The UK's official graduate careers website

Login to My Prospects

Not a member yet? Join now
 
 

Herbalist : Salary and conditions

More in this section

  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
  3. Entry requirements
  4. Training
  5. Career development
  6. Employers and vacancy …
  7. Related jobs

Print all pages in this section

Case studies

  • Most herbalists are self-employed and their earnings depend on the price they charge per hour and the number of patients they attract. Starting salaries are usually very low owing to the initial costs of setting up a business and the limited number of patients. Charges are typically £35 - £60 per hour plus the cost of any prescribed medicines.
  • An average annual salary for a well-established practitioner can range from £15,000 - £20,000 per annum, or more for a very well-established practitioner.
  • The number of patients and levels of charges may vary depending on the geographical area.
  • Newly qualified herbalists often have an additional occupation in the early stages of setting up a practice until their client base becomes large enough to sustain a regular income. The time taken to build up a practice varies, but it can take two years to assess the viability of the local market and to raise awareness of services, often through word of mouth.
  • Working hours are usually nine to five, but some flexibility may be needed to provide services to patients outside office hours. Work patterns depend on individual choice, but successful practitioners usually work some late hours.
  • The work is on a one-to-one basis, located in a clinic or at the practitioner's home.
  • The practice of herbalism is subject to a strict code of ethics.
  • Career breaks are possible but need to be balanced against professional responsibilities to patients.
  • The profession tends to attract more women than men.
  • Opportunities exist in most large towns, cities and rural areas.
  • Whilst the job may be demanding (and isolating for lone practitioners), it can also be very rewarding.
  • Travel within a working day and absence from home overnight are not common. There may be occasional opportunities for overseas work or travel.
 
AGCAS
Written by Andrea Gregory, AGCAS
Date: 
December 2010
© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd | Disclaimer
 
 
 

This website is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with CSS enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets if you are able to do so.