Midwife Salary in 2025

Midwives play an essential role in maternal health, providing care and support to women during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. As healthcare continues to evolve, so do the opportunities and challenges faced by midwives in the field. In 2025, the salary for midwives can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, experience, and education. This article breaks down the key elements of midwife salaries, including the average salary range, factors that influence earnings, job market trends, and the role of certifications and education in shaping a midwife’s earnings potential.

Average Salary Range for Midwives in 2025

The salary of a midwife can fluctuate based on geographic location, level of experience, and whether they work in a hospital, clinic, or private practice. Here’s an overview of the estimated salary range for midwives in 2025:

United States

• Hourly Rate: In the U.S., midwives typically earn between $30 to $60 per hour. Rates can vary by state, with areas of higher demand or higher cost of living offering higher pay.
• Annual Salary: The average annual salary for a midwife in the U.S. is generally between $65,000 and $110,000. Those with years of experience or those in leadership roles (such as certified nurse-midwives) can earn more.
• Top Earners: Experienced midwives or those working in high-demand or metropolitan areas can make $120,000 to $150,000 or more annually.

United Kingdom

• Hourly Rate: Midwives in the UK earn an average hourly rate of £15 to £25.
• Annual Salary: The average salary for a midwife in the UK is typically £30,000 to £45,000 per year. In senior roles or high-demand areas, salaries can go up to £50,000 or more.
• Top Earners: Senior midwives, consultants, or those in private practice can earn upwards of £55,000 annually.

Other Countries

• Canada: In Canada, midwives earn between CAD 50,000 to CAD 80,000 annually, with some variation depending on the province.
• Australia: The average salary for a midwife in Australia is around AUD 60,000 to AUD 90,000, depending on experience and location.

Factors That Influence Midwife Salary

Several factors can affect a midwife’s salary. Understanding these can help professionals in the field maximize their earning potential:

1. Location

• Geographic Area: Midwives in urban areas or regions with higher costs of living typically earn more. Additionally, some regions with a shortage of healthcare providers may offer higher salaries to attract skilled midwives.
• Demand: Areas with high demand for midwives (such as states with larger populations or rural areas lacking healthcare services) may offer premium pay.

2. Experience

• Entry-Level: Newly graduated midwives or those with less than two years of experience can expect to earn $65,000 to $75,000 annually in the U.S. and similar ranges in other countries.
• Mid-Level: With three to five years of experience, midwives can earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, with more opportunities for specialized roles.
• Experienced Midwives: Those with over five years of experience, particularly those who are certified nurse-midwives or have additional certifications, can earn up to $120,000 or more annually.

3. Specialization and Education

• Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): CNMs, who hold both nursing and midwifery certifications, typically earn higher salaries than traditional midwives. In the U.S., CNMs earn $90,000 to $120,000 annually on average, and in some cases, more.
• Private Practice: Midwives working in private practice or as independent contractors may set their rates and charge higher fees, potentially earning more than those working for hospitals or clinics.

4. Work Environment

• Hospital vs. Home Births: Midwives working in hospitals or large clinics tend to earn more due to the structured salary scale. Those who work as independent midwives or assist with home births may earn less initially, but they can charge higher fees per client.

Salary by Experience

Experience significantly impacts a midwife’s earning potential. Here’s a breakdown of salary expectations by experience level:

• Entry-Level (0-2 years): Midwives who are just starting out typically earn between $65,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on location and the facility they work in.
• Mid-Level (3-5 years): Midwives with several years of experience typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000, with additional opportunities to specialize or move into leadership roles.
• Senior-Level (5+ years): Experienced midwives with over five years of experience can earn anywhere from $95,000 to $120,000+, especially if they hold certifications, work in high-demand areas, or have advanced roles.

Job Market Trends in 2025

The demand for midwives is expected to grow steadily in 2025. Factors contributing to this growth include:

• Increasing Birth Rates: In many regions, there is a growing emphasis on maternal care and a rise in the number of women seeking midwifery services. This is especially true in areas with a focus on natural or home births.
• Aging Population: As the healthcare industry faces a shortage of nurses and healthcare providers, midwives are in high demand, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
• Healthcare Reform: Changes in healthcare policy, particularly in the U.S. and the UK, may affect the demand for midwives, with more women seeking alternatives to hospital-based births.

Benefits of Being a Midwife

A career in midwifery offers numerous benefits beyond salary:

• Job Satisfaction: Midwives often report high levels of job satisfaction due to the rewarding nature of their work and their ability to make a direct impact on families.
• Job Security: With a growing need for maternal healthcare, midwifery remains a stable and in-demand profession.
• Work-Life Balance: Midwives working in private practice or freelance roles may enjoy more flexibility in their schedules.
• Opportunities for Specialization: Midwives can specialize in areas such as home births, lactation consulting, or maternal mental health, which can also increase earning potential.

Job Outlook for Midwives in 2025

The job outlook for midwives remains strong in 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of midwives is expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate due to increasing demand for prenatal and postnatal care. The growing acceptance of midwifery as a viable and safe alternative to traditional hospital births will likely sustain this trend.

Certifications and Education Impacting Salary

• Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): Midwives who are certified nurse-midwives typically earn higher salaries due to their dual expertise in nursing and midwifery.
• Additional Specializations: Certification in specific areas such as lactation consulting, neonatal care, or advanced maternal care can boost a midwife’s earning potential.
• Continuing Education: Midwives who pursue continuing education in new healthcare practices and innovations may have better career advancement opportunities and salary increases.

Conclusion

In 2025, midwifery remains a well-compensated profession with significant opportunities for growth. While salaries can vary based on location, experience, and education, midwives can expect a rewarding career both financially and personally. By gaining experience, specializing, and earning certifications, midwives can significantly increase their earning potential while continuing to make an impact on the lives of mothers and families.