Average Salary for a Lactation Consultant in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary of a Lactation Consultant matters for new moms and healthcare workers. They want to help families with breastfeeding.
"Lactation consultants are essential in helping mothers and babies during early breastfeeding. They give expert advice, solve feeding problems, and teach families effective breastfeeding methods. These professionals work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They also visit homes to help new families."
The demand for lactation consultants has risen as more mothers choose to breastfeed and seek professional help. Baby-friendly hospital programs and greater awareness of breastfeeding benefits drive this growth.
Many registered nurses get lactation consultant certification. This helps them improve their skills and increase their income.
Knowing your worth as a lactation consultant in 2025 helps you make smart career choices. It also helps you negotiate better salaries.
This blog explores salary data, regional differences, and tips to boost your earnings.
We’ll cover common questions about lactation consultant pay. We’ll also look at how experience affects income, which states pay the most, and what factors influence salary growth. Whether you’re exploring this career or aiming to raise your current earnings, this analysis gives you the insights you need.
Average Salary for a Lactation Consultant in the USA?
$78,500 per year (Average)
Lactation consultants make an average salary of $73,158 to $109,067 a year. This data comes from Indeed, Glassdoor, and global salary surveys. Their hourly rates range from $35.39 to $41.55. This averages to about $78,500 annually across major salary platforms.
Compared to 2024, lactation consultant salaries have grown steadily. The profession has seen a 10% increase over the past decade.
This growth shows that more people value lactation support. There is also a greater need for certified professionals in healthcare.
Salary for a Lactation Consultant Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $78,500 per year, based on various global salary surveys and government data. This is the median, meaning half of all lactation consultants earn more and half earn less.
Salary range: The minimum salary for entry-level jobs is $21,500 a year. Experienced professionals can earn as much as $180,800 annually. Lactation consultant nurses earn between $63,720 and $132,680, according to BLS data.
Salary by experience: Entry-level lactation consultants usually earn $46,800 a year. In contrast, senior professionals with plenty of experience can make up to $88,535 yearly. Many data sources in the USA show that mid-level consultants with 3 to 5 years of experience earn about $65,000 to $75,000 a year.
75th percentile: Many sources in the USA say that lactation consultants in the 75th percentile make around $95,000 a year. This amount puts them in the top 25% of earners in their field.
Salary for a Lactation Consultant: Regional Comparison
Geographic location greatly affects lactation consultant salaries. This is due to cost of living, service demand, and local healthcare funding. Urban areas with more births and better healthcare often pay more. Washington state has the highest salaries, followed by New York and the District of Columbia.
Here's how salaries compare across major regions:
Data from state employment agencies and salary sites show that 16 states pay more than the national average. San Jose, California, offers a high salary of $61,457. That’s 97% above the national average.
Washington State provides the best value. It offers high salaries and reasonable living costs compared to other areas. The state's solid healthcare system and baby-friendly hospitals offer great opportunities for lactation consultants.
6 Tips to Grow Your Lactation Consultant Salary
1. Get Advanced Certifications: Earn your International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential, which is the gold standard in the field. According to several global salary surveys, IBCLCs earn 15-25% more than non-certified consultants. Additionally, pursue specialized certifications in areas like tongue-tie assessment or premature infant feeding to command higher fees.
2. Gain Hospital Experience First: Work in hospital settings before transitioning to private practice. Data from various U.S. sources show that consultants with hospital experience earn 20% more in private practice. Hospital work offers great experience with complex cases. It also helps build professional networks that can lead to referrals.
3. Develop Private Practice Skills: Start offering private consultations and home visits. Self-employed lactation consultants earn 30-40% more than those in healthcare jobs, according to government stats. Build your client base through partnerships with pediatricians and birth centers.
4. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on specialized services like NICU lactation support, tongue-tie consultations, and support for adoptive mothers. Global salary surveys show that specialists in these areas can charge 25-35% more than general lactation consultants.
5. Pursue Advanced Nursing Education: If you're a registered nurse, think about becoming a nurse practitioner with a lactation focus. Nurse practitioners with lactation skills earn more than certified consultants without nursing backgrounds, according to salary surveys in the USA. This path also opens opportunities in maternal health clinics.
6. Build Strong Professional Networks: Join professional groups like the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and go to conferences often. Many sources in the USA say that well-connected consultants get more referrals. They can also charge higher rates. Consider teaching other healthcare professionals or offering continuing education courses.
FAQs | Lactation Consultant's Salary
What is the average salary for a Lactation Consultant in 2025?
The average salary for a lactation consultant in 2025 is $78,500 per year. This figure comes from analyzing data across multiple salary platforms and represents the median earnings for professionals in this field.
Is the lactation consultant's salary before or after taxes?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. Your take-home pay will be less after federal, state, and local taxes are deducted, typically ranging from 20-30% depending on your location and tax bracket.
How much do entry-level lactation consultants earn?
Entry-level lactation consultants typically earn between $46,800 and $55,000 per year. Your starting salary depends on your location, work setting, and whether you have a nursing background or other relevant healthcare experience.
Do lactation consultant salaries include bonuses and benefits?
The base salary figures do not include bonuses, overtime pay, or benefits. Many hospital-employed consultants receive additional compensation through shift differentials, on-call pay, and comprehensive benefit packages including health insurance and retirement contributions.
What is the salary range for experienced lactation consultants?
Experienced lactation consultants with 5+ years can earn between $75,000 and $132,680 annually. Those in private practice or specialized settings often earn at the higher end of this range, especially in high-demand metropolitan areas.
Which states pay lactation consultants the highest salaries?
Washington, New York, and California offer the highest average salaries for lactation consultants. Washington leads with average salaries of $97,890, followed by New York at $85,880, and California at $82,500 per year.
How does a nursing background affect a lactation consultant's salary?
Registered nurses who become lactation consultants typically earn 15-20% more than non-nursing professionals. Nurse practitioners with lactation specialization can earn even more, often reaching the upper salary ranges of $100,000+ annually.
Can lactation consultants work part-time and still earn good money?
Yes, many lactation consultants work part-time and earn competitive hourly rates between $35-65 per hour. Part-time consultants often combine hospital shifts with private practice clients to maximize their earnings flexibility.
What factors most influence lactation consultant salary growth?
Experience level, geographic location, work setting (hospital vs. private practice), and additional certifications are the primary factors affecting salary. Developing specializations and building a strong referral network also significantly impact earning potential.
Do lactation consultants get paid time off and holidays?
Hospital-employed lactation consultants typically receive standard healthcare benefits, including paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay. Private practice consultants must plan for unpaid time off, though they often have more scheduling flexibility.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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