Health Education Specialists

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

SOC: 21-1091.00

Common Job Titles

Clinical InstructorHealth Education SpecialistHealth EducatorPublic Health Educator

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeAnalyze community health data and population needs assessments using epidemiological software and databases to inform program planning.
  • KnowledgeDevelop comprehensive health education programs and intervention strategies aligned with identified community health priorities and evidence-based practices.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate health promotion program effectiveness and population health outcomes using quantitative and qualitative metrics to ensure compliance with program objectives.
  • MindsetEngage diverse community stakeholders and interdisciplinary health teams to build collaborative partnerships that address health disparities and promote wellness.
  • KnowledgeApply learning strategies and instructional design principles when delivering health education to individuals and groups across multiple settings.
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex health information and scientific literature for lay audiences, policymakers, and healthcare providers to support informed decision-making.
  • MindsetAdvocate for health-promoting policies and equitable access to health services by communicating with external organizations, insurers, and public health systems.
  • KnowledgeCoordinate program logistics, resource allocation, and team activities while managing time constraints and multiple concurrent health initiatives.
  • MindsetIntegrate cultural competence and social perceptiveness into health messaging to ensure programming is responsive to community values and health beliefs.
  • KnowledgeDesign multimedia educational materials and digital content using presentation software, social media platforms, and web-based tools to enhance health literacy.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Health Education Specialists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

65,150

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$42,210
10% of workers earn the following or more$112,900
Workers on average earn$71,700

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
  • Education and Training4.5/5
  • English Language4.2/5
  • Administrative4.1/5
  • Psychology3.6/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Adobe PhotoshopFacebookMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Blackbaud The Raiser's EdgeBlackboard softwareBlogging softwareCenters for Disease Control and Prevention CDC WONDERCenters for Disease Control and Prevention Epi InfoEdpuzzleJamBoardLogMeIn GoToWebinar

Tools & Equipment

Desktop computersDigital video disk DVD playersLaptop computersLiquid crystal display LCD projectorsOverhead display projectorsPersonal computersPersonal digital assistants PDAPhotocopying equipment