Human Resources, Work Health and Safety and Training Professionals

How to become a Rehabilitation Consultant

Also called: Occupational Rehabilitation Consultant, Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant, Workplace Rehabilitation Consultant

Works with employers, workers and other stakeholders to support the rehabilitation and return to work of people who have been injured or become ill as a result of their work. Assists employers to manage the impacts of worker injury or illness on their business.

Main tasks

Conducts assessments of worksites, functional capacity, ergonomics, equipment and homes to evaluate their suitability for abilities and needs of clients
Identifies return to work barriers, assists clients with returning to work, and provides support and guidance throughout the transition process
Coordinates with clients, insurers, medical professionals and employers to reach outcomes that are suitable for everyone involved
Addresses any special accommodation a client may require at their job, ensuring that the workplace is accessible and conducive to their physical and mental health
Creates, executes and supervises initiatives that support injured employees reintegrating into the workforce

Ways in

University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
University: Health & Public Health degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Access Consulting (CPP40821); Certificate IV in Employment Services (CHC41115); Certificate IV in Personal Injury Management (FNS42120); Diploma of Access Consulting (CPP50721); Diploma of Personal Injury and Disability Insurance Management (FNS51920)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Typical full-time pay: $118,768 a year
About 40,000 people work in this job group now, and about 47,900 are projected by 2035. (+19.8%)
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Rehabilitation Consultant?

Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Health & Public Health degrees; Certificate IV in Access Consulting; Certificate IV in Employment Services.

How much does a Rehabilitation Consultant earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $118,768 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Rehabilitation Consultant a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 40,000 to about 47,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Rehabilitation Consultant?

Not always. 43% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Health & Public Health degrees; Certificate IV in Access Consulting; Certificate IV in Employment Services.

Will AI change the work of a Rehabilitation Consultant?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04