national average, reflecting the cost of living and demand for mental health services in the nation's capital. Entry-level positions start near $49,670, while experienced counselors can earn substantially more.
Several factors influence Rehabilitation Counselor salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Counselors working in government agencies or larger healthcare systems often earn more than those in nonprofit organizations. Specialization in specific client populations, professional certifications, and advanced degrees can also contribute to higher compensation in this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Rehabilitation Counselor in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,670 |
| 25th percentile | $49,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,680 |
| 75th percentile | $81,550 |
| 90th percentile | $95,530 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,780 |
| 2023 | $61,700 |
| 2024 | $74,410 |
| 2025 | $49,680 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,680 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,780 | $42,359 |
| 2023 | $61,700 | $45,055 |
| 2024 | $74,410 | $48,045 |
| 2025 | $49,680 | $48,149 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,680 | $48,149 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,680 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,550 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $95,530 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Rehabilitation Counselor ($49,680 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Rehabilitation Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +540.5% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +434.9% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +369.8% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +349.4% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +307.7% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +268.5% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +267.3% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +212.3% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +208.8% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +176.2% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +173.5% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +172.0% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do rehabilitation counselors make in Washington DC?
- Rehabilitation counselors in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $49,680 per year, or $24 per hour. This is 3.2% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for a rehabilitation counselor in DC?
- The salary range for rehabilitation counselors in District of Columbia spans from $49,670 to $95,530 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and employer.
Is the rehabilitation counselor salary in DC above the national average?
- Yes, the median rehabilitation counselor salary in District of Columbia at $49,680 annually is 3.2% higher than the national average for this role.
What's the hourly wage for rehabilitation counselors in Washington DC?
- Rehabilitation counselors in District of Columbia earn a median hourly wage of $24 per hour, which corresponds to the annual median salary of $49,680.