Considering a career as a life coach? Understanding the life coach salary range is key to setting realistic expectations and planning your journey in this growing field. Kartra’s all-in-one platform is home to many online coaching businesses, and we’re inspired by all the creative ways these entrepreneurs monetize their skills and effect change. Our guide helps both new and experienced life coaches explore the factors that impact income and make informed decisions for future growth.
Life coach salary averages
Life coaching has been increasing in demand with earning potential growing as well. The 2023 International Coaching Federation’s Global Coaching Study reported that active coach practitioners generated an estimated annual revenue of $4.6 billion worldwide, representing a 60% increase since 2019. Use our lookup tool to find the average annual income of life coaches in your state.
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Data extracted from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-LIFE-Coach-Salary-by-State
You can quickly see that there’s a broad range of annual salaries between states. As a point of reference, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated the annual national average in America for all occupations was $65,470 in 2023. Keep in mind that the average salary for life coaches includes full-time, part-time, corporate, self-employed, and non-profit coaches. Also remember that there’s a huge cost of living difference between states that influences how much a life coach makes.
What determines a life coach’s salary?
So you’re probably wondering how to gauge what you’re likely to earn as a life coach. Here’s a closer look at the most significant contributors to the salary of a life coach.
Niche or specialty
The highest-performing life coaches are those who deliver a bold solution to a specific problem. And that’s why finding your niche is so important. True, some high-demand areas like executive coaching or leadership development often command higher fees. But you will shine brightest in the area where you have a passion and a proven solution to your clients’ greatest pain points. Identify a niche that aligns with your personal expertise and has market demand to significantly boost earnings.
5 key steps to becoming a life coach.
Type of client
The type of client a coach serves—whether corporate-sponsored or private-paying—greatly impacts income. Corporate life coach jobs often pay premium rates for coaching that supports employee performance and leadership. These contracts can be lucrative but may require additional certifications or experience.
Private-paying individual clients might offer you more scheduling flexibility but often result in less predictable income because you continually have to find new clients. Balancing these client types can create a steady income stream.
Full-time vs. part-time commitment
How much time you dedicate to coaching can really impact your earnings – and there’s not one right path for a life coach. Full-time coaches usually make more because they spend more hours on client sessions, marketing, and growing their business. Part-time coaches might find it harder to build a strong client base, which can limit their income. Carefully evaluate your priorities and how much time you can commit – and be 100% okay that your life coaching business reflects your unique priorities.
Years of experience
Experience is another crucial factor. New coaches often charge less as they build their reputation, while seasoned professionals often command higher hourly rates due to their proven track record. With experience, you’ll refine your methods, increase client referrals, and enhance credibility, all of which contribute to higher salaries.
Coaching certification
Do you have to be certified? No – but life coach certification can help with coaching-specific skill development and knowledge, enhancing credibility and professionalism. It typically involves completing accredited coach training programs, adhering to ethical standards, and passing assessments. Coaching credentials help build trust with clients, ensuring coaches are well-equipped to guide personal growth and achieve meaningful, sustainable outcomes. You’ll have to evaluate your niche and decide whether to pursue certification.
Understanding these factors can help you set realistic income expectations and craft a strategic plan for your career growth.
Building your life coaching business
Being a life coach provides the opportunity to shape your business so it fits your life and your goals…
You design your programs…
You manage your work-life balance…
You set your hours…
…For some that will mean developing a full-time business, growing to include a team of professionals. For others, life coaching will remain a part-time opportunity that dovetails with other life goals/priorities.
The most successful coaches diversify their coaching services to make money through multiple revenue streams. The 2023 ICF Global Coaching Study found that 93% of coach practitioners offer services in addition to one-on-one coaching sessions. Let’s explore some of the most effective ways to create multiple revenue streams.
Group coaching
Many coaches pivot to group coaching programs when they find themselves booked out with one-on-one sessions. Group coaching is a good middle-tier option, making the hours you spend servicing clients stretch further. Clients still get direct access to you, but you can template coaching programs, utilize group communication, and serve many people at one time.
Membership groups
It’s smart to offer a membership program along with your coaching sessions. This can be as simple as a Facebook group where clients get some extra camaraderie, or as sophisticated as a membership platform that not only offers motivational support but also enhanced access to your expertise. Coaches who use a software platform to host their memberships are also able to offer tiered membership further increasing revenue opportunities.
Online courses
Many coaches convert the content used in group coaching sessions to develop self-paced online courses. You’ll find that as your business grows, your schedule will get maxed out with 1:1 coaching. Online courses allow you to create ongoing passive income as your audience grows.
Discover how to bundle your services for maximum impact.
Webinars
Do you find that many of your clients face a similar, specific problem? Webinars are a great way to help clients and increase revenue. Consider developing a short-term workshop or one-day event that addresses a particular issue and provides practical solutions. Both prospective clients and those already enrolled in your coaching sessions will be candidates for your webinar.
Digital products
Digital products are a great way to enhance your coaching programs. Think about making worksheets, templates, checklists, or even ebooks. These tools can be powerful lead magnets, showing off your expertise and giving potential clients a glimpse of what it’s like to work with you. Many coaches also use digital products to complement their sessions, offering clients extra resources to keep growing and learning between coaching sessions. Read more in our guide to the most popular digital products.
Future of life coaching
The future looks bright for life coaches! According to the ICP Global Coaching Study, coaching practitioners are optimistic about future growth, with nearly 73% predicting a rise in their yearly salary estimates based on an expected increase in coaching sessions (61%) and a higher number of clients (70%). Both corporate life coach jobs and self-employed life coaching opportunities are expected to grow as more people seek lifelong growth.
As you look to the future, Kartra is here to equip you with the tools you need to offer your coaching services. We’re excited about the possibilities for life coaches who use Kartra to run their online business.
Some of Kartra’s key features for coaches include:
- Appointment scheduling
- Membership site software
- Online course platform
- Email software
- Landing page and form builder
- Done-for-you sales funnels
Our all-in-one platform was designed with all the tools you need to create, market, and scale your online business — so that what you offer your clients isn’t limited by your software.
Discover why Kartra is the best all-in-one marketing platform for online coaches.
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