Postpartum doula salary is an important topic for those passionate about supporting new families. Are you thinking of starting a career as a postpartum doula and curious about how much you can earn? Your income can vary depending on location, experience, and services that doula offer.
Most postpartum doulas earn between $25 and $45 per hour, with some experienced professionals charging even more in high-demand areas. On average, annual earnings range from $30,000 to $70,000, depending on hours worked and whether the doula is part-time or full-time. Certification and special skills like lactation support can also boost income.
But that’s just the beginning of what affects a doula’s pay rate. Experts like DONA International recommend continuous training and networking to increase both rates and client referrals. Let’s explore how to maximize your earnings and grow your impact as a postpartum doula.
How Much Does a Postpartum Doula Make? (Average base salary)
The average base salary for a postpartum doula varies significantly depending on several factors, including location, experience, and specific job responsibilities. On a national level, the average postpartum doula fees hovers around $35,000 to $60,000 annually.
Many doulas charge by the hour, with typical rates ranging from $25 to $75 per hour. This pay structure allows flexible earnings, especially for full-time doulas who can take on multiple clients. Understanding the national average provides a solid foundation for aspiring doulas to gauge their potential earnings in different regions.
Additionally, it’s essential to factor in the variation in wages across states, as the cost of living and demand for doulas greatly influence what a doula can earn. In metropolitan areas, where demand is higher, doulas may earn considerably more, reflecting the premium families are willing to pay for quality support.
This disparity underscores the importance of researching local markets to ensure realistic salary expectations. For those wondering, “how much does a doula make,” exploring local averages offers valuable insights.
Average Postpartum Doula Salary by State
Here’s an improved overview of postpartum doula compensation across different U.S. regions and states:
🇺🇸 National Average
- $49,220/year (~ $23.66/hr) is the mean annual salary of a doula—typical range is $43.5 K (25th percentile) to $51 K (75th percentile), with top earners (~90th percentile) hitting $60 K+ per year
- Glassdoor reports a slightly higher average: $65,241/year (~ $31/hr)
💵 Typical Hourly Ranges
- Entry-level or rural areas: $20–$35/hr
- Urban or specialized doulas: $25–$65/hr, with some highly experienced professionals charging even more .
📍 State & City-Level Trends
While detailed per-state breakdowns aren’t fully listed, trends from top-paying states include:
- New York State doulas average around $44.96/hr (~ $46K/year)
- In New York City specifically, postpartum doulas commonly charge $45–$65/hr
- Indeed data shows urban hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis, L.A., Houston, Philadelphia, etc., paying $30–$35/hr
- ZipRecruiter highlights that Chicago pays just about $1 more than the national average (~$50,700/year)
🔍 Summary by Region
Region / Setting Hourly Rate Annual Equivalent Rural/small cities $20 – $35 $40K – $70K (full-time) Mid-size cities $25 – $45 $50K – $90K (est. FT) Major metro hubs (NYC, SF) $30 – $65+ $60K – $130K (elite)
- National average is in the $23–$31/hr range, equating to $49K–$65K/year
- States with high cost of living (e.g., NY, CA) tend toward the upper end of rates; smaller towns/regions trend toward the lower-middle range .
🔧 Factors Influencing Pay
- Location: Urban = higher; rural = lower.
- Experience/Certification: Specialized training (e.g., lactation, sleep coaching) boosts rates.
- Client type: Weekend/night shifts and overnight packages command premium rates.
- Service scope: Basic newborn support is lower; emotional/psychoeducation or health‑focused services earn more
🏁 Final Takeaways
- If you’re working full-time (approx. 40 hr/week), expect $50K–$70K/year, depending on your location and credentials.
- Specialty doulas in big cities can earn $80K–$100K+—but that’s atypical without added expertise or niche services.
In short: A well-supported estimate of U.S. postpartum doula pay rate is:
- $20–$35/hr in rural or smaller-town settings,
- $30–$45/hr in most mid-size markets,
- and $35–$65+/hr in high‑cost urban areas like NYC or San Francisco.
If you need exact numbers for a particular state or city, let me know—I can dig into regional job postings for more accurate figures!
🏆 Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Postpartum Doula Jobs in the U.S.
Rank State Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate 1 California $135,350 $65–$75 2 New Jersey $134,491 $65–$75 3 Alaska $133,632 $65–$75 4 Massachusetts $133,509 $65–$75 5 District of Columbia $136,577 $65–$75 6 Florida $115,272 $55–$60 7 Utah $115,393 $55–$60 8 Idaho $114,233 $55–$60 9 Tennessee $115,086 $55–$60 10 Alabama $111,510 $50–$55
📌 Key Insights
- California, New Jersey, Alaska, and Massachusetts consistently rank at the top, with average annual salaries ranging from $133,509 to $136,577. These states offer hourly rates between $65 and $75, reflecting their high cost of living and demand for postpartum doula services.
- The District of Columbia leads with an average annual salary of $136,577, translating to approximately $65–$75 per hour.
- Florida, Utah, Idaho, and Tennessee offer competitive salaries ranging from $115,272 to $115,393 annually, with hourly rates between $55 and $60.
- Alabama provides a slightly lower average annual salary of $111,510, equating to about $50–$55 per hour.
Highest Paying Cities for Doulas Near California
If you’re a doula looking for high-paying opportunities near California, here are some of the best-paying cities and regions to consider:
Highest-Paying Cities for Doulas in California
- San Francisco, CA – High demand, affluent clientele, and strong birth-worker support networks.
- Avg. Pay: $50–$100+/hour (Postpartum/Birth Doulas)
- Some elite doulas charge $3,000–$6,000+ per birth.
- Los Angeles, CA – Especially in affluent areas like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Malibu.
- Avg. Pay: $45–$90/hour
- Full birth support packages: $2,500–$5,000+
- San Diego, CA – Growing demand, especially in La Jolla and Del Mar.
- Avg. Pay: $40–$85/hour
- Postpartum doulas pay rate: $35–$75/hour
- Silicon Valley (Palo Alto, San Jose, Cupertino) – High-income families willing to pay premium rates.
- Avg. Pay: $50–$95/hour
- Birth packages: $3,000–$7,000+
- Santa Barbara, CA – Affluent community with strong demand.
- Avg. Pay: $45–$85/hour
High-Paying Cities Near California (Outside the State)
- Seattle, WA – Strong doula community, Medicaid reimbursement programs.
- Portland, OR – Progressive birthing culture, good pay rates.
- Las Vegas, NV – Some high-end clients in luxury areas.
- Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ – Growing demand for postpartum doulas.
Factors That Increase Pay:
✔ Specializations (e.g., VBAC, twins, bereavement doula)
✔ Certifications (DONA, CAPPA, ProDoula)
✔ Private clients vs. agency work (private pays more)
✔ Overnight postpartum doula care (higher rates)
How Much Does a Doula Make in New York State?
In New York State, the average salary for a postpartum doula is notably competitive, often ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. The higher end of this spectrum is primarily found in urban areas like New York City, where the demand for postpartum doulas is robust.
Many doulas in this region charge by the hour, with rates typically falling between $30 and $90. This pricing structure allows for flexible earnings, especially for doulas who can secure multiple clients or provide additional services.
Furthermore, New York’s diverse population presents a unique opportunity for doulas to specialize in various areas, such as postpartum mental health support or lactation consulting, which can further increase their earning potential.
The city’s vibrant doula community also fosters collaboration and networking, leading to increased referrals and job opportunities. As a result, aspiring doulas in New York State can find a wealth of resources and support system to help them succeed in their careers. Understanding how much a doula makes in this state is essential for those looking to build a sustainable and fulfilling practice.
Doula job Openings in New York State
If you’re looking for doula job openings in New York State, here are some of the best places to search, along with organizations and agencies that frequently hire doulas:
1. Online Job Boards & Doula-Specific Sites
- Doulamatch.net (Freelance & Private Clients)
- Indeed.com (Search “Doula” + New York)
- Care.com (Postpartum Doula Jobs)
- Doula Agencies in NY (See below)
2. Doula Agencies Hiring in NY
These agencies often hire birth doulas, postpartum doulas, and overnight specialists:
- Carriage House Birth (NYC & Hudson Valley)
- Manhattan Birth (NYC)
- Doulas of NYC
- Big City Doulas (NYC)
- The Doula Project (NYC – Volunteer & Paid Roles)
- Wombful Ways (Upstate NY)
3. Hospital & Community-Based Programs
Some hospitals and nonprofits hire doulas for community support programs:
- NYC Health + Hospitals (Community Doula Initiative)
- Ancient Song Doula Services (Brooklyn – Focus on BIPOC families)
- Maternal Infant care Health Program (MIHP) – Medicaid-covered doula services
4. Facebook Groups & Networking
- NYC Doula Collective (Facebook Group)
- Doula Jobs & Networking – NY (Facebook Group)
- NY Birth Workers Connect
5. Private Clients (Self-Employment)
- Market yourself on:
- Doulamatch.net
- Thumbtack
- Word of mouth (local parenting groups, birth centers)
6. Government & Medicaid-Funded Doula Programs
New York State has expanded Medicaid coverage for doulas, creating more job opportunities:
- NYS Medicaid Doula Program – Apply through certified agencies.
- Healthy Start Brooklyn – Community doula positions.
Commonly Asked Questions about Birth doula salary (FAQs)
How much does a doula earn?
The salary for a doula varies by location/experience—typically $30–$50/hour or $800–$2,500 per birth. Postpartum doulas earn $25–$40/hour. Certification and demand impact earnings.
Where can a Doula earn more?
Doulas in the United States earn more in urban areas (NYC, LA) or specialized roles (surrogacy/high-risk births). Doulas salary satisfaction rises with experience, certifications, and private client demand.
Can certification improve your doula business?
Yes, certification boosts credibility and client trust, allowing higher rates. The typical salary for a postpartum doula increases by 20–30% with certifications like DONA or CAPPA.
Are doula agencies hiring career doulas as contractors or are they typically salaried?
Most doula agencies hire contractors, not salaried employees. The typical salary for a postpartum doula ranges $25–$50/hour as a contractor, with rates varying by experience and location.
What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Postpartum Doula Jobs?
The top 10 highest-paying cities for postpartum doula jobs are San Francisco, CA, New York, NY, Seattle, WA, Boston, MA, Los Angeles, CA, Washington, DC, Chicago, IL, Austin, TX, Denver, CO, and San Diego, CA, with salaries exceeding national averages due to high demand and postpartum doula cost of living.
How can a doula support infant feeding?
A doula supports infant feeding by educating on latch techniques, troubleshooting breastfeeding challenges, and guiding safe bottle feeding practices. They offer evidence-based advice and emotional support to fit family goals.
How to support someone going through postpartum?
Offer postpartum support by helping with chores, meals, and baby care. Attend prenatal visits to understand their needs and schedule a postpartum visit to check on their mental/physical recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the average postpartum doulas salary varies significantly across different states and cities in the U.S., influenced by factors such as demand, cost of living, and local market trends. Understanding these dynamics can help aspiring doulas make informed decisions about where to establish their practice. With competitive salaries in states like California and New York, the profession offers a viable career path for those passionate about supporting families during the postpartum period. As the recognition of postpartum doulas continues to grow, so too does the potential for lucrative earnings and job opportunities in this rewarding field.
Ultimately, whether you are considering a career as a postpartum doula or seeking to enhance your existing practice, a comprehensive understanding of salary trends and job openings is essential. By leveraging the information available, doulas can position themselves favorably in the market, ensuring that they not only earn a sustainable income but also contribute significantly to the well-being of families. As the profession evolves, staying informed about salary of a doula expectations and job opportunities will be key to achieving success as a postpartum doula pay rate.
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