What Can You Do with a Health and Wellness Degree? 5 Jobs to Consider

Following a health and wellness degree program means you’ve made a choice—you’re committed to pursuing a career in which you positively impact people’s lives, helping them make healthy lifestyle choices. But precisely what can you do with a health and wellness degree?

As you’ll soon discover, there are many attractive career options open to you.

Key Takeaways

• • A health and wellness degree opens doors to various roles, from employee wellness and coaching to health services management and university programs, allowing you to choose a path that fits your strengths and interests.
  • The sector is rapidly expanding—with projected growth of 5.43% between 2023 and 2033—and offers competitive salaries, particularly for leadership roles like health services managers.
  • Success in health and wellness hinges on obtaining the right certifications or degrees and developing key soft skills such as communication, time management, and stress management to effectively promote healthy lifestyles.

Why Pursue a Career in Health and Wellness?

The different career paths available in the health and wellness sector make it a growth industry. According to Precedence Research, the entire sector will achieve a compound annual growth rate of 5.43% between 2023 and 2033, topping out at a value of $2.188 billion by that final year.

Beyond the industry’s growth and job opportunities it creates, pursuing a career in health and wellness allows you to do what you love—helping others improve their lives as you promote healthy choices.

5 Career Opportunities With a Health and Wellness Degree

Your degree in health and wellness equips you with a strong foundation in behavioral change, fitness, nutrition, and health promotion. Below are several career options that align closely with this degree:

#1 – Employee Wellness Specialist / Worksite Wellness Coordinator

Where you might work: Corporations, health insurance companies, government agencies, or non-profits

What you’ll do: Design and implement workplace wellness programs, lead fitness or mindfulness sessions, coordinate health screenings, and develop behavior-change initiatives tailored to employee populations.

Salary range: $48,000–$75,000+ depending on experience and industry

#2 – Health and Wellness Coach

Where you might work: Private practice, healthcare clinics, insurance companies, or through virtual platforms

What you’ll do: Work one-on-one with clients to help them set and achieve wellness goals related to nutrition, stress, movement, and lifestyle habits. You may also specialize in areas like chronic disease prevention or mental well-being.

Salary range: Average around $49,500; top earners can exceed $100,000 annually

#3 – Community Health and Wellness Director

Where you might work: Community centers, non-profit organizations, local governments, or school systems

What you’ll do: Lead wellness programs that improve public health outcomes at the community level. Duties may include health education, program management, event coordination, and collaborating with local stakeholders.

Salary range: $55,000–$90,000+

#4 – University Wellness or Fitness Coordinator

Where you might work: College and university wellness centers

What you’ll do: Coordinate student health initiatives, plan campus-wide wellness events, manage fitness staff and student programming, and promote healthy behaviors in a collegiate environment.

Salary range: $45,000–$70,000

#5 – Health Services Manager / Health Administrator

Where you might work: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, health systems, or insurance providers

What you’ll do: Oversee operations in healthcare settings, manage staff and budgets, implement policies, and ensure quality care delivery. While more aligned with healthcare administration, this role is still accessible with a health and wellness background—especially if paired with leadership experience or a master’s degree.

Salary range: Median salary of $110,680; top 25% earn $157,640+

Where Do Graduates Work?

Health and wellness graduates go on to work in a variety of industries, such as:

• Healthcare and hospitals
• Corporate and employee wellness programs
• Human resources and benefits departments
• Non-profit health organizations
• Health insurance companies
• K-12 schools and universities

Your degree provides a versatile platform to launch or pivot your career, depending on your interests and strengths.

Skills and Qualifications Needed for a Health and Wellness Career

In terms of qualifications, your options vary depending on which health and wellness career you wish to pursue. For instance, fitness professionals or wellness coaches can often begin their careers after earning a relevant certification. That’s not the case for leadership or administrative roles like health services managers, who may benefit from a master’s degree or significant leadership experience.

As for skills beyond qualifications, communication is vital. That’s especially the case for community-focused roles – such as health educators – but active listening and solid interpersonal skills are helpful across the board in health and wellness. Good time management also helps, especially as you grow your client list, as does your ability to manage your own stress levels.

How to Choose the Right Career Path

Now that you know the answer to what you can do with a health and wellness degree, the obvious question is how do you choose which career path to follow?

What you actually enjoy will be your main determining factor. Those with strong organizational and strategic thinking skills may gravitate toward administrative or leadership roles like health services manager, where they can help improve operations and drive wellness outcomes on a broader scale. However, if your passion is getting up close and personal to help people build healthy lifestyles, a more client or patient-centric role is likely right for you.

Get in Touch With Our Health and Wellness Program Staff to Learn More About Our Online Programs

No matter which path you choose with your health and wellness career, UC is ready to help. We offer two programs – a Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management and a Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate – that help you take the next (or perhaps first) step in your chosen career. Both programs are conducted entirely online and are led by expert faculty. You’ll also be assigned a Student Success Coordinator – a professional dedicated to you and able to offer one-on-one advice about your course.

Get in touch with UC today – we’re excited to help you on your educational journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is health and wellness a good degree?

Yes, a health and wellness degree is a solid choice that opens up a range of fulfilling career opportunities. It equips you with essential skills to promote healthy lifestyles and make a positive impact on individual and community well-being.

How long does it take to get a health and wellness degree?

The duration of a health and wellness degree varies based on the level of study and program type. Typically, a bachelor’s degree takes about 3-4 years, while master’s programs generally require 1-2 years of full-time study.

What jobs can you get with a health and wellness degree?

A health and wellness degree paves the way for a variety of roles, including positions such as Employee Wellness Specialist, Health and Wellness Coach, Community Health and Wellness Director, or much more. Each of these career paths allows you to leverage your expertise to support healthier communities in different settings.

What is the highest paid job in health and wellness?

Among the many career options, health services managers are often among the highest paid, with competitive salaries reflecting the complexity and leadership required in the role. Their strong managerial and strategic skills, combined with a passion for healthcare improvement, set them apart in the industry.

How can you make a career out of health and wellness?

You can build a rewarding career in health and wellness by obtaining the relevant degree or certification that aligns with your interests and strengths. Complement your education with practical experience, internships, and professional networking to continuously develop the skills needed for success in this growing field.