How to Become A Recovery Coach in Virginia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Virginia employs approximately 620 workers in the related “Community Health Workers” category (SOC 21-1094), with a median annual wage of $48,910 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia
How do I become a recovery coach in Virginia? Virginia requires credentials such as Peer Recovery Specialist, Registered. The licensing authority is the Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Counseling 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 Virginia? Yes. Virginia has licensing or registration requirements for recovery coachs. The Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Counseling oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do recovery coachs earn in Virginia? The BLS does not track recovery coach wages separately. Based on the related “Community Health Workers” category, the median annual wage in Virginia is $48,910, with entry-level wages around $34,440 and experienced workers earning $79,990 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 Professions - Virginia Board of Counseling
- Median wage (Virginia): $48,910 per year (based on related “Community Health Workers” category) 1
- Exam requirement: No exam required
Recovery Coach License Requirements in Virginia
The Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Counseling oversees recovery coach licensing in Virginia 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Peer Recovery Specialist, Registered | The General Assembly authorized the Board of Counseling in 2017 to register Peer Recovery Specialists (RPRS). |
Additional Requirements
- Exam: No exam required
- Experience: No experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in Virginia
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in Virginia
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 Virginia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 1,600 | $58,790 | $60,340 | $38,980 | $87,750 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 120 | $44,930 | $45,700 | $29,540 | $60,240 |
| Richmond | N/A | $51,420 | $54,840 | $37,140 | $73,750 |
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 Virginia
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest recovery coach employment within Virginia according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 120 | $44,930 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for recovery coachs in Virginia? Virginia employs approximately 620 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 Virginia with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Counseling for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Virginia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Virginia.
How much do recovery coachs earn in Virginia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for recovery coachs in Virginia is $48,910 (based on the related “Community Health Workers” category), which is $2,120 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Counseling - Licensing Information: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Counseling/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
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/.