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How to Become A Life Coach

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Life coach – career development and personal growth support
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What is a Life Coach

A life coach helps individuals set goals and create real change in their personal and professional lives. Life coaches guide clients through action planning, mindset shifts, and regular accountability check-ins. This is a rewarding career for people who love helping others unlock their potential. It offers flexible working arrangements and strong future demand.

Life coaching is not a regulated profession in Australia. No government licence is needed to start. Getting credentialed with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or ANZCAL helps coaches win client trust. Many coaches complete a Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) to strengthen their professional foundation.

Day to day, life coaches meet with clients in person or online to set goals and track progress. Sessions can focus on career growth, wellness, relationships, or personal development. Many coaches run their own business, which brings flexibility and independence. Some work within organisations, schools, or health services.

Life coaching in Australia has very strong future demand (source: yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Around 5,800 people work as counsellors and life coaches nationally. The average salary is around $77,000 a year. Many coaches work part-time, making it a great option for those seeking work-life balance.

Explore study options in Coaching

Career Outlook for Life Coach

Life coaching in Australia is a growing field with very strong future demand (source: yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Around 5,800 people currently work as counsellors and life coaches. Women make up 79% of this group. The median age of practitioners is 42 years.

Most life coaches work part-time or run their own flexible practice. Full-time roles make up 45% of the occupation. This suits people who want to blend coaching with other work or family commitments. Average weekly earnings are $1,477, or about $77,000 a year (source: yourcareer.gov.au, 2025).

The coaching industry is growing as more Australians invest in personal development, mental wellness, and career planning. More employers are bringing coaches into workplaces to support team performance and wellbeing. These trends point to strong, ongoing opportunities for qualified and credentialed coaches across Australia.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Life Coach in Australia

Step 1: Complete a Foundational Qualification in Community Services or Psychology

Build a solid base with the Certificate IV in Community Services (CHC42021 – confirm the current code on training.gov.au) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes around 12 months full-time. It covers communication, person-centred care, and working with diverse clients. These are core skills for life coaching work. A degree in psychology, counselling, or social work also gives a strong start.

Step 2: Complete an ICF-Accredited Coach Training Program

Enrol in a Level 1 ICF-accredited coaching program. These programs meet the International Coaching Federation’s standards. They run for 3 to 6 months and need at least 60 hours of coaching training. Finishing a Level 1 program lets you apply for the ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. Programs are available online and face-to-face across Australia.

Step 3: Log 100 Hours of Coaching Practice

To earn the ICF ACC credential, you must complete at least 100 hours of real coaching. Start by offering sessions to friends, colleagues, or community members. Join a supervised practice period if your training program offers one. Keep clear session logs with client feedback and your own notes. This phase takes around 6 to 12 months to complete.

Step 4: Apply for ICF or ANZCAL Accreditation

Apply for accreditation with ICF Australasia or ANZCAL. The ICF offers three levels: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC). Each level needs more training hours and coaching practice. Accreditation shows clients that you meet high professional standards. Both bodies offer ongoing learning events and peer networks.

Step 5: Launch Your Practice and Join a Professional Body

Set up your coaching practice with a clear niche, a client agreement, and a basic website. Join ICF Australasia or ANZCAL to access networks, events, and supervision. Get professional indemnity insurance before taking on paid clients. Most coaches start part-time, then grow to full-time as their client base builds. Joining a professional body adds credibility and connects you with peers.

Step 6: Commit to Ongoing Professional Development

ICF and ANZCAL both need accredited coaches to complete ongoing learning each year. This covers workshops, peer supervision, and mentoring. Keeping up with new coaching methods keeps your skills strong and your credential active. Coaches can also move to higher credential levels by logging more training and coaching hours.

What does a Life Coach do?

A life coach’s day revolves around helping clients move closer to their goals. They start each session by reviewing progress and checking in on any new challenges. Coaches use techniques like motivational interviewing and cognitive reframing to help clients break through mental blocks. Between sessions, they research tools and resources, update client notes, and plan ahead. The role is flexible, varied, and rewarding for those who love making a real impact.

Tasks

Life coaches empower clients to achieve their goals through structured, supportive sessions. They blend practical planning with motivational coaching to create real, lasting change. This role is ideal for people who want a career that truly helps others thrive.

  • Run coaching sessions – meet with clients to explore goals, challenges, and next steps in a safe, structured space.
  • Build action plans – design clear, practical steps that move each client towards their personal and professional goals.
  • Apply evidence-based techniques – use cognitive, behavioural, and strengths-based strategies to help clients overcome blocks.
  • Track and review progress – check in on milestones regularly and adjust strategies to keep clients moving forward.
  • Research tools and resources – find workshops, exercises, and reading materials to support each client’s growth journey.

Skills for Success

Great life coaches are natural listeners and motivators. They make clients feel heard, supported, and inspired to take action. Strong communication skills are key, along with genuine curiosity about people’s goals and growth. Empathy and patience help coaches build trust with clients quickly.

On the practical side, life coaches need strong skills in goal-setting, time management, and action planning. Knowledge of cognitive and behavioural tools helps coaches guide clients through real challenges. Business skills are useful for those who want to run their own practice. A commitment to ongoing learning sets the best coaches apart in this growing field.

Skills & Attributes

  • Active listening
  • Empathy and rapport-building
  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Goal-setting and action planning
  • Motivational and inspirational skills
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Knowledge of cognitive and behavioural techniques
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Accountability and follow-through
  • Organisational and time management skills
  • Research and resource identification
  • Business and self-marketing skills
  • Commitment to professional development
  • Ethical and professional conduct

Average Salaries

Life coaches in Australia earn around $77,000 a year on average (source: yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). This is based on a median weekly wage of $1,477. Entry-level coaches typically earn from around $52,000. Experienced coaches with established client bases can earn $130,000 or more, depending on their niche and practice model.

min $52 K

max $130 K

av $77 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.