Salaries for Holistic Health Practitioners may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, years of experience, location, and other factors.
According to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC), naturopathic doctors (NDs) working in large practices earn between $80,000 and $90,000 annually. However, many naturopathic doctors who have worked at building a reputable practice have been known to earn up to $200,000 annually
In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth among holistic health practitioners is expected to balloon by 26% between 2018 and 2028.
To help navigate your way around the industry, we’ll provide important information regarding different careers, education requirements, and the holistic health practitioners salary.
[toc]What Are Holistic Health Practices?
Holistic health practices refer to a hybrid approach that combines traditional scientific medicine with natural remedies to treat specific ailments and maintain a patient’s overall health. That umbrella extends to mental, physical, and spiritual health and is often referred to as “complementary medicine.”
Earn a degree in holistic health from ICOHS College. Our Holistic Health Practitioner Program offers advanced training in concentrations of herbology, nutrition, and advanced massage techniques. Request more information today!
In 1989, the American Holistic Health Association (AHHA) was formed to encourage healthcare physicians and practitioners to incorporate holistic principles into their approach. Today, the organization offers free information health and wellness resources to help individuals better cope with an illness or disease or enhance their health.
Holistic health typically emphasizes five aspects of well-being:
- Physical: this involves diet, physical activity, sleep, etc.
- Emotional: this involves attitude, outlook, stress, etc.
- Social: this consists of a patient’s intimate relationships
- Spiritual: this revolves around how a patient interprets the meaning of life and their religious practice
- Intellectual: this revolves around the pursuit of lifelong learning
Holistic practitioners and naturopathic physicians study a broad range of subjects to treat patients. These areas may include holistic nutrition, alternative medicine, or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
They also practice a philosophy known as “osteopathic medicine,” which involves treating the whole person instead of individual symptoms. Other trademarks include avoiding pharmaceuticals or surgeries as the first line of treatment and relying on less invasive methods.
How Much do Holistic Health Practitioners Make?
In terms of how much holistic health practitioners make, salary potential will vary greatly depending on what kind of position you choose to pursue within the holistic health space. According to the BLS, the average salary of health diagnosing and treating practitioners hovers around $97,000 per year.
Meanwhile, massage therapists can expect to earn around $43,600 annually. Of course, these figures vary widely depending on other factors, including location.
For instance, the organization states that the lowest-earning 10 percent of massage therapists collected just over $22,000, while the highest 10 percent can earn more than $79,000 per year. The highest paying states include Alaska, Washington, and Massachusetts.
Types of Holistic Health Careers & Their Salaries
The goal of all holistic health practices is to improve a patient’s health and wellness. Each discipline falls under the umbrella of natural medicine. Still, significant differences exist from trade to trade, including education requirements, employment opportunities, and salary.
Check out the list below to learn more about holistic health practitioner careers and their associated salaries.
Massage Therapist
Average Salary = $43,000
Top 10% Salary = $79,000
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
According to the BLS, there are about 166,000 practicing massage therapists working across the United States. These individuals provide therapeutic massage to treat specific issues among clients and help maintain their overall health.
Make an impact in people’s lives by addressing both body and soul through the manipulation of muscles. Request more information about the Professional Massage Therapy program at ICOHS College.
While there are no uniform licensing requirements across the United States, it is recommended that practitioners receive formal training from a recognized organization, like the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). These programs may take anywhere from 12 to 15 months to complete.
At ICOHS, individuals can learn about specialty practices, including Swedish massage, aromatherapy, oriental medicine, acupuncture, and sports massage.
According to the BLS, massage therapists earn an average annual salary of $43,600. Though, as mentioned above, this number can vary, with the top 10 percent of earners pocketing over $79,000 per year.
Acupuncturist
Average Salary = $97,000
Top 10% Salary = $160,000
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Acupuncture refers to a specialized practice of treating illness and improving health by stimulating prescribed points on the body. The idea is to redirect the flow of energy throughout the body to restore balance. The practice has been around for over 2,000 years.
The minimum education requirement to become an acupuncturist in the United States includes attending accredited Chinese medicine acupuncture programs and obtaining master’s degrees.
Though not yet a requirement, other professionals, including many holistic health practitioners, are pushing for doctoral degree training in this area. Individuals must also pass specific certification exams to become licensed acupuncturists.
Individuals may choose to open up their own practice or work as a part of an integrative health collaboration. According to the BLS, acupuncturists typically enjoy an average salary of around $97,000.
Ayurvedic Practitioner
Average Salary = $40,000
Top 10% Salary = $76,000
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Ayurvedic practitioners rely on ancient Indian techniques to treat ailments and promote wellness. They aim to keep an individual’s body, mind, and spirit in equilibrium with nature. They can accomplish this goal through different mediums, including yoga, meditation, massage, and herbal supplements.
These individuals can find jobs in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and across home healthcare centers. Some may also choose to open their own private practice.
There are no educational requirements to become an Ayurveda Practitioner within the United States. However, most organizations require them to complete a certification program administered by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA).
According to the BLS, salary potential ranges anywhere from $21,000 to $76,000 annually.
Energy Healer
Average Salary = $43,000
Top 10% Salary = $79,000
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Energy healers use a broad range of practices to channel healing energy into a patient’s body, including healing touch, reiki, or polarity therapy. They can assist with various ailments, including anxiety, chronic pain, and cancer treatment side effects.
Holistic health practitioners can obtain certification in this area from several organizations, including the International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP), the International Energetic Healing Association, and the Healing Touch Professional Association.
Salaries may vary, as many practitioners charge an hourly rate dictated by experience and location.
Herbalist
Average Salary = $85,000
Top 10% Salary = $148,000
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Herbalism has existed for thousands of years. The practice revolves around creating powdered supplements, teas, and tinctures from botanicals to treat anything from skin rashes, trouble sleeping, and depression.
Though there isn’t one standard certifying board for herbalists in the United States, there are many organizations where individuals can obtain certifications and memberships, including the American Herbalist Guild (AHG). The organization requires 400 hours of training and clinical experience.
Individuals may also break into the field by pursuing a degree in psychology or some level of graduate Aspiring herbalists typically study human science, nutrition, pharmacy, plant research, and evidence-based botanical science.
Life Coach
Average Salary = $62,000
Top 10% Salary = $97,000
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Life coaches work to help clients resolve personal, professional, or romantic issues. Some may even delve into more specific niches, including nutrition, exercise, and spiritual discovery.
Though not mandated, receiving training from an accredited or approved coaching organization is recommended before launching your business.
Some of the most widely recognized coaching bodies include the International Coaching Federation (ICF). The Association for Coaching and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.
Individuals may also break into the field by pursuing a degree in psychology or some level of graduate education.
Midwife
Average Salary = $115,000
Top 10% Salary = $179,000
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
A midwife is a trained health professional who assists women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. The practice is divided into two categories: certified midwives and certified nurse-midwives.
A certified midwife (CM) must possess a healthcare-related degree and have graduated from a midwifery program. Meanwhile, a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) refers to a registered nurse who graduated from a midwifery program. According to the BLS, these individuals can earn upwards of $115,000 per year or $55 hourly.
Both titles should look into an accredited program offered by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
Conclusion
Holistic health covers a wide net of professions, and each carries its own distinctions when it comes to education, salary, and responsibilities. ICOHS College is happy to further introduce you to the field.
Our Holistic Health Practitioner Program offers advanced training in areas like herbology and nutrition and advanced massage techniques and helps prepare students to meet the individual needs of specific clients.
We also understand the value of hands-on learning. With our on-site massage clinic and hands-on information technology labs, students are sure to feel prepared as they embark on exciting new careers.
Students have the opportunity to learn from practicing professionals who bring their real-world experience to class.
We are also accredited by the ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education, accet.org). To learn more about ICOHS College accreditations and licenses, visit our accreditation page.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a holistic practitioner?
The time it takes to become a holistic practitioner varies depending on the specialty. For instance, you can complete training to become an Ayurvedic practitioner in just a few weeks, while a doctorate in acupuncture can take up to four years to complete.
What can I do with a holistic health degree?
A holistic health degree program arms students with various skills to pursue different areas of holistic health. Degree paths include massage therapy, herbal medicine, reiki practices, nutrition, and more.
What does it mean to be a holistic practitioner?
A holistic health practitioner relies on a combination of scientific medicine and natural methods to treat specific ailments and maintain their clients’ overall health.
A common tenet of holistic health involves treating the whole person instead of individual symptoms. Holistic health practitioners focus not just on physical health but also mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
How much can you earn as a holistic therapist?
Holistic health practitioners’ salaries vary greatly depending on their level of education, specialty area, and location. For instance, a certified nurse-midwife can earn over six figures annually, while an ayurvedic practitioner may earn just over $20,000 per year.
