Health Education Specialists promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health by assisting individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors. They assess community needs, develop educational programs, deliver health education interventions, and evaluate their effectiveness. Specialists also advocate for policies and practices that promote health.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $25,610.00 |
25th percentile | $30,390.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $38,310.00 |
75th percentile | $40,100.00 |
90th percentile | $48,560.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $12.31 |
25th percentile | $14.61 |
median (50th percentile) | $18.42 |
75th percentile | $19.28 |
90th percentile | $23.35 |
Health Education Specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in health education or a related field such as public health. Some positions may require a master’s degree, particularly for more advanced roles or research positions. Certification, such as the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential, is often preferred or required by employers. While completion of high school is necessary before pursuing higher education in this field, a college degree is essential to become a Health Education Specialist. Training for Health Education Specialists involves coursework in areas such as health communication, community health education, program planning, and evaluation, epidemiology, biostatistics, and behavioral sciences. Practical experience through internships or fieldwork is often a key component of the training to develop hands-on skills in delivering health education programs, conducting assessments, and working with diverse populations. Continuing education and professional development are also important for staying current with trends in public health and health education practices.