How to become health education specialistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Social Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$64,070

25th–75th pct. $50,620–$87,130

Top pay (est.)

$153,700

Top 10% $118,200

Pay in 5 years

$74,800est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$87,200est.

$75,000–$101,300

Outlook score

64/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

43%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+5.6%

6,900 openings / yr

How to become health education specialists

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Health Education Specialists

Key skills

Speaking

4.2

Learning Strategies

4.1

Reading Comprehension

4.0

Active Listening

4.0

Critical Thinking

4.0

Writing

4.0

Social Perceptiveness

3.9

Monitoring

3.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

6.2

Administrative

5.5

Education and Training

5.3

Psychology

4.9

English Language

4.9

Mathematics

4.2

Computers and Electronics

4.2

Sociology and Anthropology

3.9

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationScheduling Work and ActivitiesAnalyzing Data or InformationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicInterpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionNear VisionSpeech Clarity

Education of workers

Associate's degree

62%

Bachelor's degree

31%

Master's degree

High school diploma

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

64%

3–6 months

27%

6–12 months

2–4 years

1–2 years

Related work experience

2–4 years

42%

1–2 years

39%

6–12 months

13%

None

1–3 months

4–6 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as health education specialists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Childcare Workers Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions.	$34,980	48/100	16%
2	Social and Human Service Assistants Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families.	$45,930	62/100	40%
3	Child, Family, and School Social Workers Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children.	$59,550	58/100	43%
4	Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.	$64,330	50/100	52%
5	Healthcare Social Workers Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses.	$67,880	70/100	34%
6	Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs.	$60,280	69/100	43%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.