15 Sep 2025
How Much Does a Career Transition Coach Cost? A Plain-English Guide
## Career Transition Coaching Costs: Is It Worth It?Thinking about a career change is one thing, but actually doing it can feel like a huge, expensive puzzle. One of the biggest questions is often about the cost. How much does a career transition coach charge, and is it actually worth the money?This guide gives you a clear idea of what you can expect to pay for career coaching and helps you figure out if it’s the right investment for you.---### What does a career transition coach do?A career transition coach is a specialist who helps you navigate a professional change. Whether you’re feeling stuck, switching industries, or looking for a role with more purpose, they provide a structured plan to get you there.They don’t just tell you what to do. Instead, they give you the tools and support to figure out your own answers. This kind of coaching can help almost anyone—from people just starting out to mid-career professionals and executives.---### How much does a career coach cost?The investment for a career pivot can vary a lot. Fees depend on several factors, but here’s a general idea.#### Paying by the hour- **Typical range:** **£75–£200 per hour**- **Specialist/executive coaches:** up to **£500 per hour**- Certified coaches usually sit at the higher end of these ranges.#### Buying a packageMany coaches offer bundles that can be more cost-effective.- **Short packages (2–5 sessions):** roughly **£150–£1,000**- **Longer programmes (several months):** higher investmentPackages often include more than calls, such as:- Personality/strengths assessments - CV/LinkedIn optimisation - Interview practice and strategy - Salary negotiation support---### What makes the price change?**1) A coach’s experience and specialty** More experienced or certified coaches, and those focused on executive transitions, charge more.**2) Online vs in-person** Online coaching is often more affordable (lower overheads) and gives you access to coaches anywhere.**3) Group vs one-on-one** One-to-one is the most personalised—and the most expensive. Group coaching lowers the price and adds peer learning.**4) How long you work together** A quick interview-prep sprint costs less than a six-month career change programme.---### Is it worth the investment?Coaching can be worth it if you want faster clarity, stronger applications, improved interviewing, and a realistic plan. It’s especially valuable when:- You’re changing industries or roles and need a roadmap. - You’ve been applying without traction and want to diagnose what’s not working. - You want to position for higher-paying roles or leadership.If your goals are narrow (e.g., minor CV tweaks), start with a smaller package or a single session first.---### Bottom lineExpect **£75–£200/hour** for most coaches (up to **£500/hour** for executive specialists), or **£150–£1,000** for small packages—with longer programmes costing more. Consider your goals, timeline, and the coach’s track record to decide if the investment makes sense for you.