Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in Iowa
Based on 2K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$39,630
$19.05/hr
vs National Average
$48,149
-17.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$34K – $58K
2K employed in Iowa
The median rehabilitation counselor salary in Iowa is $39,630 per year, with approximately 2,170 professionals currently employed in the state. This figure falls about 18% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries in this field typically range from $34,370 to $58,220 annually, depending on individual qualifications and work settings.
Several factors influence rehabilitation counselor compensation in Iowa, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Those working in medical facilities or government agencies often earn differently than those in private practice or nonprofit organizations. Geographic location within the state, caseload size, and specialization in particular disabilities can also affect earning potential for rehabilitation counselors.
Salary Distribution — Rehabilitation Counselor in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,370 |
| 25th percentile | $35,660 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $39,630 |
| 75th percentile | $47,540 |
| 90th percentile | $58,220 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $36,000 |
| 2023 | $36,670 |
| 2024 | $38,130 |
| 2025 | $39,630 |
| 2026 (projected) | $41,189 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $36,000 | $42,359 |
| 2023 | $36,670 | $45,055 |
| 2024 | $38,130 | $48,045 |
| 2025 | $39,630 | $48,149 |
| 2026 (projected) | $41,189 | $50,043 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,660 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $39,630 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $47,540 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $58,220 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Rehabilitation Counselor ($39,630 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Rehabilitation Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +982.6% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +922.5% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +834.6% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +798.4% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +645.1% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +614.3% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +589.0% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +569.2% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +562.2% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +358.0% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +250.4% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +240.2% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do rehabilitation counselors make in Iowa?
- Rehabilitation counselors in Iowa earn a median salary of $39,630 per year, or approximately $19 per hour. This is about 17.7% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for rehabilitation counselors in Iowa?
- Rehabilitation counselor salaries in Iowa range from $34,370 at the lower end to $58,220 at the higher end. The median of $39,630 falls in the middle of this range.
How many rehabilitation counselors are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 2,170 rehabilitation counselors currently employed in Iowa, providing insight into the job market size for this profession in the state.
Is the rehabilitation counselor salary in Iowa lower than the national average?
- Yes, Iowa's median rehabilitation counselor salary of $39,630 is 17.7% below the national average. Job seekers considering this career in Iowa should factor in this wage difference compared to other states.