Wellness coaching has taken the field by storm in recent years. Currently, the industry is worth over $7 billion and growth outlooks are strong!
Well, if you’re looking to get into a growing field and help others, now is the time to join. The best part is that it’s easier than you think to get started. Let’s talk about what a wellness coach does and how to become one today!
What Does a Wellness Coach Do?
Generally speaking, wellness coaches offer advice, motivation, and support for their clients to live healthy lifestyles. Now, the advice is the tricky part, as that may require additional certifications.
For example, a wellness coach with a background in physical therapy may not qualify to offer nutritional advice, but a dietician or nutritionist will.
However, that isn’t the primary role of a wellness coach. Instead, wellness coaches are supposed to act as a personal wellness “cheerleader” and possibly work in tandem and along with the client’s personal trainer, physical therapist, nutritionist, or doctor’s advice.
Overall, wellness coaches are there to keep clients motivated on their journey toward health, but some will have additional qualifications. While it may seem insignificant, this is an important aspect of a client’s fitness journey, especially considering that 50% of people drop their exercise programs within the first six months.
Not only that, but if a health and wellness coach cannot fill a certain need for their client, they will try to offer them the tools and resources they need to live a healthier lifestyle.
Who Needs a Wellness Coach?
Plenty of people will seek the services of a wellness coach. It’s not easy to stick to a diet and exercise routine, especially if you’ve struggled throughout your life with maintaining your health.
Consequently, people in need seek out that motivation in the form of their own personal coach. It’s one thing to watch motivational videos online, but it’s entirely different to have your own personal coach offering individual motivators and advice based on your own goals.
How Much Do Wellness Coaches Make?
If you’re interested in the field, you probably want to know what to expect from the job. Well, since the industry growth is so strong, job security is relatively high, and recruiters need to entice newly qualified coaches to the scene.
Because of this, the average wellness coach earns a salary of between $53,000 and $69,000, depending on qualifications and job. On average, independent contractors will earn more than employees. However, they will have more business-related expenses to cover.
All in all, it depends on the job you land or how much your clients are willing to pay. If you have additional qualifications or relevant experience, you will likely earn more than someone who doesn’t.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Wellness Coach?
Wellness coaches do not need degrees or experience to get started. However, previous work experience or qualifications in other fields will certainly help a new wellness coach land jobs or clients.
For example, many physical therapists, personal trainers, dieticians, nutrition coaches, and others may transition into wellness coaching. They will also have existing qualifications to help them.
Eligible to Work
To land a job in the US, you will need to be of age and allowed to work in the country. In most cases, wellness coaches will need to be 18 or older (sometimes 21+) with either a work visa, permanent residency, or citizenship.
Often, especially during the pandemic, wellness coaches work remotely. Consequently, you will need strong internet access and the ability to work at the right times based on local time zones.
Interpersonal Skills
It should come as no surprise that wellness coaches should enjoy working with and helping people, as that’s the bulk of the job.
Of course, independent contractors will have some overhead, and any wellness coach will have to spend some time planning. However, you will need to be able to effectively communicate with your clients and keep them motivated!
Conversely, if you have personal experience with a health journey, or if healthy living is a passion of yours, then you will be a good fit for this position. On top of that, organizational skills, the ability to plan ahead, and active listening skills will help a lot.
A Certification
If you’re eligible to work in the US and you think the job is a good fit for you, all you need is a certification to become a wellness coach. If you have relevant experience in the health and wellness field or a related degree, then you should have an easier time finding work. For example, degrees (of any level) will help you if they are in the fields of:
- Kinesiology
- Biology
- Exercise science
- Nutrition
- Physical therapy
- Nursing
- Occupational therapy
The list goes on, including plenty of other related fields. However, as long as you have the health and wellness coach certification, you can apply for jobs or become an independent contractor. You will only need to find clients.
To obtain a certification, all you need is to take an online course and pass an exam. Once you’ve completed that, add it to your resume. You’re certified!
Start Your New Career Today
Now that you know what a wellness coach does and how to get started, there’s no time like the present to enter the growing field. The sooner you do, the sooner you can make a difference in someone else’s life. Start today and keep reading our blog for more news and information!
