How much does a health educator make?

In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, CHES certification, employer type, and location. Health educators may focus on different health topics, and more complex duties or greater responsibility can also affect pay.

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs. Excludes “Community Health Workers” (21-1094).

What's a typical day like?

They check community surveys, then make handouts or plan classes on vaccines or nutrition. They may teach patients or groups, connect people with care, and check whether the program works.

In the U.S., earn a bachelor’s degree in health education, health promotion, or a related field; an internship can help. Some employers require or prefer certification, and earning CHES involves meeting academic requirements and passing its exam.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out.

Health educators may recommend making a workplace smoke-free—or offering rewards to help workers control cholesterol, not just teach a class.