Rehabilitation Counselors on the State Payroll

Rehabilitation counselors on the Illinois state payroll received average annual wages 63% higher than the average for all rehabilitation counselors in Illinois.

by Amanda Griffin-Johnson

Using our transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov.org, I found that in calendar year 2008, there were 321 employees on the state payroll as rehabilitation counselors (including counselor aids and trainees). They received average annual wages of $57,666. Excluding counselor aids and trainees, the average jumps to $60,289. The table below breaks down the information by department and position name.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in 2008, “Rehabilitation Counselors” in Illinois received average annual wages of $35,320. Nationally, rehabilitation counselors working for state governments received, on average, about $46,840 annually. The rehabilitation counselors on the Illinois state payroll had average wages 63% higher than the average for all other rehab counselors in Illinois and 23% higher than the national average for rehab counselors working for state governments.

Using the MaineOpenGov.org site, I found that rehabilitation counselors (excluding assistants and managers) working for the State of Maine had average annual wages of $32,409 in 2008 – nearly half of the average of rehab counselors on the Illinois payroll.

To find this information on the IllinoisOpenGov site, go to “Payroll” and search for “Rehabilitation Counselor.”