Post job

How to hire a wellness coach

Wellness coach hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring wellness coaches in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a wellness coach is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per wellness coach on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 34,492 wellness coaches in the US and 21,963 job openings.
  • Atlanta, GA, has the highest demand for wellness coaches, with 21 job openings.
  • New York, NY has the highest concentration of wellness coaches.

How to hire a wellness coach, step by step

To hire a wellness coach, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a wellness coach, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step wellness coach hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a wellness coach job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new wellness coach
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a wellness coach do?

A wellness coach is responsible for guiding clients on their fitness and health objectives, mentoring them on activities for a healthy lifestyle, and creating customized wellness plans to manage their developmental conditions. Wellness coaches conduct counseling sessions to listen to the clients' issues, including their stress, practices, meal plans, and other daily lifestyle activities. They also plan and suggest activities for the clients while observing their behaviors and create instructional guides to sustain a positive emotional and mental perspective.

Learn more about the specifics of what a wellness coach does
jobs
Post a wellness coach job for free, promote it for a fee
  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a wellness coach, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a wellness coach to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a wellness coach that fits the bill.

    Here's a comparison of wellness coach salaries for various roles:

    Type of Wellness CoachDescriptionHourly rate
    Wellness Coach$12-29
    Fitness CoordinatorA fitness coordinator spearheads and organizes fitness programs in gyms and other facilities, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. Their responsibilities include performing research and analysis to develop ideal programs, identifying program requirements, coordinating with fellow fitness experts, establishing objectives and guidelines, monitoring budgets and schedules, and ensuring that facilities meet the clients' needs... Show more$13-25
    CoachThe main responsibility of a coach is to motivate an individual or an entire team. Coaches are focused on improving the performance and skills of athletes by conducting training sessions, coordinating practice drills, and providing guidance... Show more$12-31
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • CPR
    • Health Education
    • Rehabilitation
    • Patients
    • Health Promotion
    • Wellness Programs
    • Blood Pressure
    • Mental Health
    • Diabetes
    • Weight Management
    • Core Values
    • Care Plan
    • Stress Management
    • Yoga
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
    • Develop nutritional classes and provide some exercises for patients with diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension and obesity.
    • Front desk liason for clients, aid in booking and rescheduling appointments, suggesting additional services.
    • Aid patients with EKG setup, monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels during exercise.
    • Calibrate EKG strips and transfer client data such as maximum blood pressure, heart rate, workload, and perceive exertion.
    • Teach TRX classes, abs and core.
    More wellness coach duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your wellness coach job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A wellness coach salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a wellness coach in Wyoming may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level wellness coach usually earns less than a senior-level wellness coach. Additionally, a wellness coach with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average wellness coach salary

    $40,248yearly

    $19.35 hourly rate

    Entry-level wellness coach salary
    $25,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 9, 2025

    Average wellness coach salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$53,667$26
    2New York$45,598$22
    3Georgia$43,983$21
    4Massachusetts$42,962$21
    5Wisconsin$42,934$21
    6Louisiana$42,852$21
    7Indiana$42,115$20
    8Oklahoma$41,801$20
    9Ohio$41,344$20
    10South Carolina$41,198$20
    11Pennsylvania$38,863$19
    12Mississippi$38,410$18
    13Connecticut$38,073$18
    14Texas$37,054$18
    15District of Columbia$36,790$18
    16Virginia$36,766$18
    17North Carolina$36,542$18
    18Washington$36,200$17
    19Minnesota$36,041$17
    20Utah$36,018$17

    Average wellness coach salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Stanford University$63,736$30.642
    2KPF$59,601$28.65
    3Baptist Health Home Care$54,194$26.05
    4Methodist Health System$51,092$24.56
    5CentraState Healthcare System$47,366$22.77
    6Regional Medical Center- Orangeburg$47,315$22.75
    7Mental Health Partners$46,682$22.44
    8Kaiser Permanente$46,243$22.23
    9Cleveland Clinic$46,054$22.14
    10Mirabito$43,563$20.94
    11Para Los Niños$43,291$20.81
    12Wounded Warrior Project$42,498$20.435
    13YMCA of Metro Knoxville$41,865$20.1311
    14Pasadena Unified School District$41,169$19.794
    15Bancroft$41,011$19.722
    16Touro University Worldwide$40,958$19.691
    17Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA$40,895$19.66
    18YMCA$40,668$19.5513
    19Alera Group$40,626$19.53
    20YMCA of Northern Colorado$40,626$19.53
  4. Writing a wellness coach job description

    A wellness coach job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a wellness coach job description:

    Wellness coach job description example

    · You will be required to push, pull, and lift up to, but not limited to, 100lbs during your shift.

    Other Physical Requirements :

    · You will be required to speak, listen, and respond to clients frequently. Must be able to notice potential safety issues as they present themselves.

    Position Context Requirements

    · Works with frustrating situations

    · Coordinate activities of others to achieve objectives.

    · Teaching others, formally or informally.

    · Participation in group activities requiring interpersonal skills and cooperation.

    · Working under time pressures – Rush or urgent deadlines.

    · Handling of multiple assignments, conflicting demands or priorities.

    · Maintain attention to detail over extended period of time continually aware of variations in changing situations.

    · Quick reaction or immediate response to emergencies.

    · Research, fact finding, interpretation, investigation required in preparing reports or evaluations.

    · Responsible for money and equipment.

    · Work is performed independently or with minimal on-site supervision.

    GENERAL RESPONSIBILITES:

    Membership Software

    The WC uses Mosoclub software to maintain memberships, billing, attendance, payments, services, inventory, and reports.

    You will have to learn how to, but not limited to:

    · Enter a new member into the system.

    · Determine type of membership and payment.

    · Change membership plans, update memberships, renew memberships.

    · Must be able to count money correctly.

    · Must be able to run Credit Cards.

    · Must be able to Open and close shift and drawer count.

    · Must be able to complete deposit and match to software program.

    · Sell products and enter correct dollar amounts.

    · Must be able to update inventory and reports.

    Fitlinxx

    The WC uses the Fitlinxx Personal Training program to develop all members a fitness program on it. Fitlinxx keeps up with what each client is doing on the equipment, repetitions, sets, weights, body compositions, and tracks performance. The Fitlinxx program is much like a diary or journal for tracking purposes.

    You will have to learn how to, but not limited to:

    · Enter a new member into the system.

    · Develop a fitness routine for each person.

    · Teach clients their routine, set up range of motion, settings, weights that will meet the need for each client.

    · Be able to change existing programs and develop a variety of programs that are safe and effective.

    · Check Caps off.

    · Email clients about status of workout.

    Fitness Equipment

    · Be able to identify, demonstrate, and explain the purpose of every piece of fitness equipment in the Facility.

    · Must understand the muscle groups each machine works.

    · Must be able to teach different populations how to get on and off equipment.

    · Must be able to recognize safety issues related to equipment and correct problem.

    Kinesiology/ Anatomy

    · Must be able to describe different types of Strength, Cardiovascular, and Flexibility Training Programs.

    · Must be able to develop a variety of workout programs to meet the needs of each client.

    · Must be able to list Major Muscle Groups, movements, and exercise related to the muscle groups.

    Sales/ Programs

    · Must be able to explain and teach any client about any of the programs/classes that we offer at the WC. Examples include Group Fitness Classes, Spinning, Gravity Training, Massage Therapy, Aqua Chi, and Personal Training.

    · Must be able to give clients the Correct pricing for WC Programs depending on whether they are a member or nonmember.

    · Must be able to sell memberships, T-shirts, supplements, etc…

    Dress Attire

    · Khaki slacks, collared shirt, belt, and dress/ tennis shoes are required, unless stated differently by the director.

    · Shirts must be tucked in at all times.

    · Name badge and clip badge must be worn at all times when on your shift.

    · Refrain from wearing heavy makeup and perfumes.

    · Keep jewelry to a minimum.

    · No visible tattoos.

    · Maintain good hygiene.

    Clocking / API

    · Recording of time is done by using API.

    · Clock in 5 minutes before your shift starts, unless stated differently by director.

    · If Full-Time employee is requesting time off or PTO they must request the time off using API. If the employee fails to have PTO time request completed on API, he or she may not be paid for the PTO once time has been approved on API.

    · If Part-Time employee is requesting time off he or she must complete a “Time off Sheet”.

    Performance Improvement

    Performance Improvement is our way of tracking and monitoring the things that we do. It allows us to improve on certain daily functions.

    PI includes:

    · Cleaning Check List including vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, cleaning windows.

    · Recording Refrigeration Temperatures

    · Maintenance of the Equipment documentation and repair documentation on excel spreadsheet.

    · First Aid checklist

    · Crash Cart and AED’s checklist

    Front Desk

    · Must be able to use Word and Excel.

    · Must be able to explain membership policies to each member, require signature, and scan documentation

    into the system.

    · Must be willing to help Director with any and all projects and programs as requested.

    · Must be willing to update bulletin boards.

    · Must review, understand, and be able to explain all Policy & Procedure of the WC, which are located on intranet.

    · Must be able to use Outlook to communication.

    · May be requested to write articles for newsletter.

    · Must be able to open/close facility.

    · Must be able to operate all software programs utilized by the Wellness Center.

    Evaluations

    · Must learn script for evaluations and the purpose for each procedure.

    · Must be able to take height & weight properly.

    · Must learn how to use the Omron Body Fat analyzer and be able to explain how it works and what is means.

    · Must learn and be able to take accurate blood pressure.

    · Must know how to take a heart rate.

    · Must be able to explain the purpose of Health and Weight profile (Wellsource).

    · Must be able to recognize when a physicians release may be need prior to a participant beginning his/her program.

    · Must be able to recognize participant’s limitations and train them safely.


  5. Post your job

    To find the right wellness coach for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with wellness coaches they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit wellness coaches who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your wellness coach job on Zippia to find and recruit wellness coach candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit wellness coaches, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new wellness coach

    Once you have selected a candidate for the wellness coach position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    To prepare for the new wellness coach first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a wellness coach?

Before you start to hire wellness coaches, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire wellness coaches pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

Wellness coaches earn a median yearly salary is $40,248 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find wellness coaches for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $12 and $29.

Find better wellness coaches in less time
Post a job on Zippia and hire the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.

Hiring wellness coaches FAQs

Search for wellness coach jobs

Ready to start hiring?

Browse executive management jobs