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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lactation Counselor in Virginia is $110,170 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, a Lactation Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lactation Counselor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $118,283 | $9,857 | $2,275 | $57 |
| Average | $110,170 | $9,181 | $2,119 | $53 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,404 | $8,117 | $1,873 | $47 |
BayCare - WINTER HAVEN, FL
Geisinger - SCRANTON, PA
Pinnacle Treatment Centers - OSBORNVILLE, NJ
Pinnacle Treatment Centers - BROOKLINE, PA
A Lactation Counselor's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lactation Counselor's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lactation Counselor | $108,929 |
| Intermediate Level Lactation Counselor | $109,283 |
| Senior Level Lactation Counselor | $113,386 |
| Specialist Level Lactation Counselor | $116,502 |
| Expert Level Lactation Counselor | $116,725 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lactation Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Lactation Counselor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Lactation Counselor positions in MFG Durable or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lactation Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $165,255 | $79.0 | 50% |
| Energy & Utilities | $121,187 | $58.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lactation Counselor's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $118,283 | $9,857 | $2,275 | $57 |
| Average | $110,170 | $9,181 | $2,119 | $53 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,404 | $8,117 | $1,873 | $47 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lactation Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Pinnacle Treatment Centers
MOUNT POCONO, PA
Pinnacle Treatment Centers
MANTECA, CA
HCA Healthcare
GAINESVILLE, FL
HCA Healthcare | GAINESVILLE, FL
HCA Healthcare is seeking a Lactation Consultant-RN to support breastfeeding patients and families in our hospital setting. In this role, you will provide ... more
12 Days Ago
Piedmont Healthcare
NORTHLAKE, GA
Piedmont Healthcare | NORTHLAKE, GA
Piedmont Healthcare is seeking a compassionate Lactation Consultant to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team. In this role, you will provide expert b... more
13 Days Ago
St. David's Medical Center
BALCONES, TX
St. David's Medical Center | BALCONES, TX
St. David’s Medical Center in Austin seeks a Registered Nurse Lactation Consultant to provide expert breastfeeding support to mothers and newborns in a fas... more
11 Days Ago
St. David's Medical Center
CEDAR PARK, TX
St. David's Medical Center | CEDAR PARK, TX
St. David’s Medical Center in Austin seeks a Registered Nurse Lactation Consultant to provide expert breastfeeding support to mothers and infants in an acu... more
11 Days Ago
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