First, let’s review what a career as a death doula looks like. A death doula (sometimes called an end-of-life doula) is someone who supports individuals and families through the dying process. That support might be emotional, spiritual, or even practical—like helping someone complete a life review or legacy project—or simply being present during their final days.
Unlike nurses or hospice workers, death doulas don’t provide medical care. They are more like companions and guides, helping people navigate a difficult journey with compassion and calm.
If this might seem like a viable career for you, one major question to consider is, How much does a death doula make?
What Does an End-of-Life Doula Salary Look Like?
Like many passion-driven careers, income can vary a lot. If you look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics for hospice care workers, the median annual wage for most hospice occupations was $35,540 and over. According to ZipRecruiter, the average death doula salary, nationwide, is $49,200.
Consider that a death doula may make less or more. It often depends on the community you serve and whether you’re offering services full-time, part-time, privatized, or as a complement to another career.
What Factors Affect a Death Doula’s Salary?
A death doula’s income can vary based on a few important factors. Things like experience, location, and the types of services offered all play a role in determining how much a doula may earn. Understanding these variables can help set realistic expectations and guide you as you explore this meaningful career path. Let’s look at common factors that may affect your salary if you decide to become a death doula.
Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant factors influencing a death doula’s salary. Entry-level doulas might begin by charging lower rates per hour as they build skills and establish their reputation. As they gain experience, develop relationships with hospices or caregiving networks, and collect client referrals, they can often increase their rates.
ZipRecruiter reports a national average of $24/hr, so consider this as you continue to gain experience and set higher rates. Seasoned doulas with years of hands-on work and continuing education will usually be able to charge more.
Location
Geographic location plays a crucial role in determining a death doula’s salary. Doulas practicing in bigger cities or regions with a higher cost of living, such as New York City, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, can often charge more for their services.
In contrast, those in rural or less affluent areas might need to adjust their rates to align with local economic conditions. Additionally, the demand for death doulas can vary by region, influencing both the availability of clients and potential income.
Clientele
A death doula’s income can also depend on how they structure their work. Supporting a single client at a time may offer deeper, personalized care, but it can limit overall earnings. Working with multiple clients—either consecutively or overlapping with lighter-touch services—can help boost income.
Some doulas are also contracted by hospices, hospitals, or care facilities, which may offer more consistent pay but less flexibility in scheduling or service offerings. Balancing private clients with institutional work is one way some doulas create a steadier income stream.
Specialization
Specialization also plays a key role in determining a death doula’s income. While general support doulas are always in demand, those who offer niche services, such as legacy work, grief counseling, spiritual end-of-life support, or culturally specific death rituals, can often charge premium rates.
Specialized training can also help doulas stand out in a competitive field, allowing them to market unique packages or partner with organizations that serve specific populations.
Do You Need a License or Certification?
Short answer: No. It’s not legally required, but training is definitely recommended.
Death doulas aren’t a regulated profession in most areas, which means you don’t need a state license or certification to work in this field. However, there are training programs and certifications available through various organizations that could help boost your credibility and your income.
One of the leading organizations, NEDA (National End-of-Life Doula Association), started in 2019 with 250 members and, as of 2023, has grown to 1,650 members.
Ultimately, a death doula’s income is shaped by their goals, approach, and the community they serve. The more strategic a doula is about training, networking, and service offerings, the more likely they will increase their earning potential over time. Also, this field offers flexibility, meaning doulas can choose whether to work part-time, full-time, or on a case-by-case basis, which could be ideal for people who enjoy setting their own schedules.
A course like ours, while it does not offer certification, can still help you understand how to succeed in a sensitive and important role such as an end-of-life doula.
How Much Does Death Doula Training Cost?
Training costs can vary widely depending on where and how you study. Some programs are just a few hundred dollars; others can run over $3,000 for comprehensive, multi-week courses that include in-person sessions and mentorship.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
- Introductory online programs: $200–$800
- Comprehensive certification programs: $1,000–$3,500
- Workshops and add-ons (grief work, legacy work, etc.): $100–$600
You’ll also want to budget for books, membership fees (if joining a professional group), and possibly even travel if the training isn’t entirely online.
Where Should You Start?
If you’re curious and want to explore more, you can start with a course aimed at beginners. Our Death Doula Training Course offers a starting point with a curriculum that concentrates on planning for the final days and gives you a glimpse of whether the career is right for you. After that, consider volunteering at a local hospice center or nursing home or joining death doula networks, like NEDA, to learn more.
Please note: This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular state licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships.
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