A health coach can be a rewarding choice for those who enjoy helping others improve their well-being. Health and wellness coaches support individuals in maintaining a healthy lifestyle through habit-building, nutrition advice, and personalized health plans. This job roles are similar to health educators, providing coaching in a variety of settings.
Based on BLS, health education specialists, including a health coach are expected to grow by 4% from 2024 to 2034, matching the average for all occupations. Around 7,900 openings are projected annually, mainly due to workers retiring or changing careers.
Salaries for a health coach remain competitive in 2025. Salary.com reported that the average health coach earns $61,600 per year and $30 per hour, as of September 5, 2025. Health coach pay can vary based on experience, industry, location, certifications and other important factors, which we'll cover later in this salary guide. For those looking to become a health coach, understanding these elements is key to achieving career goals.
The average health coach salary in the United States is $61,600 per year, as of September 5, 2025. For the hourly wage, wellness coach salary has an average salary of $30 per hour, with rates ranging from $22 to $37 per hour.
2025 Health Coach Average Salary: $61,600 per year ($30 per hour)
Meanwhile, the average weekly and monthly salaries for health coaches are $1,185 and $5,133, respectively. In the corporate world, where health insurance companies hire health coaches to reduce healthcare costs, salaries can be influenced by the work environment and the focus on employee health initiatives.
According to a recent Salary.com report, the salary range for a health coach starts at $45,170 and can reach as high as $77,075 per year, with most earnings falling between $53,000 and $69,700 per year. This range accounts for variations in hourly rates and overall compensation.
Health Coach Salary Range: $45,170 to $77,075 per year ($22 to $37 per hour)
| Percentile | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22 | $869 | $3,764 | $45,170 |
| 25th Percentile | $25 | $1,019 | $4,417 | $53,000 |
| 50th (Median) | $30 | $1,185 | $5,133 | $61,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $34 | $1,340 | $5,808 | $69,700 |
| 90th Percentile | $37 | $1,482 | $6,423 | $77,075 |
However, as mentioned earlier, the salary range for health coach can vary based on factors like education, experience, and location.
Several factors affect a health coach's salary, including education, location, experience, and skills. Below, we break down each factor to explain how it influences earnings, especially for those running their own health coaching business or working as an independent contractor.
The average salary for a health coach, based on years of experience, ranges from $58,907 per year for entry-level to $65,884 per year for managers with over eight years of experience.
| Level | Years of Experience | Average Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Health Coach | < 1 year | $58,907 |
| Intermediate Level Health Coach | 1-2 years | $59,152 |
| Senior Level Health Coach | 2-4 years | $62,212 |
| Specialist Level Health Coach | 5-8 years | $65,639 |
| Expert Level Health Coach | 8+ years | $65,884 |
The BLS doesn't provide specific salary data for health coach, but their role overlaps with Health Education Specialist, who promotes healthy living by teaching habits, running programs, and supporting better health services in communities, making this the closest category to estimate their salaries.
| Place of Work | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $82,870 |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | $68,390 |
| Ambulatory healthcare services | $62,700 |
| Finance and insurance | $57,970 |
| Social assistance | $49,370 |
Based on the data, health coaches in professional hospitals; state, local, and private earn the most, while those working for social assistance earn less. Salaries vary depending on the industry, with opportunities in rural areas potentially lower but offering a different work environment focused on community well-being.
A ealth coach with in-demand skills can increase their salaries. Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report showed that a health coach with Staff Training skills can earn 7.12% more than those without. A successful health coach often excels in these areas to attract more clients.
According to the same report, a health coach with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) skills is more likely to experience a salary increase of 7.00%, followed by skills like Case Management and Employee Engagement.
These skills are often developed through experiential learning or a training program, making coaches more competitive in both private practice and corporate roles.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Training | 10.20% | 7.12% |
| Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) | 10.00% | 7.00% |
| Case Management | 10.00% | 6.71% |
| Employee Engagement | 10.00% | 6.71% |
| Benefit Programs | 10.00% | 6.11% |
| Employee Counselling | 10.00% | 5.83% |
The location where a health coach works can affect their salary. This information is useful for tracking salary trends, negotiating pay, or planning a career in the field.
Based on Salary.com pay data, the District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for health coach in the United States, at $68,100 per year, followed by California at $67,900. These states are ideal for coaches building a coaching practice or private practice.
District of Columbia: $68,100 ($33 per hour)
California: $67,900 ($33 per hour)
Massachusetts: $67,000 ($32 per hour)
New Jersey: $66,700 ($32 per hour)
Washington: $66,700 ($32 per hour)
Alaska: $66,600 ($32 per hour)
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $56,600 |
| Alaska | $66,600 |
| Arizona | $60,000 |
| Arkansas | $55,600 |
| California | $67,900 |
| Colorado | $62,800 |
| Connecticut | $65,800 |
| Delaware | $62,300 |
| District of Columbia | $68,100 |
| Florida | $58,200 |
| Georgia | $59,400 |
| Hawaii | $64,300 |
| Idaho | $57,500 |
| Illinois | $62,700 |
| Indiana | $59,100 |
| Iowa | $58,900 |
| Kansas | $58,600 |
| Kentucky | $57,900 |
| Louisiana | $58,500 |
| Maine | $60,000 |
| Maryland | $63,500 |
| Massachusetts | $67,000 |
| Michigan | $60,600 |
| Minnesota | $63,000 |
| Mississippi | $54,900 |
| Missouri | $58,500 |
| Montana | $58,100 |
| Nebraska | $58,000 |
| Nevada | $60,900 |
| New Hampshire | $62,200 |
| New Jersey | $66,700 |
| New Mexico | $57,000 |
| New York | $65,400 |
| North Carolina | $58,500 |
| North Dakota | $60,800 |
| Ohio | $59,900 |
| Oklahoma | $56,900 |
| Oregon | $62,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,300 |
| Rhode Island | $63,800 |
| South Carolina | $57,700 |
| South Dakota | $55,900 |
| Tennessee | $57,500 |
| Texas | $60,000 |
| Utah | $58,900 |
| Vermont | $60,400 |
| Virginia | $62,000 |
| Washington | $66,700 |
| West Virginia | $55,400 |
| Wisconsin | $60,600 |
| Wyoming | $59,000 |
Salary.com data shows that San Jose, California offers the highest pay for health coach at $77,600 per year or $37 per hour. The other top highest-paying cities for health coach are:
San Jose, California: $77,600 ($37 per hour)
San Francisco, California: $76,900 ($37 per hour)
Oakland, California: $75,200 ($36 per hour)
New York, New York: $71,300 ($34 per hour)
Queens Village, New York: $70,900 ($34 per hour)
Paramus, New Jersey: $70,400 ($34 per hour)
A health coach can increase their earning potential by building experience, learning valuable skills, and moving up in their careers. Here are some effective strategies to help boost salary:
Gain experience: Health coaches with more experience typically earn higher salaries. While entry-level coaches may start around $66,000, those with a strong track record and several years in the field can earn over $104,000 annually in top markets.
Learn in-demand skills: Skills like DEIB, case management, and training and employee engagement. For instance, a health coach with staff training skills can see up to a 7.2% salary increase, based on real-time job posting data.
Get certifications: Earning health coach certifications can boost your credibility and make you more competitive in the job market. Credentials like Certified Health Coach (CHC), National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS) demonstrate your dedication to the field and may lead to better job opportunities and higher-paying positions.
Work in high-paying areas: Salaries vary by location. For example, a health coach in the District of Columbia can earn $68,100 per year, while those in California average around $67,900. Consider rural areas for unique opportunities, though pay may be lower.
Negotiate: Understand current market rates and be ready to negotiate based on your qualifications. As of September 5, 2025, the average health coach in the United States earns $61,600 per year or about $30 per hour.
As of September 5, 2025, data from five major salary-reporting websites indicate that the national average salary for wellness program managers in the United States is $55,992.20 (unweighted).
$61,600/ year
$52,150/ year
$61,000/ year
$57,021 year
$48,790/ year