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Health Educator: Average Salary of a Health Educator

Published Aug 29, 2009

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Health Educators alert the public to the positive side of adopting healthy lifestyle choices while warning people about the dangers of unhealthy living habits. Health Educators can earn upwards of $78,260 annually, but on average they make $48,590 yearly. If you'd enjoy helping people live long, happy and healthy lives, read on to learn more about Health Educators!

Health Educator Career Summary

Health Educators teach people about the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle while informing them about the dangers of diseases and other health problems. Health Educators work in public health companies, nonprofit organizations, schools, medical care settings and other work sites. The Health Educator creates a program plan for an entire classroom, covering topics like proper nutrition, exercise and self-examinations. Depending on the audiences, health teachers may address specific issues like sexually transmitted diseases, drugs and alcohol. Job duties can vary depending on the Health Educator's employer, but the overall goal of providing health education remains the same.

A bachelor's degree in health education is the minimum for students becoming Health Educators. Graduate degrees are preferred in the field of health education. A master's degree in health education is the norm, although other graduate degrees can be substituted. The coursework focuses on helping Health Educators understand the human mind and body, with classes like psychology, human development and health education.

Health Educator Career Outlook and Salary Information

Employment for Health Educators is predicted to grow by 26% due to the rising cost of health care in the U.S. and a dire need for qualified health professionals. This is much faster than the average for all vocations through 2016. While job prospects are favorable, employers will look for someone with an internship, volunteer experience and a graduate degree. Becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist through the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, Inc. can increase a Health Educator's employment opportunities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, the average (mean) annual salary is $48,590 for Health Educators as of May 2008. The lowest ten percent of Health Educators made less than $26,210 while the highest ten percent received more than $78,260 in annual income. Depending on what industry the Health Educator works in, the average salary can vary. The average yearly income is $56,520 with medical hospitals, $54,570 with colleges and universities, $45,200 with the local government, $41,650 with outpatient care centers and $39,330 with individual and family services.

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