Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in Kentucky
Based on 790+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$58,540
$28.14/hr
vs National Average
$48,149
+21.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$33K – $78K
790 employed in Kentucky
Rehabilitation Counselor salary in Kentucky averages $58,540 per year, positioning the state notably above the national average at 22% higher. With approximately 790 rehabilitation counselors currently employed throughout Kentucky, this field offers competitive compensation. Salaries in the state range from $33,000 to $77,790 annually, reflecting variations based on experience and employment settings.
Several factors influence rehabilitation counselor earnings across Kentucky, including years of professional experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Counselors working in government agencies or hospitals often earn differently than those in private practices or nonprofit organizations. Geographic location within the state, caseload complexity, and specialized certifications also play significant roles in determining individual compensation levels within this profession.
Salary Distribution — Rehabilitation Counselor in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33,000 |
| 25th percentile | $40,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,540 |
| 75th percentile | $70,380 |
| 90th percentile | $77,790 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $37,200 |
| 2023 | $37,610 |
| 2024 | $56,150 |
| 2025 | $58,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,032 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $37,200 | $42,359 |
| 2023 | $37,610 | $45,055 |
| 2024 | $56,150 | $48,045 |
| 2025 | $58,540 | $48,149 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,032 | $50,198 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $40,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $70,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,790 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Rehabilitation Counselor ($58,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Rehabilitation Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +853.5% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +494.4% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +441.7% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +378.3% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +324.9% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +312.6% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +306.2% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +280.1% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +243.8% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +200.1% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +189.4% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +177.0% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do rehabilitation counselors make in Kentucky?
- Rehabilitation counselors in Kentucky earn a median salary of $58,540 per year, or $28 per hour. This is significantly above the national average, representing a 21.6% premium compared to rehabilitation counselors across the United States.
What is the salary range for rehabilitation counselors in Kentucky?
- Rehabilitation counselor salaries in Kentucky range from a low of $33,000 to a high of $77,790 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, employer type, and individual qualifications within the state.
Is the rehabilitation counselor salary in Kentucky higher than the national average?
- Yes, rehabilitation counselors in Kentucky earn 21.6% more than the national average, with a median salary of $58,540 annually. This makes Kentucky a particularly competitive market for this profession compared to other states.
How many rehabilitation counselors are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 790 rehabilitation counselors currently employed in Kentucky. This represents the total workforce in this field across the state.