How To Become A Wellness Program Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a wellness program manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN,

Todd Terry

A wellness program manager develops and implements projects and policies centered on the health and fitness of an organization's employees or a group of people. They design fitness routines and launch programs to give education on nutrition and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The wellness program manager's tasks also include the enhancement of existing wellness programs and the proper allocation of budget for the program implementation. They prepare and submit reports as the programs run and progress. People in this position typically find employment opportunities in companies, rehabilitation facilities, and non-profit organizations.

An aspiring wellness program manager must have a bachelor's degree in kinesiology or other disciplines related to health and wellness. However, some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree, along with at least five years of work experience. Prior experience in a supervisory position is also favorable. Leadership, communication, and organizational skills are the key traits for this life of work. On average, a wellness program manager earns about $33.28 an hour or $69,231 a year.

What general advice would you give to a wellness program manager?

Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN

Nurse Educator, Nclex Mentor/Coach

A few ways to maximize earning potential as a new graduate nurse is through skillful negotiations and previous experience in healthcare, such as degree level, nurse externships, phlebotomy skills, or certifications. Many, if not all, employers appreciate that new graduates are equipped with clinical skills that are strongly recommended for the practice area. While many nurse certifications require experience, some are for entry-level, such as advanced life support (ACLS and PALS) and IV insertion. There are also some specialty practice certifications that new grads can obtain without years of experience; although they may recommend the experience at times, this is optional. All of this demonstrates the applicant's commitment to the profession and interest. Other ways are to work overtime hours, learn about clinical career ladders, or continue formal education.

ScoreWellness Program ManagerUS Average

Salary

5.6

Avg. Salary $71,900

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.1

Growth rate 28%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.72%

Asian 7.92%

Black or African American 11.22%

Hispanic or Latino 14.25%

Unknown 4.26%

White 61.63%

Gender

female 68.94%

male 31.06%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a wellness program manager

Explore wellness program manager education requirements

Most common wellness program manager degrees

Bachelor's

65.1 %

Master's

23.6 %

Associate

7.7 %

Start to develop specific wellness program manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Health Education	13.01%
Community Resources	6.07%
CPR	5.98%
Data Collection	5.24%
ROI	5.11%

Complete relevant wellness program manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New wellness program managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a wellness program manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real wellness program manager resumes.

Research wellness program manager duties and responsibilities

Lead the introduction and upgrade of wireless infrastructure at remote locations to ensure adherence with internal and international wireless standards.
Represent the logistics business division for all quality relate issues including process development for all ISO and Non-ISO certify warehouse locations.
Provide behavioral/emotional support and supervision for those with dementia and Alzheimer's.

Prepare your wellness program manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your wellness program manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a wellness program manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable wellness program manager resume templates

Build a professional wellness program manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your wellness program manager resume.