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How to Become A Lifestyle Coach

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What is a Lifestyle Coach

A Lifestyle Coach is someone who helps people set goals and make real, lasting changes to how they live. If you love helping others and want a flexible career, this could be the role for you.

On a typical day, a Lifestyle Coach meets with clients to talk through their goals and challenges. They ask questions, listen carefully, and help clients see what they need to change. Then they build a step-by-step plan together.

Coaching covers many areas. These include fitness, nutrition, stress, sleep, and career balance. Some coaches focus on one area, while others take a broad approach. You might work with individuals, run group workshops, or coach teams in a workplace.

Lifestyle coaching is a growing field in Australia. More people are looking for help to manage modern life, and coaches are in demand. It is a career that lets you make a real difference. You can work the hours you choose and keep learning as you go.

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Career Outlook for Lifestyle Coach

Lifestyle coaching is a growing career in Australia. More Australians are seeking help with health, stress, and work-life balance, which is driving demand for coaches. Most coaches are aged between 30 and 55, and many work flexible hours, typically 20 to 40 hours per week. Some coaches work full-time for wellness centres or corporate employers, while many run their own private practice.

The field is not tightly controlled, so pay and work type vary widely. Based on recent Australian data, lifestyle coaches earn between $50,000 and $120,000 per year. This depends on experience, niche, and client base. Coaches with ICF credentials and a clear focus tend to earn more. Demand for wellness services is set to keep rising, so this is a good time to enter the field.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Lifestyle Coach

Step 1: Complete the Certificate IV in Life Coaching (11349NAT)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Life Coaching (11349NAT) through a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This course takes 6 to 12 months and covers coaching skills, ethics, goal-setting, and client communication. It is the main entry-level qualification for lifestyle and life coaches in Australia. The current version was updated in July 2025 (confirm the current code on training.gov.au).

Step 2: Gain Hands-On Coaching Experience

Build your coaching experience by working with volunteer or pro bono clients. You can start while still studying or just after finishing your Certificate IV. Aim to complete at least 100 hours of coaching before applying for an ICF credential. Keep session notes so you can track your growth and use them as evidence for credentialing.

Step 3: Earn an ICF Coaching Credential

Apply for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This requires at least 60 hours of ICF-approved coach training and 100 hours of coaching experience. The process also includes a performance assessment and a knowledge evaluation. The ACC is widely recognised and helps clients trust your professional standards.

Step 4: Join a Professional Body

Become a member of ICF Australasia or the Health Coaches Australia and New Zealand Association (HCANZA). Both bodies offer peer networks, professional development events, and a code of ethics to guide your practice. Membership costs vary but are generally affordable for working coaches. Annual renewal keeps you connected to the latest industry developments.

Step 5: Build Your Coaching Practice

Define your coaching niche, set your session rates, and create a plan to attract your first clients. Many coaches start with a focus area, such as health and fitness, stress management, or career transitions. Build an online presence and ask satisfied clients for referrals to grow your practice steadily. Over time, you can add group programs or partner with businesses and wellness centres.

What does a Lifestyle Coach do?

Day to day, a Lifestyle Coach spends most of their time working directly with clients. This might be one-on-one sessions in person, by phone, or by video call. They start each relationship by getting to know the client’s goals, habits, and barriers. From there, they build a practical plan and check in regularly to see how things are going. They may also run group workshops, write resources for clients, or team up with other health professionals. The aim is always to help clients make real, lasting changes and feel supported along the way.

Tasks

A Lifestyle Coach plays an active role in helping people take charge of their lives. They bring energy, structure, and genuine care to every client relationship. From one-on-one sessions to group workshops, every day brings new challenges and real wins to celebrate.

  • Client Consultations: Run one-on-one sessions to understand each client’s goals and needs.
  • Goal Setting: Help clients define clear and achievable goals they can work toward.
  • Progress Tracking: Monitor results and give feedback to keep clients on track.
  • Wellness Education: Guide clients on healthy habits around food, movement, sleep, and stress.
  • Motivational Support: Support clients through setbacks and help them stay positive.
  • Resource Creation: Build worksheets, guides, and exercises to support clients between sessions.
  • Group Workshops: Plan and run group sessions on topics like time management and mindset.
  • Networking: Build connections with allied health professionals to offer clients broader support.
  • Continuous Learning: Keep up with new research and best practices in coaching and wellness.

Skills for Success

To thrive as a Lifestyle Coach, you need more than enthusiasm. You need the skills to connect with people, listen without judgement, and help clients find their own answers. Strong communication and empathy sit at the heart of great coaching.

You also need to be organised and adaptable. Each client is different. You will design new plans, track progress, and shift approach when things do not go to plan. A good grasp of health and wellness basics will also help. A love of continuous learning will set you apart as a coach.

Skills & Attributes

  • Active listening and empathy
  • Clear, open communication
  • Goal-setting and action planning
  • Knowledge of health and wellness basics
  • Motivation and encouragement
  • Time management and organisation
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Understanding of behaviour change
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Building trust and rapport with clients
  • Facilitation of workshops and groups
  • Ongoing learning and self-development

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a Lifestyle Coach in Australia is around $65,000, based on recent industry data (PayScale, 2025). Pay varies widely. Coaches earn between $50,000 and $120,000 per year. Self-employed coaches who build a strong client base can earn more.

min $50 K

max $120 K

av $65 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.