Nurse Midwife Salary 2025: $134,040 Median, Top States, and Career Outlook
The median nurse midwife earns $134,040 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% make over $188,320, while the bottom 10% earn about $93,620. That’s roughly $64 an hour at the mean. Of the roughly 7,920 nurse midwives employed nationally, most work in hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient centers.
How much Nurse Midwives earn
Nurse midwives are among the highest-paid advanced practice registered nurses. The BLS reports a national mean wage of $136,980, with hourly wages averaging $65.87. The typical range stretches from $93,620 at the 10th percentile to $188,320 at the 90th.
Pay varies widely by setting. Those working in state government and outpatient care centers tend to earn more, while physician offices and general medical hospitals are closer to the median.
- Median annual salary: $134,040
- Mean annual salary: $136,980
- Mean hourly wage: $65.87
- 10th percentile: $93,620
- 90th percentile: $188,320
Pay by state
Location drives big differences in nurse midwife pay. California tops the list with an annual mean wage of $203,840. Hawaii ($170,110), Massachusetts ($159,800), Washington ($158,970), and New Jersey ($153,970) round out the top five.
On the lower end, nurse midwives in North Dakota earn about $72,630 a year. Others in lower-paying states include Indiana ($101,630) and Washington, D.C. ($101,450). These states may have lower cost of living, but the pay gap is significant.
How to become a Nurse Midwive
Becoming a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) requires a graduate degree, licensure as a registered nurse, and national certification. The path is demanding but straightforward.
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN to become an RN.
- Step 2: Gain at least 1–2 years of RN experience, preferably in labor and delivery, women’s health, or critical care.
- Step 3: Complete a graduate-level nurse-midwifery program (master’s or doctoral) accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). These programs typically last 2–3 years and include clinical training.
- Step 4: Pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam to earn the CNM credential.
- Step 5: Apply for state licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with a midwifery specialty. Most states require an active RN license and CNM certification.
Job outlook
Employment for nurse midwives is projected to grow 11.1% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That works out to about 500 new job openings each year, mostly due to retirements and increased demand for women’s health services. With 7,920 currently employed, the growth will add roughly 700 jobs over the decade.
Frequently asked questions
Is nurse midwife a good career?
Yes. With a median salary of $134,040 and strong job growth (11.1% projected), the career offers solid pay, autonomy, and demand. The path requires a master's degree but is shorter than medical school.
What is the difference between a nurse midwife and a midwife?
A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice registered nurse with graduate-level training. A certified midwife (CM) may have a non-nursing background but passes the same certification exam. Direct-entry midwives have varying training and may not have national certification.
Do nurse midwives have good work-life balance?
It varies. Hospital-based midwives may work nights, weekends, or be on call. Those in private practices or birth centers often have more predictable schedules. Many find the balance better than physicians but still demanding during deliveries.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Nurse Midwives data.