How much does a Rehabilitation Specialist make?
A Rehabilitation Specialist helps people recover from injuries or illnesses. They work with doctors, nurses, and therapists to create treatment plans. This job is important and rewarding. The average yearly salary for a Rehabilitation Specialist is around $54,051. This means most people in this job earn between $34,000 and $100,000 each year.
The salary range for Rehabilitation Specialists can vary based on experience and location. Some earn more if they work in big cities or have many years of experience. Others may earn less if they are just starting out or work in smaller towns. The most common salaries fall between $40,000 and $70,000. This shows that with time and experience, a Rehabilitation Specialist can earn a good living.
What are the highest paying cities for a Rehabilitation Specialist?

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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $90,570
In Washington, DC, professionals in this field work with top healthcare providers. They focus on helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses. Many work with government agencies and large hospitals.
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San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $84,166
San Antonio offers a strong job market for those in this role. Specialists here work with a variety of patients. They often collaborate with renowned healthcare institutions to improve patient outcomes.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $78,528
Denver provides a vibrant environment for rehabilitation specialists. They work with both private practices and large healthcare systems. The city's focus on outdoor activities supports a healthy lifestyle for patients.
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Rockford, IL
Average Salary: $73,366
Rockford offers a community-focused approach to rehabilitation. Specialists here work closely with patients to achieve recovery goals. They often collaborate with local clinics and hospitals.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $72,179
Boston is home to many prestigious medical institutions. Professionals here work with cutting-edge technology. They focus on innovative rehabilitation techniques to help patients recover.
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Des Moines, IA
Average Salary: $70,566
In Des Moines, rehabilitation specialists find a supportive work environment. They work with a variety of patients to improve their quality of life. Many professionals collaborate with local healthcare providers.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $69,844
Albany offers a mix of urban and suburban settings for those in this field. Specialists here work with a diverse patient population. They often collaborate with state-run healthcare facilities.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $69,500
Seattle provides a dynamic environment for rehabilitation specialists. They work with tech-savvy patients and innovative healthcare providers. The city's focus on wellness supports a strong recovery culture.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $69,434
Portland offers a progressive approach to rehabilitation. Specialists here focus on holistic patient care. They often work with eco-friendly healthcare institutions.
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Springfield, IL
Average Salary: $69,068
Springfield provides a stable job market for rehabilitation specialists. They work with a variety of patients to improve their health. Many professionals collaborate with local healthcare providers.
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What are the best companies a Rehabilitation Specialist can work for?

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Zeel
Average Salary: $165,000
Zeel offers top-tier compensation for Rehabilitation Specialists. They focus on providing comprehensive rehabilitation services across various locations. Zeel operates in multiple states, ensuring diverse opportunities for professionals.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $105,845
Kaiser Permanente is known for its excellent benefits and competitive salaries. They offer Rehabilitation Specialist positions in numerous locations, providing a chance to make a significant impact on patients' lives.
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OPWDD - Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
Average Salary: $79,423
The OPWDD provides rewarding roles for Rehabilitation Specialists. They focus on supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. This company operates across New York, offering various locations for professionals to work.
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New York State Office of Mental Health
Average Salary: $77,093
The New York State Office of Mental Health offers stable positions for Rehabilitation Specialists. They focus on mental health rehabilitation services. This company operates in multiple locations across New York.
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DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION
Average Salary: $76,376
The DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION provides competitive salaries for Rehabilitation Specialists. They focus on rehabilitation services for various disabilities. This department operates in multiple locations, offering diverse opportunities.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Average Salary: $73,923
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers rewarding positions for Rehabilitation Specialists. They focus on providing rehabilitation services across the state. This government entity operates in various locations, offering stability and growth.
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State of Colorado
Average Salary: $72,733
The State of Colorado offers competitive salaries for Rehabilitation Specialists. They focus on rehabilitation services for various disabilities. This state operates in multiple locations, providing diverse opportunities for professionals.
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State of Illinois
Average Salary: $71,779
The State of Illinois offers rewarding positions for Rehabilitation Specialists. They focus on rehabilitation services across the state. This government entity operates in various locations, offering stability and growth.
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Illinois Department of Human Services
Average Salary: $71,424
The Illinois Department of Human Services provides competitive salaries for Rehabilitation Specialists. They focus on supporting individuals with disabilities. This department operates in multiple locations, offering diverse opportunities.
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Momentum for Health
Average Salary: $71,115
Momentum for Health offers rewarding positions for Rehabilitation Specialists. They focus on providing comprehensive rehabilitation services. This company operates in various locations, offering a chance to make a significant impact.
How to earn more as a Rehabilitation Specialist?
A Rehabilitation Specialist can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on specific areas of expertise, specialists can enhance their value in the job market. Specialization in areas such as pediatric rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation, or neurological rehabilitation can lead to higher-paying positions. Additionally, gaining certifications in advanced techniques or technologies can make a specialist more attractive to employers.
Continuing education plays a crucial role in earning more as a Rehabilitation Specialist. Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences can provide the latest knowledge and skills. This ongoing education not only improves job performance but also opens up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Networking with other professionals in the field can also lead to new job opportunities and salary negotiations. Building a strong professional reputation can make a specialist more sought after, leading to better-paying positions.
Experience and tenure in the field significantly impact a Rehabilitation Specialist's earnings. Those with more years of experience often command higher salaries. Taking on leadership roles, such as managing a rehabilitation team or a clinic, can also lead to higher pay. Additionally, working in high-demand areas or regions can result in better compensation. Specialists who demonstrate exceptional results and dedication can negotiate for higher salaries and benefits.
Specialists can also increase their earnings by exploring different work settings. Positions in private practices, hospitals, or specialized clinics may offer different pay scales. Some specialists find higher pay in research institutions or educational settings. Diversifying work experience can lead to discovering the most lucrative opportunities.
Finally, negotiating salary and benefits effectively is key to earning more. Understanding the market rates for Rehabilitation Specialists in a specific area can help in salary negotiations. Specialists should be prepared to discuss their skills, experience, and contributions to the workplace. Clear communication and confidence in one's value can lead to better compensation packages.