How to Become A Recovery Coach in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee employs approximately 520 workers in the related “Community Health Workers” category (SOC 21-1094), with a median annual wage of $42,310 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
How do I become a recovery coach in Tennessee? Tennessee requires credentials such as ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE COUNSELORS. The licensing authority is the Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards. 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 Tennessee? Yes. Tennessee has licensing or registration requirements for recovery coachs. See the licensing section below for details.
What do recovery coachs earn in Tennessee? The BLS does not track recovery coach wages separately. Based on the related “Community Health Workers” category, the median annual wage in Tennessee is $42,310, with entry-level wages around $34,180 and experienced workers earning $58,960 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: Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards
- Median wage (Tennessee): $42,310 per year (based on related “Community Health Workers” category) 1
- Exam requirement: Third-party exam required
Recovery Coach License Requirements in Tennessee
The Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards oversees recovery coach licensing in Tennessee.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE COUNSELORS | ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE COUNSELORS Counseling for alcohol and other drugs of abuse includes: the evaluation and treatment of problems, misperceptions and misconceptions of persons who abuse moo… |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: Background check required
- Exam: Third-party exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 3.
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
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 Tennessee vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | 210 | $44,440 | $46,250 | $35,850 | $63,920 |
| Memphis | 160 | $40,340 | $41,270 | $31,550 | $54,390 |
| Knoxville | 40 | $39,510 | $42,440 | $32,980 | $52,660 |
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 Tennessee
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest recovery coach employment within Tennessee according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin | 210 | $44,440 |
| Memphis | 160 | $40,340 |
| Knoxville | 40 | $39,510 |
Explore More Trades in Tennessee
- Electrician in Tennessee
- Plumber in Tennessee
- HVAC Technician in Tennessee
- Welder in Tennessee
- Carpenter in Tennessee
- Solar Installation Technician in Tennessee
- Auto Mechanic in Tennessee
- CNC Machinist in Tennessee
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Tennessee
- Medical Assistant in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for recovery coachs in Tennessee? Tennessee employs approximately 520 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 Tennessee with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Tennessee? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Tennessee.
How much do recovery coachs earn in Tennessee compared to the national average? The median annual wage for recovery coachs in Tennessee is $42,310 (based on the related “Community Health Workers” category), which is $8,720 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
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/.