Health coaching has emerged as a $6 billion service market, with a strong growth outlook.
Media outlets over the last few years have mentioned health coaching as an emerging occupational trend, based on the needs of society.
All in all, we need health coaching.
In a hurried medical environment, promoting long-term healthy behavior change is nearly impossible, even for the most caring of practitioners as it is a major undertaking.
For most individuals, learning to change health habits requires a significant change of mindset.
Lifestyle changes are difficult to implement because they require an individual to stop and make conscious, in the moment decisions concerning many aspects of life that were once habitual. This can be very difficult for an individual to do on their own.
Additionally, the focus to reduce health insurance premiums and medical costs is encouraging a shift from repeat medical care for the same condition to less expensive sustainable care that doesn’t require a prescription or hospital visit. Larger, self-insured companies are using coaches to improve employee health and cut claims costs, as are healthcare insurers.
Health coaching career outlook
An estimated 109,000 health coaches and health educators advise and motivate clients to change bad lifestyle habits and manage chronic conditions such as diabetes.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth of 16 percent for health educators and community health workers between 2016 and 2026, a faster rate than average across industries.
The health management and wellness coaching field is expected to experience an annual growth rate of about 13%.
Additionally, top employers of health and wellness professionals–including general medical and surgical hospitals, individual and family services, outpatient care centers, and government support organizations–are projected to grow seven to 18 percent over the next decade. This suggests positive growth for health and wellness jobs as well.
According to Payscale, the median wages for health coaches are around $45,185.
Advanced certifications, internships, and cross-training in other healthcare specialties could improve a candidate’s chances of securing rewarding employment and earning higher wages.
Final thoughts
The growing societal need for whole-person treatment and holistic healthcare is increasing the demand for health coaches.
The heath and wellness coaching career outlook is positive and growing. From fitness-focused careers to corporate wellness planning, job trends within the industry are constantly changing and developing.
“Functional Medicine Coaching: How to Be Part of the Movement That’s Transforming Healthcare”
