Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in North Carolina
Based on 4K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$45,890
$22.06/hr
vs National Average
$48,149
-4.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $60K
4K employed in North Carolina
The median Rehabilitation Counselor salary in North Carolina is $45,890 annually, placing it 5% below the national average. Currently, there are approximately 3,820 individuals employed in this vital profession across the state, with salaries typically ranging from $30,440 to $59,600 per year. This data offers a snapshot of compensation for those dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities.
Several factors influence the Rehabilitation Counselor salary in North Carolina. Experience level is a significant driver, with seasoned professionals commanding higher earnings. Additionally, the specific setting of employment, such as private practice, government agencies, or healthcare facilities, can impact pay. Geographic location within North Carolina and the demand for specialized skills also play a role in determining an individual's overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Rehabilitation Counselor in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,440 |
| 25th percentile | $35,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $45,890 |
| 75th percentile | $50,460 |
| 90th percentile | $59,600 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $38,440 |
| 2023 | $42,750 |
| 2024 | $46,670 |
| 2025 | $45,890 |
| 2026 (projected) | $45,890 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $38,440 | $42,359 |
| 2023 | $42,750 | $45,055 |
| 2024 | $46,670 | $48,045 |
| 2025 | $45,890 | $48,149 |
| 2026 (projected) | $45,890 | $48,149 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $45,890 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $50,460 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $59,600 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Rehabilitation Counselor ($45,890 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Rehabilitation Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +768.2% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +639.5% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +531.5% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +389.5% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +369.4% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +369.0% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +351.1% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +300.0% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +268.0% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +252.1% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +202.6% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +193.2% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Rehabilitation Counselor make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Rehabilitation Counselor in North Carolina is $45,890 per year, which breaks down to approximately $22 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $30,440 and $59,600 annually.
What is the salary difference for Rehabilitation Counselors in NC compared to the national average?
- Rehabilitation Counselors in North Carolina earn on average 4.7% less than the national average. This means the median salary of $45,890 in NC is lower than the national median.
What is the typical salary range for Rehabilitation Counselors in North Carolina?
- The salary for Rehabilitation Counselors in North Carolina generally ranges from $30,440 on the lower end to $59,600 on the higher end. The median salary falls within this range at $45,890 annually.
How many Rehabilitation Counselors are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 3,820 Rehabilitation Counselors employed in North Carolina. This indicates a significant number of professionals in this field within the state.