How much does life coaching usually cost? Life coaches are being hired to improve the quality of life. They can help people defining their goals and also craft strategies to achieve them. In short, life coaches support people when they are in trouble. But obviously, they are not humanitarians or social workers and they are not expected to work for free or without fees. Like any other professional, they charge for their services and the charges to hire a coach varies widely. It mostly depends on the nature of the job. If a coach is working on a single aspect he will charge less but a complete overhaul of a client’s lifestyle (fitness, diet, social interaction etc) will cost more. Generally, their cost can range anywhere between $50 and $3500 per hour.
The factors that determine the cost of a life coach The cost of a life coach is mainly determined by the following factors: If a coach is specialist in a specific area, he will charge a lot more than a general coach. For example, an executive coach can charge up to $500 for an hour of coaching, according to 2009 Harvard Business Review survey. The qualified life coaches always remain in high demand. According to ICF Global Coaching Study in 2012, about 76% people and organizations expect their coaches to be certified. It indicates that clients prefer certified professional coaches and find it more comfortable when they discuss their problems with them. That is why these certified coaches generally charge far more than others. Experience and good repute also have an effect on the charges of a life coach. Highly reputed and experienced coaches always cost a bit more. But experience is something that comes with time. Same is the case with reputation. It takes some time to build a good reputation and a coach can not charge higher rates straight away. A coach who is associated with an organization charges relatively high. The latest ICF report shows that the annual income of a life coach who belongs to one or more professional associations can be up to 49,700 US dollars whereas those coaches who are not working within an organization generate less income, usually 40,000 per year. A coach will charge more if job is diverse and complex in nature. Clients can have multiple aims and priorities at a time. If they hire coaches to help achieve multiple complicated tasks, the coaches will charge more because it will require more time and more effort.
Duration of coach-client relationship The coach-client relationship can span over several months, depending on the goals set by an individual for himself but usually things start to happen somewhere around six to twelve months. Many sessions are held during this period and these sessions vary in time. Coaches mostly spend an hour or so with a client, discussing their issues and suggesting solutions of the problems. They mutually decide how many sessions are required in a week and come up with a schedule that is suitable for both sides.
Overall, life coaching is an expensive yet effective and solution oriented service.