Rehabilitation Counselors vs. Social and Human Service Assistants: Who Earns More?
Rehabilitation Counselors out-earn Social and Human Service Assistants by $920 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Rehabilitation Counselors land at $46,850 and Social and Human Service Assistants at $45,930. The education gap is real: rehabilitation counselor programs typically require master's degree, while social and human service assistant programs require master's degree. Top-paying state for Rehabilitation Counselors is Wyoming ($67,640); for Social and Human Service Assistants it's District of Columbia ($59,460).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Rehabilitation Counselors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Rehabilitation Counselors or Social and Human Service Assistants?
Rehabilitation Counselors earn more nationally. The median is $46,850 for Rehabilitation Counselors versus $45,930 for Social and Human Service Assistants, a difference of $920. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Rehabilitation Counselors or Social and Human Service Assistants?
Social and Human Service Assistants has the better 10-year outlook at 6.4% projected growth, compared to 1.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Rehabilitation Counselors or Social and Human Service Assistants?
Rehabilitation Counselors typically requires master's degree. Social and Human Service Assistants requires master's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Rehabilitation Counselors get paid the most?
Wyoming is the top-paying state for Rehabilitation Counselors at $67,640/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Rehabilitation Counselors vs. Social and Human Service Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Rehabilitation Counselors earn $61,590 vs. $47,360 for Social and Human Service Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.