How to Become A Recovery Coach in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Carolina employs approximately 1,680 workers in the related “Community Health Workers” category (SOC 21-1094), with a median annual wage of $47,560 1. 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina
How do I become a recovery coach in North Carolina? North Carolina requires credentials such as Resource Conservation And Recovery Act (RCRA) Emergency, Tax Certification Of Recycling & Resource Recovery Equip./Facilities. The licensing authority is the NC Department of Environmental Quality - Waste Management 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 North Carolina? Yes. North Carolina has licensing or registration requirements for recovery coachs. The NC Department of Environmental Quality - Waste Management oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do recovery coachs earn in North Carolina? The BLS does not track recovery coach wages separately. Based on the related “Community Health Workers” category, the median annual wage in North Carolina is $47,560, with entry-level wages around $36,160 and experienced workers earning $68,380 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: NC Department of Environmental Quality - Waste Management
- Median wage (North Carolina): $47,560 per year (based on related “Community Health Workers” category) 1
- Exam requirement: No exam required
Recovery Coach License Requirements in North Carolina
The NC Department of Environmental Quality - Waste Management oversees recovery coach licensing in North Carolina 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Resource Conservation And Recovery Act (RCRA) Emergency | The Treatment, Storage Or Disposal Of Hazardous Waste Under Urgent Or Emergency Situations To Facilitate The Protection Of Public Health And The Environment. |
| Tax Certification Of Recycling & Resource Recovery Equip./Facilities | Resource Recovery Means The Process Of Obtaining Material Or Energy Resources From Discarded Solid Waste Which No Longer Has Any Useful Life In Its Present Form And Preparing The Solid For Recycling. |
Additional Requirements
- Exam: No exam required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
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 North Carolina vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 380 | $49,920 | $53,210 | $37,530 | $76,590 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 260 | $46,760 | $51,130 | $40,080 | $64,590 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 210 | $50,980 | $54,030 | $39,550 | $72,040 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 120 | $44,930 | $45,700 | $29,540 | $60,240 |
| Winston-Salem | 110 | $48,910 | $50,790 | $37,520 | $68,200 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 100 | $47,390 | $48,780 | $37,910 | $61,480 |
| Asheville | 70 | $48,950 | $49,950 | $33,960 | $72,420 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | 60 | $42,450 | $44,680 | $32,860 | $56,150 |
| Wilmington | 60 | $42,510 | $47,540 | $33,010 | $68,200 |
| Greenville | 50 | $46,610 | $50,350 | $32,140 | $81,910 |
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 North Carolina
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest recovery coach employment within North Carolina according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 380 | $49,920 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 260 | $46,760 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 210 | $50,980 |
| Winston-Salem | 110 | $48,910 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 100 | $47,390 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for recovery coachs in North Carolina? North Carolina employs approximately 1,680 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 North Carolina with an out-of-state license? Contact the NC Department of Environmental Quality - Waste Management for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in North Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in North Carolina.
How much do recovery coachs earn in North Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for recovery coachs in North Carolina is $47,560 (based on the related “Community Health Workers” category), which is $3,470 below 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NC Department of Environmental Quality - Waste Management - Licensing Information: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/waste-management/waste-management-permits ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
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/.