CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a Life Coach: Australian Careers in Personal Development

1 Course

On this page

What is a Life Coach?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Life Coach?

A life coach helps people set clear goals and take action to improve their personal and professional lives. Life coaches work one-on-one with clients to identify what they want to achieve. They create action plans and provide accountability to keep clients on track. This career suits people with strong listening skills, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others grow.

Life coaching is an unregulated profession in Australia. No government licence is required to practise. However, most clients and employers prefer coaches who hold a credential from a recognised body. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the Australia New Zealand Coaching Alliance (ANZCAL) are the main credentialing bodies in Australia. A credential shows that a coach meets professional and ethical standards.

Life coaches work with a wide range of clients. Some want to improve their health and fitness. Others seek career growth, stronger relationships, or clarity on major life decisions. Coaches can work independently from a home office, in person, or online. Many combine coaching with other roles in health, human resources, or education.

Life coaches in Australia earn around $77,000 a year on average (source: yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Future demand for the occupation is rated as very strong. Around 5,800 Australians work as counsellors and life coaches. Women make up 79% of this workforce.

Icon

Career snapshots For Life Coachs

Life coaching in Australia sits within the broader counsellors and life coaches occupation group (ANZSCO 272199). This group has around 5,800 workers nationally (source: yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Future demand is rated as very strong. Women make up 79% of the workforce, and the median age is 42.

Full-time employment makes up 45% of the group. Many coaches work part-time or build their own independent practices. Average weekly earnings sit at $1,477, or about $77,000 a year (source: yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Experienced coaches with strong client bases can earn significantly more.

The main industries for this occupation are health care and social assistance, education and training, and other services. Life coaching has seen rising demand as more Australians invest in mental wellness and personal growth.

What will I do?

Life coaches work with clients to help them set goals and create real change in their lives. Each session involves active listening, thoughtful questions, and building action steps together. This role blends practical planning with motivation and emotional support.

  • Conduct coaching sessions – meet with clients one-on-one to explore goals, challenges, and progress.
  • Build action plans – create clear, step-by-step plans to help clients move towards their goals.
  • Apply coaching techniques – use cognitive, behavioural, and motivational strategies to shift mindset and build skills.
  • Track client progress – keep session notes and review goals to measure growth over time.
  • Research useful resources – find workshops, tools, and reading materials that support each client’s journey.
  • Provide accountability – follow up between sessions to keep clients focused and motivated.

What skills do I need?

Good life coaches blend strong people skills with practical tools for change. Active listening is the foundation of this work. A coach must hear what a client says, and notice what is left unsaid. Clear communication and empathy build the trust that makes coaching effective.

Life coaches also need skills in goal-setting, accountability, and problem-solving. They must stay calm under pressure and adapt their style to each client. A basic knowledge of cognitive and behavioural techniques helps coaches guide clients through mental blocks. Ongoing professional development keeps these skills current and sharp.

Skills/attributes

  • Active listening
  • Empathy and rapport-building
  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Goal-setting and action planning
  • Motivational and inspirational skills
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Knowledge of cognitive and behavioural techniques
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Accountability and follow-through
  • Organisational and time management skills
  • Research and resource identification
  • Business and self-marketing skills
  • Commitment to professional development
  • Ethical and professional conduct

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Related Careers

About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.