How to Become A Recovery Coach in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas employs approximately 4,210 workers in the related “Community Health Workers” category (SOC 21-1094), with a median annual wage of $48,720 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 Texas, 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 Texas
How do I become a recovery coach in Texas? Texas requires credentials such as COUNSELOR, CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY. The licensing authority is the Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Licensing, Credentialing and Regulation 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 Texas? Yes. Texas has licensing or registration requirements for recovery coachs. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Licensing, Credentialing and Regulation oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do recovery coachs earn in Texas? The BLS does not track recovery coach wages separately. Based on the related “Community Health Workers” category, the median annual wage in Texas is $48,720, with entry-level wages around $36,250 and experienced workers earning $64,290 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: Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Licensing, Credentialing and Regulation
- Median wage (Texas): $48,720 per year (based on related “Community Health Workers” category) 1
- Exam requirement: State exam required
Recovery Coach License Requirements in Texas
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Licensing, Credentialing and Regulation oversees recovery coach licensing in Texas 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| COUNSELOR, CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY | Chemical dependency counselors assist individuals or groups in developing an understanding of chemical dependency problems. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
- Exam: State exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in Texas
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in Texas
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 Texas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 810 | $51,010 | $54,170 | $40,720 | $65,760 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 810 | $50,330 | $52,690 | $38,630 | $65,970 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 700 | $51,470 | $51,880 | $41,540 | $61,300 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 500 | $51,010 | $53,300 | $43,610 | $62,670 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 210 | $31,340 | $35,130 | $22,970 | $50,160 |
| El Paso | 110 | $45,240 | $44,190 | $33,950 | $49,590 |
| Laredo | 100 | $43,940 | $42,600 | $29,720 | $46,490 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | 80 | $33,080 | $38,920 | $29,000 | $61,870 |
| Corpus Christi | 60 | $37,650 | $44,890 | $33,080 | $67,480 |
| Lubbock | 60 | $46,740 | $48,880 | $37,510 | $55,710 |
| Amarillo | 50 | $39,340 | $44,540 | $35,870 | $56,200 |
| Tyler | 50 | $45,490 | $45,930 | $39,090 | $55,480 |
| Wichita Falls | 50 | $38,100 | $40,650 | $23,890 | $52,330 |
| College Station-Bryan | 40 | $39,040 | $41,930 | $35,190 | $52,000 |
| Killeen-Temple | 40 | $49,300 | $55,520 | $43,610 | $79,990 |
| Waco | 40 | $48,290 | $51,690 | $38,500 | $70,070 |
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 Texas
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest recovery coach employment within Texas according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 810 | $51,010 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 810 | $50,330 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 700 | $51,470 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 500 | $51,010 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 210 | $31,340 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for recovery coachs in Texas? Texas employs approximately 4,210 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 Texas with an out-of-state license? Contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Licensing, Credentialing and Regulation for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Texas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Texas.
How much do recovery coachs earn in Texas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for recovery coachs in Texas is $48,720 (based on the related “Community Health Workers” category), which is $2,310 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Licensing, Credentialing and Regulation - Licensing Information: https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/licensing-credentialing-regulation ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
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/.