Nurse midwives play a vital role in healthcare, providing comprehensive care to women, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. If you’re considering a career as a nurse midwife or simply curious about the profession, understanding the salary expectations is essential. This guide provides a detailed overview of nurse midwife salaries, including national averages, industry variations, and geographical differences.
National Average Salary for Nurse Midwives
According to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from May 2023, the national average annual wage for nurse midwives in the United States is $131,570, which translates to an hourly mean wage of $63.26. This data, collected from employers across various industries and regions, offers a comprehensive snapshot of the earning potential for this profession.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Employment | 6,960 |
| Employment RSE | 6.5% |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $63.26 |
| Mean Annual Wage | $131,570 |
| Wage RSE | 1.6% |
It’s important to note that these figures represent the average and can vary based on experience, education, location, and employer.
Factors Influencing Nurse Midwife Salaries
Several factors can influence how much a nurse midwife makes. These include:
- Experience: As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. Entry-level nurse midwives typically earn less than those with several years of experience.
- Education: Nurse midwives must have specialized, graduate-level nursing education. Further certifications and specializations can also lead to higher earning potential.
- Location: Geographic location significantly impacts salaries due to differences in cost of living and demand for services.
- Industry: The type of healthcare setting (e.g., hospital, private practice, outpatient care center) can affect salary levels.
Salary Percentiles: Understanding the Range
To provide a more detailed view of the salary distribution, here’s a breakdown of percentile wage estimates for nurse midwives:
| Percentile | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $41.98 | $87,320 |
| 25% | $52.89 | $110,000 |
| 50% (Median) | $62.33 | $129,650 |
| 75% | $70.56 | $146,770 |
| 90% | $85.35 | $177,530 |
This table shows that the top 10% of nurse midwives earn significantly more than the average, while those in the lower percentiles earn less.
Industry-Specific Salaries
The industry in which a nurse midwife works can also impact their salary. Here’s a look at the industries with the highest employment levels and their corresponding mean wages:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offices of Physicians | 3,490 | $61.32 | $127,550 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,640 | $65.34 | $135,900 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 1,020 | $78.89 | $164,080 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | 470 | $42.47 | $88,340 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 90 | $58.30 | $121,260 |
As the data indicates, outpatient care centers tend to offer the highest salaries for nurse midwives, while offices of other health practitioners may offer lower wages.
Geographic Variations in Salary
Salaries for nurse midwives can vary significantly by state and metropolitan area. This is due to factors such as cost of living, demand for services, and local market conditions.
States with the Highest Employment Levels
| State | Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 890 | $88.34 | $183,740 |
| New York | 740 | $64.96 | $135,120 |
| Georgia | 310 | $59.63 | $124,020 |
| North Carolina | 300 | $57.05 | $118,660 |
| Pennsylvania | 290 | $58.37 | $121,410 |
Top Paying States
| State | Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 890 | $88.34 | $183,740 |
| Hawaii | 40 | $77.80 | $161,820 |
| Massachusetts | 180 | $74.08 | $154,080 |
| Maine | 60 | $67.52 | $140,440 |
| Oregon | 110 | $67.06 | $139,490 |
California consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying states for nurse midwives.
Metropolitan Areas with the Highest Employment Levels
| Metropolitan Area | Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 730 | $66.62 | $138,560 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 230 | $61.06 | $127,000 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 220 | $97.23 | $202,230 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 210 | $88.85 | $184,800 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 180 | $58.47 | $121,620 |
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
| Metropolitan Area | Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 220 | $97.23 | $202,230 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 50 | $96.04 | $199,750 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 210 | $88.85 | $184,800 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | 70 | $88.12 | $183,290 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | N/A | $86.01 | $178,900 |
Metropolitan areas in California, particularly San Francisco, offer some of the highest salaries for nurse midwives in the country.
Job Outlook and Demand
The demand for nurse midwives is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by factors such as an increasing emphasis on patient-centered care, a growing interest in natural childbirth options, and a shortage of physicians in some areas. This positive job outlook suggests that nurse midwives can expect competitive salaries and ample employment opportunities.
Conclusion: Is a Career as a Nurse Midwife Right for You?
Understanding how much do midwives make is crucial for anyone considering this rewarding career path. While salary is an important factor, it’s also essential to consider the personal satisfaction that comes from providing essential care to women and families during one of life’s most significant events. With a competitive salary, a positive job outlook, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, a career as a nurse midwife can be both financially and personally rewarding.
