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Average Rehabilitation Counselors Salary in California

Rehabilitation Counselors in California earn an average annual salary of $49,520, which is notably higher than the national average of $47,550. This elevated compensation is often attributed to the state's robust economy, higher demand for specialized services, and the increased cost of living that necessitates higher pay to attract and retain talent.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,140.
  • Outlook: California boasts a significant workforce of 13,450 Rehabilitation Counselors, indicating a substantial presence in the state's employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 1.29 suggests that this profession is more concentrated in California than the national average, pointing towards a strong and potentially growing demand for these services within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,520

The average Rehabilitation Counselors in California earns+4.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.8

Weekly

$952

Monthly

$4,127

Rehabilitation Counselors Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Rehabilitation Counselors in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$37,280$17.9
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$37,140$17.9
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$44,280$21.3
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$61,900$29.8
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$72,140$34.7

Detailed Rehabilitation Counselors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,755

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $49,520 in California presents a mixed picture when juxtaposed with the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. While the salary is above the national average, the significantly higher cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary may be less than it appears when compared to lower-cost regions.

Job Market Context

13,450

Total Jobs

0.745

Per 1K Jobs

1.29

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.29, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Rehabilitation Counselors roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.29, California demonstrates a higher concentration of Rehabilitation Counselors compared to the national average. This suggests a more robust job market for these professionals in the state, indicating that employers may be actively seeking to fill these roles to meet local demand.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Rehabilitation Counselors

CitySalaryDist.
Visalia, CA Rehabilitation Counselors Salary$42,460↓ 14%25 mi
Fresno, CA Rehabilitation Counselors Salary$43,310↓ 13%46 mi
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Rehabilitation Counselors Salary$48,020↓ 3%64 mi
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Rehabilitation Counselors Salary$46,680↓ 6%81 mi

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Rehabilitation Counselorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Rehabilitation Counselors make in California?

The median annual salary for a Rehabilitation Counselors in California is $49,520. This typically ranges from $37,280 for entry-level positions to $72,140 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 4.1% higher than the national median of $47,550.

Is California a lucrative place for Rehabilitation Counselors?

Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary for Rehabilitation Counselors than the national average. However, the significantly higher cost of living must be factored into the overall financial attractiveness of the role.

Is California a good place to live for Rehabilitation Counselors?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($42,460) and Fresno, CA.

What is the average salary for a Rehabilitation Counselor in California?

The average annual salary for a Rehabilitation Counselor in California is $49,520.

How does California's salary compare to the national average?

Rehabilitation Counselors in California earn approximately $1,970 more per year on average than their national counterparts.

Is there high demand for Rehabilitation Counselors in California?

The Location Quotient of 1.29 suggests a higher concentration of these roles in California compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand.

How does the cost of living affect a Rehabilitation Counselor's salary in California?

California's cost of living is 38.5% higher than the national average, meaning the $49,520 salary may have less purchasing power than in lower-cost states.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,450 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.745 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Rehabilitation Counselors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California