Health Education Specialists

People in this career focus on helping individuals and communities improve their well-being. Day-to-day tasks involve gathering information and analyzing data to identify what a community needs. Specialists then plan, monitor, and evaluate health programs and policies. They spend significant time teaching, training, and interpreting complex health information for the public. They also connect patients and communities with health providers, insurers, and systems, and they sometimes manage budgets for education programs.

Success in this role requires strong social skills, empathy, and active listening. Specialists must be skilled in speaking, writing, and critical thinking to communicate effectively with supervisors, colleagues, and the public. Important knowledge areas include customer service, psychology, sociology, and education. Because this is a highly social field, workers must be dependable, cooperative, and sincere as they build relationships and help others navigate health resources.

To enter this field, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree. Because the role requires considerable preparation, most employers also look for candidates who have several years of experience in a related health or community service role.

Students preparing for this career often major in public health, health sciences, mental and social health services, public relations, or advanced dentistry and oral sciences. Depending on the state, some workers may need to obtain a license. Additionally, professionals can earn specialized certifications to show expertise in specific areas. Examples of these credentials include the Asthma Educator Specialist, Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner, Certified Infant & Family Educator, and Certified Sexuality Educator.

In 2025, the median annual pay for health education specialists was $64,070. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% earning less than $42,990 and the highest 10% earning more than $118,200.

With 65,690 people employed in this field, the occupation is projected to grow by 5.6% from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth, along with normal staff turnover, is expected to result in about 6,900 job openings each year.