Health Educators

Employment of health educators is projected to increase by 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This rate is faster than the average for all careers. Job opportunities will be especially strong with the following employers:

• services for the elderly and persons with disabilities: +26.7 percent
• offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists: +24.1 percent
• outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers: +22.1 percent
• home healthcare services: +20.6 percent

Studies show that a vigorous health education program in a community can improve patient health outcomes and reduce health care costs. These fact-based benefits of health education programs suggest that there will be a strong need for health educators—especially in medically underserved communities that have rates of illness and death that are higher than the U.S. average. Opportunities will be best for heath educators with considerable experience and for those who have earned certification from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Employment will be especially strong (+25.9 percent) for self-employed health educators.