There’s a lot you can do to make coaching affordable.
Many people assume business coaching is a luxury—but it doesn’t have to be. The ROI on coaching averages seven times the cost of coaching, and there are practical ways to make it affordable for you—or even have your company share the investment.
Know How to Calculate Your ROI for Coaching
Before you look for discounts or payment help, calculate your potential ROI.
Ask yourself:
- How much more might you earn if you’re promoted in the next year?
- What could that add up to over the next three to five years?
- How much happier and more fulfilled would you be in a role that challenges you and helps you grow?
If you know those answers, you already understand the value of coaching—and you’re ready to explore how to make it affordable.
Find a Coach in Your Price Range
Celebrity coaches and famous coaches are great, but they can be really pricey. Fortunately, business coaches are plentiful and offer a wide range of options. The average cost of a business coach is around $350 an hour, or roughly $4,200 for a six-month engagement with two sessions per month.
If that investment helps you land a promotion or a $10,000 raise, you’ve already earned more than double your cost in the first year—and the benefits compound over time.
Still, it’s smart to make sure your investment fits your budget. Start by interviewing multiple coaches and comparing what’s included—session length, between-session support, and resources.
Learn more about the impact of leadership coaching and the kinds of results that make it worth the cost.
Ask for a Discount to Make Coaching Affordable
If you’re paying out of pocket, let your coach know you’re committed to investing in yourself. Many will offer a discount or flexible payment schedule if you ask.
You can also space out your sessions. Even one well-focused session per month can lead to real progress when you stay accountable and apply what you learn between meetings.
Ask Your Boss to Pay for Your Business Coaching
Your company benefits directly when you improve your leadership skills—so it makes sense for them to invest in your growth. Many organizations have leadership development budgets, even if they’re not widely publicized.
If your company doesn’t have a formal process, you’ll need to make the case. The key is to frame it around the company’s business needs, not your personal ones.
Compelling Reasons Your Company Should Sponsor Coaching
You’ll make a stronger case when you tie your goals to company success. Examples include:
- The company is growing quickly and needs leaders who can adapt fast.
- Your team is under pressure to deliver results with fewer resources.
- You’re managing a high-stakes project or merger.
- You’ve been given a stretch assignment and need to develop new skills fast.
If your organization wants you to lead more effectively, coaching is one of the best investments they can make.
Example: Sophia’s Story
Sophia, a sales manager in a medical device company, was under intense pressure after her territory expanded while her team shrank. She needed support to handle the stress and sharpen her leadership skills.
Sophia met with her boss to outline the ROI of coaching—stronger team performance, faster hiring, and higher sales. She proposed six months of coaching at $4,200 and demonstrated how even a modest improvement would deliver multiples in return.
Her boss approved it. Within six months, Sophia hit every sales target, built a stronger team, and earned praise from senior leadership. When the company was acquired, she was one of the few who kept her position under the new ownership.
A Framework for How to Ask Your Boss for a Coach
Sophia’s approach can work for anyone who wants their company to share the cost of coaching:
- Make a business case. Frame your need as leadership development that supports company goals.
- Get alignment. Discuss your challenges openly with your boss and seek agreement that development is needed.
- Submit a proposal. Outline goals, costs, and ROI in measurable terms.
- Ask for advocacy. Encourage your boss to support the proposal with HR or senior leadership.
Companies often invest in coaching for employees with high leadership potential—especially those newly promoted or managing larger teams
Offer to Pay Half to Make Coaching Affordable
If your company hesitates, offer to pay half. This shows commitment and signals that you’re serious about developing yourself. Often, once leaders see you’re willing to invest, they’ll meet you halfway.
When you invest in yourself—whether your company contributes or not—coaching becomes one of the best investments you can make in your career.
Keep Learning: How to Find a Coach Series
Explore the full How to Find a Coach series to understand what kind of support fits your goals and learning style:
- Why Hire a Coach, and How to Find the Right Coach for You
- What Business Coaching Is and Why It Works: The Proven Science That Helps Good Leaders Get Even Better
- Coaching vs Teaching vs Therapy — What Is Better for Me?
- If You Can’t Find a Good Mentor, Get a Great Coach: How We Really Learn at Work
- Executive Coaching vs Leadership Coaching: What Is Better for Me?
When you’re ready to find the right coach, explore how leadership coaching helps good leaders grow with confidence and trust.
Updated October 2025 to include new examples and practical ways to make business coaching more affordable.
