Research Hub

Research & Data for Coaches

Primary-source research on coaching industry economics, pricing benchmarks, and certification ROI — synthesized from ICF, NBHWC, IBISWorld, and verified platform data.

Updated May 2026 · Primary sources: ICF, NBHWC, IBISWorld

Research Pieces

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Research · 2026
State of Coaching 2026

Industry landscape: $5.34B U.S. market, 122,974+ active coaches, 13.9% platform CAGR. Covers coaching growth trends, segment breakdown (executive, life, health, career), and market projections.

Read Research → ~12 min read · 20+ data points
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Research · 2026
Coaching Rates Benchmarks 2026

Rate data across 50+ niches by credential level (ACC/PCC/MCC), session type, and region. Executive coaches $300–$1,500/hr; North American average $234–$256/hr. Includes regional breakdowns and package pricing.

Read Research → ~15 min read · 40+ rate data points
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Research · 2026
Certification Comparison Data

ICF, EMCC, AC, and NBHWC credential landscape: market share, rate premiums by credential level, training hours, program costs, and client recognition. Know which certs clients actually value.

Read Research → ~14 min read · ICF/EMCC/AC/NBHWC comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions

What research does CoachStackHub publish?

CoachStackHub publishes three primary research pieces: State of Coaching 2026 (industry landscape and growth), Coaching Rates Benchmarks 2026 (rate data by niche, credential, and region), and Certification Comparison Data (ICF, EMCC, AC, NBHWC credential analysis). Each is synthesized from primary institutional sources.

What is the average coaching rate in 2026?

ICF benchmark data places the North American average coaching rate at $234–$256/hr. Executive coaches average $300–$1,500/hr with median $717/hr (Arden Coaching 2026), while health and wellness coaches average $54.42/hr (NBHWC Annual Survey 2025). Full niche-by-niche data is in the Coaching Rates Benchmarks 2026 report.

Which coaching certification is most recognized?

ICF (International Coaching Federation) is the most widely recognized globally with 93,000+ credentialed coaches as of 2025. The full credential comparison including EMCC, AC, and NBHWC — covering rate premiums, training hours, program costs, and client recognition — is in the Certification Comparison Data research piece.

How current is this research data?

This research is updated as of May 2026 using primary institutional sources: ICF Global Coaching Study 2025, NBHWC Annual Survey Report 2025, and IBISWorld Industry Report 2025. Rate data also incorporates verified benchmark data from the CoachStackHub Rate Calculator (1,200+ sessions assessed, 2025–2026).