Employment of rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow by 28 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow with the increase in the elderly population and with the continued rehabilitation needs of other groups, such as veterans and people with disabilities.
Older adults are more likely than other age groups to become disabled or injured. They will need to learn to adapt to their disabilities and learn strategies to live independently. As a result, they will require the services of rehabilitation counselors. As the size of this population grows, so will the need for rehabilitation counselors.
In addition, there will be a continued need for rehabilitation counselors to work with veterans who were disabled during their military service. They will also be needed to work with other groups, such as people who have learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or substance abuse problems.
From 2010 to 2020, expected employment growth of rehabilitation counselors in the top employing industries is as follows:
| Individual and family services | 67% |
| Vocational rehabilitation services | 30 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | 24 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 9 |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 4 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition