Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in Illinois
Based on 4K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$49,350
$23.73/hr
vs National Average
$48,149
+2.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $75K
4K employed in Illinois
Rehabilitation Counselor salary in Illinois averages $49,350 per year, which is 2% above the national average. The state currently employs approximately 4,140 rehabilitation counselors across various settings including hospitals, schools, and private practices. This positions Illinois as a competitive market for professionals in this field.
Several factors influence rehabilitation counselor compensation in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Counselors working in urban areas or specialized facilities may earn toward the higher end of the $37,280 to $75,020 salary range, while those in rural or nonprofit settings typically earn less. Caseload management and additional certifications can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Rehabilitation Counselor in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,280 |
| 25th percentile | $44,620 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,350 |
| 75th percentile | $59,820 |
| 90th percentile | $75,020 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $44,400 |
| 2023 | $45,810 |
| 2024 | $48,580 |
| 2025 | $49,350 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,132 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $44,400 | $42,359 |
| 2023 | $45,810 | $45,055 |
| 2024 | $48,580 | $48,045 |
| 2025 | $49,350 | $48,149 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,132 | $48,912 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $44,620 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,350 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $75,020 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Rehabilitation Counselor ($49,350 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Rehabilitation Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +949.3% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +787.6% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +481.2% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +424.3% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +396.7% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +321.5% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +298.7% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +239.2% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +216.3% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +195.1% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +185.1% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +181.8% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do rehabilitation counselors make in Illinois?
- The median salary for rehabilitation counselors in Illinois is $49,350 per year, or $24 per hour. This is 2.5% higher than the national average, making it a competitive wage for this profession in the state.
What is the salary range for rehabilitation counselors in Illinois?
- Rehabilitation counselors in Illinois earn between $37,280 and $75,020 annually, depending on experience, employer, and specialization. This wide range reflects the variation in pay across different settings and career stages.
Is the rehabilitation counselor salary in Illinois above the national average?
- Yes, Illinois rehabilitation counselors earn 2.5% more than the national average salary for this position. The median of $49,350 per year puts the state slightly ahead of most other states.
How many rehabilitation counselors work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 4,140 rehabilitation counselors employed in Illinois, representing a substantial job market for professionals in this field within the state.