FAQ
Health Educator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a health educator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a health educator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about health educators
Do health educators need a degree?
Usually a bachelor’s degree.
What is CHES?
A national certification for health educators.
Where do they work?
Health departments, hospitals, schools, nonprofits and workplaces.
How much does a health educator make?
The median annual wage for health educators was $64,070 ($30.80 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $42,990 and the highest 10% earned more than $118,200.
How long does it take to become a health educator?
Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in health education, public health or a related field is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a health educator?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
Is health educator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +5.6% from 2025–35 (faster than average), with about 6,900 openings each year. Upsides include prevent illness on a large scale; a common challenge is that grant-dependent jobs.
What skills does a health educator need?
Key technical skills include needs assessment, program planning, curriculum design, and evaluation. Employers also value communication, creativity, and cultural humility.
What certifications are available for health educators?
Common credentials include Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), Certified Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Health Educator fit quiz, compare with Community Health Worker, or explore Health Educator training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 21-1091 (Health education specialists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Health education specialists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.