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Job outlook for wellness specialists in the United States
Wellness specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected wellness specialist job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 57,800 new jobs for wellness specialists are projected over the next decade.
Wellness specialist salaries have increased 12% for wellness specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 28,230 wellness specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 8,650 active wellness specialist job openings in the US.
The average wellness specialist salary is $41,677.
Are wellness specialist jobs in demand?
Wellness specialist job and salary trends over time
Wellness specialist jobs over time
Wellness specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 28,230 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 24,620 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 25,168 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 23,163 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 20,445 | 0.01% |
Average wellness specialist salary over time
Wellness specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $41,677 | $20.04 | +2.5% |
| 2025 | $40,663 | $19.55 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | $39,426 | $18.95 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $38,846 | $18.68 | +4.4% |
| 2022 | $37,218 | $17.89 | +1.7% |
Wellness specialist jobs by state
Most common states for wellness specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 342 | 11% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 59 | 10% |
| 3 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 261 | 9% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 87 | 9% |
| 5 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 65 | 9% |
| 6 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 689 | 7% |
| 7 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 358 | 7% |
| 8 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 205 | 7% |
| 9 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 133 | 7% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 129 | 7% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 91 | 7% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 55 | 7% |
| 13 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 52 | 7% |
| 14 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,186 | 6% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 398 | 6% |
| 16 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 384 | 6% |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 334 | 6% |
| 18 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 87 | 6% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 58 | 6% |
| 20 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 48 | 6% |
Most common cities for wellness specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franklin | 2 | 8% | $43,525 |
| 2 | Philadelphia | 2 | 0% | $43,310 |
| 3 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $37,011 |
| 4 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $45,122 |
| 5 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $53,341 |
| 6 | Oakland | 1 | 0% | $56,262 |
Wellness Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of wellness specialist experts
Wichita State University
Western New Mexico University
University of Nebraska - Kearney
William Paterson University
University of Massachusetts - Lowell
The University of Utah
Methodist University
University of North Alabama
Utica College
Idaho State University
California University of Management and Sciences (CALUMS)
Augusta University
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Indiana University South Bend
Utah Valley University
What general advice would you give to a Wellness Specialist?
Heidi Bell PhD, CPT, CNG: Acquire the necessary certifications (credible certifications) to complement and enhance your qualifications above and beyond the college degree. I believe it is also important for one to understand where their passion lies and be/become the "expert" in that area. As an exercise physiologist you hold a breadth of knowledge and understanding across a broad spectrum of the human body in relation of health, nutrition, functional movement, physiological responses (aging, exercise, disease...) and more but within this wealth of knowledge find the niche that excites you and begin to specialize in that area(s). Exercise Science/Kinesiology is a very competitive industry and building a strong portfolio that highlights one's unique qualifications compared to the competition will invite a more competitive starting package. Also, be confident, not arrogant but confident in who you are and what you bring to the company.
What Wellness Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Heidi Bell PhD, CPT, CNG: One will need to be confident is using technology and possibly even programming. AI and Virtual Reality, in addition to apps, wearables, cutting-edge equipment, are already entering the field and will be everyday tools in the next 3-5 years. It will be important to understand how to incorporate the technology into one's practice. To be intentional and impactful in its use and have the ability to incorporate the technology as a complimentary tool and not a replacement to good quality, knowledgeable applied practice.
Dr. Imran Kayani
Clinical Exercise PhysiologistWhat general advice would you give to a Wellness Specialist?
Dr. Imran Kayani: The factors that can help you to excel in the respective field are doing additional qualifications like ACSM-CEP certification (American College of Sports Medicine-Clinical Exercise Physiologist), and also keep on updating your knowledge related to the latest advancements by becoming ACSM member and attending in-person seminars and online ACSM modules and webinars.
What will help Wellness Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Imran Kayani: The important skills that will be required in the next 3-5 years in the respective field are related to AI (Artificial Intelligence) as it is becoming quite widespread in all domains. Also the virtual technology that is managing your work remotely and assisting your patients simultaneously at different locations. There are several organizations that are making the related devices, try to visit them and get the know-how.
Garrett Peltonen
Assistant Professor of KinesiologyWestern New Mexico University
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What general advice would you give to a Wellness Specialist?
Garrett Peltonen: Kinesiology is broadly defined as the study of human movement. Thus, someone in Kinesiology will work with various populations to increase and improve moment. Populations can range from older adults who want to add exercise to their lives or rehabilatate from an injury, to promoting exercise among children, to maximizing performance in elite athletes.
What Wellness Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Garrett Peltonen: As the American College of Sports Medicine says, "exercise is medicine." Thus, helping people become more active and witnessing improvements in their physical and mental health is extremely rewarding. On the contrary, it is often difficult to overcome the barriers of modern society to increase physical activity. These barriers primarily include a lack of physical activity infrastructure and lack of social support.
What will help Wellness Specialists increase their earning potential?
Garrett Peltonen: As the American College of Sports Medicine says, 'exercise is medicine.' Thus, helping people become more active and witnessing improvements in their physical and mental health is extremely rewarding. On the contrary, it is often difficult to overcome the barriers of modern society to increase physical activity. These barriers primarily include a lack of physical activity infrastructure and lack of social support.
Greg Brown
Professor , Dept. of Kinesiology and Sport SciencesUniversity of Nebraska - Kearney
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What will help Wellness Specialists increase their earning potential?
Greg Brown: Communication skill are always necessary in this field. You need to be able to talk with others in a relatable way and in a motivating way. Communication through phone, text, email, and other modes will be essential along with in-person.
Being able to motivate elderly people and obese people to adopt a healthier lifestyle is getting to be more important as our population gets older and more obese.
Toni LaSala Ph.D.
Internship Coordinator, Exercise ScienceWilliam Paterson University
Department of Kinesiology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Wellness Specialists?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: -Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science
-Knowledge in reading EKG's,
-Proficient in taking blood pressure
-Measuring pulse oxygen levels and heart rate
-Cardiopulmonary stress testing
-Knowledge in performing appropriate body composition methods
-Knowledge of how to prescribe exercise programming to those with special consideration (e.g., osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, pre and post-transplantation, metabolic disease, lung disorders, cancer, etc.)
-Working directly with patients to assist in lifestyle and behavior change
Amy Smalarz Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor, Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Pre-Health AdvisorUniversity of Massachusetts - Lowell
Public Health Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Wellness Specialists?
Amy Smalarz Ph.D.: Yes, there will be an enduring impact of this pandemic on our students. On one hand, many of our undergraduates have been a part of history: working in vaccine clinics, working in hospitals and urgent care centers providing direct support and putting their learnings into practice. On the other hand, we have all been living in a year of lockdown, quarantine and less social interaction - and while it's important for people of all ages, it's critical for students to have those interactions...interactions they have not been able to have.
What's a day at work look like for a Wellness Specialist?
Amy Smalarz Ph.D.: Our recent graduates are so diverse in the where they are going to work - that it's hard to describe what a 'typical' day will look like. One thing I can say is that our Public Health students are uniquely qualified and positioned to be their Department or Organization's go-to Public Health resource - and in this pandemic (and aftermath) - this will be invaluable.
What will help Wellness Specialists increase their earning potential?
Amy Smalarz Ph.D.: One influence that is happening outside of the classroom is a broader understanding and appreciation for not only what Public Health is but how it impacts all of us. Public health is a community-based population discipline and I think many more employers will appreciate the 'Public Health' lens our students bring to their organizations, which translates into increased earning potential.
There has been a re-education of sorts with this pandemic. For example, closing schools impacts not just students' learning but for many, school is where they eat two meals a day so closing schools also impacts access to food. We, in Public Health, think about community-level impacts and this education and background will be valuable to many organizations during our longer pandemic recovery.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Wellness Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Stephanie Bank: I think we have only hit the tip of the iceberg on the mental health toll this pandemic as caused. I think for the past year, most people were in survival mode just trying to make it through. Now, as everyone feels they can relax a bit, the stress is really impacting people in many ways. Re-entry to work environments, relationship issues, and overall happiness has been damaged which is motivating people to seek therapy. Many local social workers are full and not taking on new clients at this time which is pushing clients online to find resources. I think jobs are really going to soar in therapy both online as well as in-person. The demand is very high right now.
What soft skills should all Wellness Specialists possess?
Stephanie Bank: Unlike other fields, our "soft skills" are a large foundational piece of our work. Communication, time management, boundaries, conflict resolution are skills we work on daily in our field. I would hope all social work graduates would poses these qualities.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Wellness Specialists?
Grayson Lipford Ph.D.: Yes. The fitness industry was hard-hit by the virus. Fitness centers were some of the first businesses to be locked down and last to be allowed to open. In academic settings, sports, including strength and conditioning, were also shut down. This has caused a wave of bankruptcies and closures across the country, especially since many fitness centers were small businesses running on tight margins.
However, as the country claws its way out of the pandemic, there is great hope for the industry.
First, many of the precautions needed for avoiding COVID infection were already being used by fitness centers since our field is well-aware of the dangers of infectious diseases. Purpose built fitness centers are designed with HVAC systems that create more air exchanges than regular commercial buildings and exchange indoor for outdoor air to a greater extent. Fitness centers also are typically diligent about cleaning, even before the pandemic and have simply increased the frequency of cleanings. However, most evidence points to surface transmission as being a minor method of transmission, especially if individuals wash their hands and/or use hand sanitizer. (See this article in Nature: Nature )
Simply put, fitness centers may be safter than other business where patrons spend time, such as restaurants, as long as the members use masks and social distance while exercising.
This, however, is small comfort for businesses that went under during the early stages. So right now, employment may be harder to find temporarily. But, for young entrepreneurs, the market may be much more open to new fitness businesses since competition may be diminished. There is an increased opportunity to gain a foothold in the market, especially if business diversify their offerings into areas such as options for home-based video-driven workouts, outdoor areas for fitness and other practices that may be safer for some. New graduates should be looking to develop skills in these areas to be competitive in the marketplace.
What's a day at work look like for a Wellness Specialist?
Grayson Lipford Ph.D.: The opportunities for graduates in the Kinesiology/Exercise and Sport Science field are many and varied. Graduates may pursue careers in commercial fitness, strength and conditioning in an academic setting, community health education, or pursue graduate degrees in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Medicine, Dentistry, or other health-related fields. Therefore, it's difficult to say what a day at work will look like since jobs can be so varied. However, expect that, obviously, more time will be spent on cleaning at the site and more remote work, such as video-based meetings with clients and patients. Skill at using technology has always been important but the recent events have emphasized this. Also, being agile and able to quickly adapt to changing environments is key. There will continue to be changes in procedures and regulation and the ability to "roll with the punches" is important.
What technical skills for a Wellness Specialist stand out to employers?
Grayson Lipford Ph.D.: Although the ability to design and implement training programs that are effective at helping clients and patients reach their goals while simultaneously motivating them to adhere to their program is has always been the crux of what we do, additional technology skills are becoming increasingly important. The ability to market using social media, where most people get fitness information from, for marketing has been implemented for years, but now being able to deliver products and services through a variety of pathways, most involving technology, is a growing area. Communications skills, although not technical, so to speak, are some of the most important "soft-skills" for those in Kinesiology/Exercise and Sport Science to possess.
Dr. Hunter Waldman Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Exercise ScienceUniversity of North Alabama
Kinesiology Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Wellness Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Hunter Waldman Ph.D.: Regarding Kinesiology trends, I think we will start seeing a bigger push to remote "coaching" whether that be personal wellness coaching, nutrition counseling, or even acting as an online personal trainer. I think people are realizing that several popular careers in our field can be performed at home as long as both parties have internet access. I'd also state I do not think that the "quality" of these jobs will suffer as these individuals will still need the necessary credentials to pursue each job. The only change is the actual setting. I am already seeing quite a bit of jobs being posted with remote work locations as an option.
What Wellness Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Hunter Waldman Ph.D.: I think verbal and written communication is lacking quite a bit in today's college graduate generation. This is coming from someone who was a college graduate just a few years ago, but since my time as an undergraduate and students today, there is a clear inability for a large percentage of students to pick up on social cues, maintain a productive conversation, or write a respectable email. Jobs in our field are competitive and interviews are still conducted in a face-to-face format. Even if you go to work for yourself, let's say as a personal trainer, then you'll still be interacting with people in a personable manner.
Each interaction can be looked at as if you are marketing yourself to that potential client or employer and if communication is a weakness, that is an issue. Therefore, I'd recommend graduates taking a gap year to 1) find a temporary job that puts you into contact (face-to-face or online) with various people throughout the day so that these skills can be sharpened over time and 2) practice! Excellent written and verbal skills are honed through practice. Everyone can improve these skills and practicing, watching YouTube videos from communication experts, or even having someone read over your email or recording you converse can all be helpful tools for the recent graduate student.
What general advice would you give to a Wellness Specialist?
Dr. Hunter Waldman Ph.D.: Stay relevant. I've seen too many graduates find a job and fall into a routine of least resistance. I think the pandemic definitely showed in a lot of jobs, who is needed and who is not. This may sound harsh, but in extreme circumstances, this is how it works. Become efficient at your job and find ways to assist your colleagues or employers in ways that are not necessarily written on your job description. Stay updated with current trends in your field, read the most recent research regarding your area, and identify what you bring to the job that nobody else does and excel at those tasks.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Wellness Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Patrice Hallock Ph.D.: The pandemic is creating high demand for many professional programs. Nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, and education are likely to have high demand. Nursing, PT, and OT will see higher demand because of the strain on our healthcare system and the attention that people are giving to these important health professionals. Social work and education will see high demand as our system of social services is being taxed by the impact of COVID-19 and we are completely re-thinking educational practice.
What Wellness Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Patrice Hallock Ph.D.: Volunteer! Work in any setting that will allow one to learn communication and collaborative skills. The participation in any system that is focused on caring for others, whether it is healthcare, social services, or education, will help graduates to better understand the varied settings in which they can apply their academic skills. Graduates must be open to the vast range of settings in which they can apply their skills, and volunteering helps people to learn about opportunities they didn't even know existed (or that they would like!).
What general advice would you give to a Wellness Specialist?
Dr. Patrice Hallock Ph.D.: Remain open to possibilities. Try jobs or roles that you may not know a lot about. Volunteer. Stay engaged in your community. Network. Many times a job opportunity presents itself because you are in the right place at the right time and have already demonstrated an ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively.
Cat Radford
Vice PresidentIdaho State University
Student Organizations and Resources
What type of skills will young Wellness Specialists need?
Cat Radford: Young graduates will need to have a personal standing on the pandemic as well as be able to provide unbiased care. Graduates will need a strong understanding of what is going on nationwide to ensure that they can provide accurate answers to patients and families. New graduates will need to be advanced in research and evidence-based practice. Specific to nursing, they will need to understand the signs and symptoms inline with the pandemic which would include auscultation of the lungs and knowing a productive cough over a non-productive cough.
Dr. Mohammad Tohemer Ph.D.
Adjunct FacultyCalifornia University of Management and Sciences (CALUMS)
Healthcare Management
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Wellness Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Mohammad Tohemer Ph.D.: Given the pandemic situation, we will see high demands on healthcare professions in general. However, Registered Nurses' demands will increase significantly, especially for the specialties in Infection Control and Prevention, Administrators, and Operational Managers. According to the Employment Projections program (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 2019), the change of employment from 2019 to 2029 for Nurses will increase by 7.2 percent, Operational Managers jobs increases by 5.8 percent, Medical and Health Services Managers increases by 31.5 percent, Management analysts increases by 10.7 percent, and project management specialists increases by 5.9 percent.
What skills stand out on Wellness Specialist resumes?
Dr. Mohammad Tohemer Ph.D.: Skills in project management, data management, and performance improvement add value to the candidate's resume; however, there are soft skills vital to any job, such as Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, and Grit.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Wellness Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Mohammad Tohemer Ph.D.: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics above, the demand for healthcare professionals is nationwide.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Wellness Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Amanda Barefield: For several years now, we have seen the evolution of health administration services into a consolidated structure, with positions such as finance, health information services, and quality management being embedded throughout the healthcare organization. The traditional "walls" surrounding departments continue to come down and health administration professionals serve as key members of the healthcare team.
The pandemic has reinforced the need for health administration professionals to be well versed in a diversified skill set, including clinical concepts, leadership, and technology. During this unprecedented time in healthcare, it has allowed healthcare administrators to utilize our skills in data analytics, reimbursement, and quality improvement to better manage the new variety of healthcare delivery formats and the patients we serve.
What general advice would you give to a Wellness Specialist?
Amanda Barefield: Any experience is good experience, whether through an employer or as a volunteer. Don't isolate yourself to positions based on titles. Think "outside the box" and look at all job descriptions, keeping your skill set and experience in mind. Be willing to accept a position that may not be your dream job but will give you opportunities for future improvements. Always show enthusiasm to sit at the table and utilize your broad skill set in healthcare administration, even if that means volunteering for projects or committees.
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Exercise ScienceThe University of Alabama in Huntsville
Department of Kinesiology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Wellness Specialists?
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.: I think it is safe to say the pandemic will have a lasting effect on all of us. We have had to adjust the way we attend class, the way we study, and the way we test. Some of the changes will have a positive impact on future attempts, while some adjustments have helped highlight some aspects that aren't favorable. For graduates who have had their senior year impacted by the pandemic, I think there are some real positives. The recent graduates have had to learn to be more flexible and accommodating, as 2020 was a series of unknowns. The recent graduates have also had to improve their intrinsic motivation and time-management skills, as there wasn't necessarily the daily reminders from the professor in the classroom. I remember telling my students in March when the pandemic first forced us online, "You'll have a story to tell your grandkids one day." Now that we are almost a full year into the pandemic, those words strike even more true.
What type of skills will young Wellness Specialists need?
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.: New graduates will have to learn to be accommodating and flexible to whatever the world may throw our way. If 2020 has told us nothing else, it is to expect the unexpected. Students from 2020 became graduates by having to be flexible to a new learning environment, accomodating to revised assignments, and learning new technologies along the way. The skills of being adaptable will be needed in virtually all fields for the foreseeable future, and the tribulations that 2020 classrooms endured will make many recent graduates better equipped to be successful.
What experience really stands out on Wellness Specialist resumes?
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.: At UAH, we have a dedicated research component for all of our seniors, and most of our graduates come away having conducted thesis-caliber work as part of a small research group. More and more, research experience is being valued on resumes and applications. Even if a student never does another research project after they leave our program, I am a firm believer that the two-semester group research experience will make them more successful in their professional goals. They have to learn to comb through the literature and synthesize the material. They have to learn to work well as part of a group. They have to collect and analyze their data. They have to present their findings. Whether they continue in human performance assessment or not, the skills of synthesizing information, strategizing effective group work and management, organizing information, and presenting your work will be present in virtually any professional realm.
What experience really stands out on Wellness Specialist resumes?
Dr. Jenny Deranek Ph.D.: Resumes stand out when they can demonstrate that a student has sought out experiences to learn more about career options. This could include shadowing, internships, and relevant work experience. I also think that the addition of up-to-date LinkedIn profiles can help tell more of the story of the student's journey and provide additional, personal details about their experiences and qualifications.
What Wellness Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jenny Deranek Ph.D.: Relevant work experience in the healthcare field. This means students are often working for less money than what they would make as a cashier, server, or bartender; however, it demonstrates a commitment to professional growth. If that's not possible, I would recommend shadowing various professionals and documenting that in a cover letter, resume, and LinkedIn. To gain these experiences, graduates should be sure to connect with their professors before graduation (and know they are available after graduation) to gain connections with people in the field. Also, calling professionals in the area, stopping into locations, and not relying on filling out or emailing generic email addresses for an organization.
Tyler Standifird Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUtah Valley University
Department of Exercise Science
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Wellness Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Tyler Standifird Ph.D.: Our primary students are going into health related fields, including exercise, fitness, and therapy/medicine. I think what we have seen in the past years will be accelerated, and that is the idea of the nontraditional exercise and therapy approach. It will be fun to see the creativity that will develop as individuals try and get exercise and therapy at home and in nontraditional gym settings. Telemedicine will need to improve and allow individuals to stay healthy on their own time, in their way, and without large groups.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Wellness Specialists in the next 5 years?
Tyler Standifird Ph.D.: I think medicine, and therapy, and health will increase as we know more about these fields' long-term benefit. Preventative medicine in wellness and healthy living will see a massive increase in the coming years. As the baby boomer generation gets older, we will need great therapists to take them through therapy post-stroke or total joint replacement. But those who are successful in this will be those who think outside of the box. We need graduates in these fields who can forge their path and think of unique and creative ways to engage individuals in healthy living and also therapy and medicine when needed. I think technology will give our graduates the tools, but they will need to use problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills to use those tools to provide results.