Life Coach Salary: How Much Do Life Coaches Make?

"How much do life coaches make?" is usually the first question. The honest answer: it depends on your specialization, location, credentials, and how well you market yourself. But here are the real numbers.

The 2025 ICF Global Coaching Study reports that coaches in the United States earn an average of $71,719 per year. The global average is lower at $49,283 annually, reflecting differences in market maturity and pricing across regions.

Glassdoor reports a somewhat higher figure at $84,423 average annual salary for U.S. life coaches in 2025. The range between sources exists because coaching income is heavily influenced by specialization, client type, and whether you're working with individuals or organizations.

The important context: most coaches are self-employed. There's no salary in the traditional sense. Your income is directly tied to how many clients you serve, what you charge, and how consistently you fill your schedule.

Your niche is the single biggest factor in your life coach salary. Coaches who work with corporate clients and organizations earn significantly more than those serving individual consumers.

The pattern is straightforward: coaches working with corporate clients and organizations earn the most. Executive and leadership coaches command the highest rates because their clients (or their clients' employers) can measure ROI in business terms. A general life coach working with individual consumers is competing on a tighter budget.

The 2025 ICF study found that 54% of coaches focus on leadership or executive coaching. That's where the highest income is, but it's also where competition is strongest.

Certification isn't just letters after your name. It directly impacts how much you earn.

ICF data consistently shows that credentialed coaches earn more than non-certified coaches. ICF Master Certified Coaches (MCC) earn approximately twice what non-certified coaches make for comparable services. Even at the ACC level, having an ICF credential signals to clients and corporate buyers that you've met a recognized standard.

The 2025 ICF Global Coaching Study also found that coaches with 10+ years of experience average $69,721 globally, with higher hourly fees and more clients. Baby Boomer coaches charge an average of $270/hour, compared to $193 for Millennials, reflecting both experience and credential accumulation.

Learn more about your options in our certification comparison guide.

Year 1 (building phase): Most new coaches earn $0-$30,000 from coaching while building their practice part-time. Many keep other income sources during this period. This is normal, not a sign of failure.

Years 2-3 (growing phase): Coaches who consistently market themselves and develop a niche reach $40,000-$60,000 annually. Referrals start to build. You're raising your rates as you accumulate testimonials and experience.

Years 4-7 (established phase): Established coaches with strong reputations and consistent referral streams earn $60,000-$100,000. Many add group coaching, workshops, or online courses to supplement 1-on-1 sessions.

Years 8+ (senior phase): Coaches with 10+ years of experience average $69,721 globally (ICF 2025). Those in executive or corporate coaching can earn $150,000-$350,000+. At this level, revenue comes from multiple streams: 1-on-1 coaching, group programs, corporate contracts, speaking, and training.

Hourly rates vary based on specialization, experience, and client type. The ICF 2023 Global Coaching Study puts the average fee for a 1-hour coaching session at $244 globally, a 9% increase from $224 in 2019.

In practice: New coaches (no credential): $50-$100/session. Certified coaches (ACC or equivalent): $100-$200/session. Experienced coaches (PCC or equivalent): $200-$350/session. Executive/corporate coaches (MCC or specialized): $300-$500+/session.

Many coaches don't charge by the hour at all. Package pricing is more common. For example, a 3-month coaching program at $1,500-$5,000 that includes 12 sessions, email support, and resources. Packages give clients a clear investment and give you more predictable income.

Life coach salary data tells one story. But since most coaches are self-employed, the reality is more nuanced.

You won't be coaching 40 hours a week. ICF data shows coaches average 11.6 hours per week of actual coaching, with about 12.4 active clients (ICF 2025). The rest of your time goes to marketing, admin, content creation, professional development, and running the business side.

Self-employment costs eat into your gross revenue. Health insurance, self-employment taxes (15.3% in the U.S.), liability insurance, platform subscriptions, continuing education, and marketing costs can reduce your take-home by 25-35%.

Income is inconsistent at first. Unlike a salaried job, coaching income fluctuates month to month, especially in the first few years. Building a waitlist takes time and consistent marketing.

The coaches earning $100K+ usually have multiple revenue streams. Group coaching, workshops, online courses, corporate contracts, and speaking fees supplement 1-on-1 coaching. The most successful coaches treat their practice as a diversified business.

None of this means coaching isn't a viable career. 59% of coaches globally expect their revenue to increase in the coming year (ICF 2025). But going in with realistic expectations matters. See our guide on whether life coaching is a good career for a fuller picture.