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Verified by WI Board of Healthcare

Rehabilitation Counselors Licensing in Wisconsin

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for rehabilitation counselors in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Rehabilitation Counselors in Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Individuals who wish to practice professional counseling or who wish to use the title "professional counselor" must be licensed as a professional counselor or hold a temporary license or professional counselor training certificate, pursuant to s.

  6. 6

    This requirement applies to those individuals who are accruing their 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised practice, a necessity for licensure.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certificate, pursuant to s

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $41,970 median (9% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #45 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Rehabilitation Counselors licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Individuals who wish to practice professional counseling or who wish to use the title "professional counselor" must be licensed as a prof...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Wisconsin

With a median salary of $41,970, Rehabilitation Counselorss in Wisconsin earn 9% below the national median of $46,110. Wisconsin ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$41,970

Hourly estimate

$20.18
9% below national median

Difference: -$4,140

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$31,830
  • P2525th percentile$35,880
  • P50Median$41,970
  • P7575th percentile$55,510
  • P9090th percentile$67,600

State vs National Median

State: $41,970
National: $46,110

Total employment: 1,900 | Annual openings: N/A

Rehabilitation Counselors Salary Ranking

#45 of 50 statesfor Rehabilitation Counselors median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$82,400
#2North Dakota$60,730
#3Washington$58,620
#4Wyoming$56,520
#5Kentucky$56,150

Nearby States Comparison

Rehabilitation Counselors licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Wisconsin$41,970Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$46,950Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$38,130Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$48,580No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Michigan$43,830Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935

Phone: 6082662112

Related Careers in Wisconsin

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$74,450Degree requiredVaries by board
AnesthesiologistN/ADegree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$60,520Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$90,380Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Rehabilitation Counselors in Wisconsin?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Rehabilitation Counselorss in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Rehabilitation Counselorss.

What education do you need to become a Rehabilitation Counselors in Wisconsin?

The board typically expects Degree required for Rehabilitation Counselors licensure in Wisconsin.

What is the typical Rehabilitation Counselors salary in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for Rehabilitation Counselorss in Wisconsin is $41,970. Salaries range from $31,830 (10th percentile) to $67,600 (90th percentile).

How does the Rehabilitation Counselors salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?

Rehabilitation Counselorss in Wisconsin earn 9% below the national median of $46,110, with a state median of $41,970.

How many Rehabilitation Counselorss work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 1,900 Rehabilitation Counselorss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Rehabilitation Counselors license to Wisconsin from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Rehabilitation Counselorss in Wisconsin?

The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.

How often do you renew a Rehabilitation Counselors license in Wisconsin?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.