Health Education Specialists
Health education specialists develop programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being.
Is health education specialists a good career?
It scores 19/100 and ranks #356 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($64,070)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What health education specialists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. health education specialists earn between $50,620 and $87,130 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live health education specialists jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Health education specialists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in health education or health promotion. Employers may accept a variety of other majors, including business, social science, and healthcare and related fields. Students may gain additional knowledge and skills through an internship.
Some health education specialist positions require candidates to have a master’s or doctoral degree. Graduate program fields of degree may include community health education, school health education, public health education, or health promotion. Applicants to these master’s degree programs generally do not need a specific undergraduate major.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Employers may require or prefer that health education specialists obtain certification.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Health education specialists collect and evaluate data to determine the needs of the people they serve.
Communication skills. Health education specialists must be able to clearly convey information in health-related materials and in written proposals for programs and funding.
Instructional skills. Health education specialists lead programs, teach classes, and facilitate discussion with clients and families.
Interpersonal skills. Health education specialists interact with many people from a variety of backgrounds. They must be good listeners and be empathetic in responding to the needs of the people they serve.
Problem-solving skills. Health education specialists must think creatively about improving the health of the community. In addition, they may need to solve problems that arise in planning programs, such as budget constraints or resistance from the community they are serving.
Related occupations
How much do health education specialists make?
The national median wage is $64,070 a year, with the middle half earning between $50,620 and $87,130 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is health education specialists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 19 of 100 and ranks #356 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +4.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a health education specialist?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do health education specialists earn the most?
Among states, Maryland pays the highest median ($104,470). Local pay for every state and metro is below.