Are you looking for a meaningful career that gives you the flexibility to live life on your terms?
A career that gives you more:
- Purpose
…But you’re not sure if you can become a coach and how to even get started!
This guide is for you.
I’ve helped 3,500+ new coaches in 50+ industries start their own coaching businesses. And in this guide on how to become a health coach in Texas, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to build a thriving, fulfilling business — all without the 24/7 hustle.
Want to learn more? Then let’s dive right in.
Key takeaways:
- The health coaching industry is on track to hit $3.8 billion with a 9% annual growth rate, and Texas health coaches earn $52,291-$80,375+ annually, with self-employed coaches often reaching six figures.
- Unlike many healthcare professions, you don’t need a license or certification to start health coaching in Texas – what matters most is your ability to create real results for clients.
- You can start a profitable coaching business with a $1,500 three-month package, and scale up as you gain experience and testimonials, making it possible to replace a corporate income while gaining more freedom and flexibility.
How to become a health coach in Texas – checklist:
- Find a niche
- Set up your coaching business
- Create and price a coaching package
- Market your coaching business
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
What is a health and wellness coach?
A health and wellness coach helps clients improve their wellbeing and build healthier lifestyles. You might focus on weight loss, stress reduction, better sleep, chronic illness management, or overall wellness.
And the demand for health coaches is growing fast.
For example:
- The health coaching industry in North America is on track to hit $3.8 billion, growing by nearly 9% a year
- In Texas, most health and wellness coaches earn between $52,291 to $80,375, with many self-employed coaches earning six figures and more
The great thing is…
Health coaching isn’t just about helping others—it’s about creating a career and lifestyle you love. Here’s what makes it rewarding:
- Making a real impact – You empower clients to take charge of their health.
- More freedom – Work from anywhere and set your own schedule.
- Financial and personal fulfillment – Build a meaningful career while increasing your income.
But how do you become a health coach? Let’s break it down.
What qualifications do you need to become a health coach in Texas?
Now that you understand what a health coach does, let’s look at the qualifications needed to get started.
Do you need a license to be a health coach in Texas?
No, health coaching in Texas is not regulated like the medical profession. This means you don’t need a license to start coaching.
However, if you plan to offer medical advice or therapy, you’ll need the appropriate license or degree to stay within legal and ethical guidelines.
Do you need a certification to be a health coach in Texas?
The short answer: No, certification is not required.
What matters most is your ability to help clients achieve real results.
That said, certification can open more opportunities, especially if you want to:
- Work with government programs
- Specialize in nursing, nutrition, or clinical settings
- Build credibility and attract higher-paying clients
If certification feels like the right path for you, keep reading—we’ll cover exactly how to get certified.
How to become a certified health coach in Texas
Follow these steps to become a certified health coach in Texas.
1. Fulfill educational requirements
Most health coaching certification programs require at least a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
For advanced certifications, you may also need:
- An associate degree or higher
- Completion of an approved health coach training program
- Relevant work experience
In terms of health coaching degrees, a two-year degree can help build key coaching skills, while a four-year degree can deepen your knowledge even further.
If you pursue a degree, choose one that aligns with the services you want to offer, such as:
- Health and Wellness Coaching
- Health Science
- Health Education
- Sports Psychology
- Exercise Science
Many programs allow electives, so you can specialize in areas that matter most to your coaching focus.
2. Gain experience
Coaching is a skill you develop through practice, not just theory. Gaining real-world experience is essential, especially if you plan to earn an advanced certification.
Many top certifications, like the NBC-HWC (the gold standard in health coaching), require 50 coaching sessions of at least 20 minutes each.
The good news? Many NBHWC-approved programs provide structured guidance. They help you:
- Complete an initial skills assessment
- Practice coaching in real-world scenarios
- Receive feedback and mentorship to refine your approach
Building hands-on experience not only strengthens your skills but also boosts your confidence as a health coach.
3. Pass a certifying exam
The final step? Demonstrate your expertise by passing a certification exam.
Most exams require a combination of accredited education and hands-on coaching experience to qualify. The exact requirements and content vary by program.
For example, the NBC-HWC certification tests your knowledge in key areas, including:
- Coaching structure – How to guide clients effectively
- Coaching skills – Communication, motivation, and behavior change techniques
- Health and wellness knowledge – Core principles of nutrition, exercise, and well-being
- Ethical and legal guidelines – Staying compliant with industry standards
Not sure which certification aligns with your goals? Let’s explore the top programs to help you decide.
How to find the right certification program
Before choosing a certification, it’s important to understand the main accreditation bodies that oversee health and wellness coaching programs.
By selecting a program accredited by these organizations, you ensure your certification is recognized and respected in the industry.
Health and wellness coach certification accreditation
These are the top accrediting bodies for health and wellness coaching:
- National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) – Works with the National Board of Medical Examiners to set standards for health and wellness coaching. NBHWC-approved programs prepare you for the NBC-HWC certification exam.
- National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) – Accredits programs that meet national standards for professional skill assessment.
- International Coaching Federation (ICF) – A globally recognized organization that accredits coaching programs, including those in health and wellness.
Now that you know the key accrediting bodies, let’s explore some of the top certification programs.
Health coaching certification programs
Here are the top two NBHWC-approved health and wellness coaching certification programs in Texas:
- Integrative Health and Well-Being Coaching Certificate — University of Houston: This hybrid program is 100% online but starts with a three-day live online intensive. It runs for 36 weeks. (Price: $3,250)
- Master of Science in Lifestyle Health Sciences and Coaching (MSLS) — University of North Texas Health Science Center: This one-year program combines lifestyle medicine with health and wellness coaching. You need a bachelor’s degree to apply. (Price: $15,213 for Texas residents)
Alternatively, you can look into these online programs:
- Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN)
- Primal Health Coach Institute
- American Council on Exercise (ACE) Health Coach Certification
Note: I haven’t enrolled in these programs myself. My recommendations are based on publicly available information.
How to become a health coach in Texas
Now that you know how to get certified, let’s break down the four key steps to becoming a successful health coach in Texas.
1. Find a coaching niche
To deliver real results and attract the right clients, you need to choose a niche. A well-defined niche makes marketing easier and positions you as an expert in your field.
To find your niche, ask yourself:
- Who do you want to help? (busy professionals, athletes)
- What problems do you want to solve? (stress, weight loss, chronic fatigue)
- What are your current skills and expertise?
Some popular niches in the health and wellness industry include:
- Fitness coaching
- Nutrition coaching
- Stress management
- Mindfulness coaching
- Weight loss coaching
- Wellness coaching
- Yoga coaching
- Sleep coaching
- Anxiety coaching
- Somatic coaching
- Mental performance coaching
- Fertility coaching
- Trauma coaching
For example, my former client Cristina, is a naturopathic doctor who helps her clients manage stress, headaches, and allergies. Another client of mine, David, helps people lose weight with herbs.
Still unsure about your niche? Watch this video where I help you define yours in one sentence:
2. Set up your coaching business
Once you’ve chosen your niche, it’s time to build your coaching business.
Choose a coaching business name
One of the simplest ways to name your coaching business? Use your own name.
This approach makes your brand more personal and can help position you as a trusted expert in your niche.
Want more guidance? Check out my coaching business naming guide for tips on choosing the perfect name.
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
Decide on a business structure
To operate legally, you’ll need to choose a business structure. The two most common options for health coaches in Texas are:
- Sole Proprietorship – Easy to set up, but doesn’t provide legal protection if your business faces a lawsuit.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Offers more legal protection, but requires additional paperwork and fees.
For more details on setting up a coaching business in Texas, check out these resources:
- How to start a business in Texas
- Different business structures in Texas
- Health coach insurance
- Legal requirements for life coaches
Once your business is legally set up, you’re ready for the next step: Creating a coaching package.
3. Create a coaching offer
With your business set up, it’s time to craft an irresistible coaching offer that maximizes both your income and impact.
If you want to build a profitable coaching business, avoid single sessions and focus on results-driven packages instead. Here’s why:
- Clients are more likely to invest in a structured program that guarantees real transformation.
- You can deliver better outcomes by focusing on long-term progress rather than one-off advice.
- Coaching packages allow you to charge premium rates—setting you apart from a coach with a fixed salary.
But how much should you charge as a new health coach in Texas?
A great starting point is a $1,500 three-month coaching package, which includes:
- ✅ Monthly, biweekly, or weekly coaching calls
- ✅ Ongoing support between sessions (optional)
- ✅ Actionable steps tailored to client goals
Here’s why this approach works so well:
- Lower barrier to entry – A $1,500 package is affordable for many clients, even if you’re just starting out and don’t have many testimonials yet.
- Profitability from the start – You build a sustainable business while providing high-value coaching.
- Scalability – As you gain experience, you can increase your rates to reflect your expertise and demand.
With a solid coaching offer in place, you’re now ready for the next step: attracting your first clients!
4. Market your coaching business
Now that your coaching business is set up, it’s time to attract clients.
Social media is one of the fastest ways to build credibility and connect with potential clients. Share:
- Success stories – Showcase client transformations
- Your own journey – Build trust by sharing your experiences
- Actionable advice – Position yourself as an expert in your niche
The key? Choose the platform where your ideal clients spend time.
Once you gain traction, consider:
- Joining podcasts as a guest expert
- Hosting free webinars to showcase your expertise
Want to skip social media? In this guide, I explain how to get coaching clients without it.
That’s the beauty of being self-employed—you get to design your business your way.
And if you’re still unsure exactly how to get coaching clients, take a look at this quick video:
So, now you know how to become a health coach. But what skills do you need to truly succeed?
Let’s dive into that next.
Health coach job description and skills
As a health coach, your job is to help clients develop healthier habits and achieve their wellness goals. Common health coaching tasks include:
- Creating exercise routines
- Developing nutrition plans
- Managing stress
- Helping clients regulate emotions
- Assisting with weight loss
- And more!
To help your clients make lasting changes, you need to master four essential coaching skills:
1. Health and wellness expertise
Use your specialized knowledge to help clients achieve results faster and easier.
2. Communication skills
Great coaches are active listeners. By asking the right questions, showing empathy, and communicating clearly, you build strong rapport with your clients.
3. Goal setting and planning
Break down big goals into manageable steps. This helps clients overcome overwhelm, stay motivated, and make steady progress toward their desired outcomes.
4. Motivational skills
You are your clients’ biggest cheerleader. Help them believe in themselves, stay accountable, and push through challenges to reach their goals.
These are the key skills needed to succeed as a health coach. But how much can you actually earn? Let’s explore that next.
Health coaching jobs and salary
How much do health and wellness coaches make in Texas?
The average health coach salary in Texas is $64,900, according to Salary.com. However, this is just an average—self-employed health coaches can earn significantly more by setting their own rates.
In fact, many of my clients earn six or even multiple six figures by leveraging different income streams.
Health coaching offers a variety of career paths, including:
- Your own health coaching business – Offer one-on-one sessions, group coaching, or online courses.
- Government agencies – Work in public health initiatives and wellness programs.
- Fitness and wellness centers – Provide coaching services in gyms, spas, or wellness studios.
- Healthcare organizations – Work in hospitals, clinics, recovery centers, or NGOs.
Health coaching is a flexible and high-impact career with plenty of opportunities for growth.
Now, let’s tackle the most frequently asked questions about becoming a health coach in Texas.
FAQ: How to become a health coach in Texas
Do health coaches make money?
Health coaches in Texas can earn between $45,000 to $100,000+ annually, with experienced coaches often commanding higher rates. Many coaches combine one-on-one coaching, group programs, and digital products to create multiple revenue streams, with successful coaches regularly achieving six-figure incomes.
What do I need to become a health coach?
There are no requirements for health coaches in Texas. If you want to, you can complete a health coaching certification program. And to fulfill ethical requirements, you need to have experience in what you coach on. Offer your first coaching packages for a reduced rate and get the coaching experience you need to get started.
Is there a high demand for health coaches in Texas?
Texas shows strong demand for health coaches due to its growing population and increasing focus on preventive healthcare, with the market expected to grow by 7% year over year. The state’s high rates of chronic diseases and growing awareness of preventive health measures create substantial opportunities for health coaches.
How long does it take to become a wellness coach in Texas?
If you decide to get a certification, most accredited health coaching certification programs take 6-12 months to complete, depending on the program intensity and your study pace. Additional time may be needed to complete practical hours, set up your business structure, and build your initial client base in Texas.
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
Want to start building your health coaching business…today?
And that’s how to become a health coach in Texas!
Starting a coaching practice is an incredible path to escape the corporate grind and create a life filled with meaning and independence.
Of course, you’ve got your plate full already and a dependable paycheck. The idea of launching your own coaching venture can feel daunting and uncertain.
I’ve walked in those shoes myself. I was comfortably settled in a six-figure corporate role before starting my coaching journey. After investing years climbing the ladder, I wasn’t about to walk away without knowing I could build something sustainable that would give me more control over my time.
Though it took plenty of experimentation and learning from mistakes, I eventually cracked the code to building a successful practice. And that knowledge helped me scale my first coaching business to six figures within four months.
Since then, I’ve guided countless others to launch their own ventures while growing my business to multiple seven figures.
Ready to discover how you can create this kind of success? Download my FREE guide to building your six-figure coaching business today! I’ve packed it with actionable strategies to help you develop a thriving practice, even if you’re starting from scratch.
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