How to Become A Recovery Coach in New York
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, New York employs approximately 5,800 workers in the related “Community Health Workers” category (SOC 21-1094), with a median annual wage of $58,130 1. The state’s concentration of jobs in this category is 1.51x the national average, indicating strong regional demand. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 11.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 7,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a recovery coach in New York, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
A note on salary data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track recovery coach salaries as a separate category. The wage figures on this page are based on the closest matching BLS classification: Community Health Workers (SOC 21-1094). Actual recovery coach earnings may vary.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Recovery Coach in New York
How do I become a recovery coach in New York? New York requires credentials such as Certified Recovery Peer Advocate. The licensing authority is the Credentialing Unit - NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in New York? Yes. New York has licensing or registration requirements for recovery coachs. The Credentialing Unit - NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do recovery coachs earn in New York? The BLS does not track recovery coach wages separately. Based on the related “Community Health Workers” category, the median annual wage in New York is $58,130, with entry-level wages around $44,310 and experienced workers earning $87,980 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Credentialing Unit - NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
- Median wage (New York): $58,130 per year (based on related “Community Health Workers” category) 1
Recovery Coach License Requirements in New York
The Credentialing Unit - NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services oversees recovery coach licensing in New York 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Certified Recovery Peer Advocate | The primary function of a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate is facilitating outreach with individuals currently in a program or considering treatment. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in New York
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in New York
Note: The BLS does not track recovery coach wages separately. The data below is based on the closest matching category: Community Health Workers (SOC 21-1094).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), community health workers wages in New York vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | 4,790 | $59,340 | $63,750 | $45,760 | $92,020 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | 390 | $61,610 | $64,740 | $39,480 | $93,400 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | 280 | $52,900 | $54,620 | $38,200 | $70,390 |
| Rochester | 240 | $52,110 | $54,100 | $40,300 | $67,260 |
| Syracuse | 190 | $54,320 | $58,980 | $40,940 | $87,830 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | 130 | $57,240 | $56,870 | $43,820 | $72,290 |
| Utica-Rome | 60 | $46,840 | $50,040 | $38,380 | $64,340 |
| Binghamton | 50 | $49,010 | $49,700 | $39,130 | $70,230 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Recovery coaches in New York
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest recovery coach employment within New York according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | 4,790 | $59,340 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | 390 | $61,610 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | 280 | $52,900 |
| Rochester | 240 | $52,110 |
| Syracuse | 190 | $54,320 |
Explore More Trades in New York
- Electrician in New York
- Plumber in New York
- HVAC Technician in New York
- Welder in New York
- Carpenter in New York
- Solar Installation Technician in New York
- Auto Mechanic in New York
- CNC Machinist in New York
- Certified Nursing Assistant in New York
- Medical Assistant in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for recovery coachs in New York? New York employs approximately 5,800 workers in the related “Community Health Workers” category 1. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 11.3% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a recovery coach in New York with an out-of-state license? Contact the Credentialing Unit - NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in New York? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in New York.
How much do recovery coachs earn in New York compared to the national average? The median annual wage for recovery coachs in New York is $58,130 (based on the related “Community Health Workers” category), which is $7,100 above the national median of $51,030 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Credentialing Unit - NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services - Licensing Information: https://www.oasas.ny.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.