Whether you're already a nurse midwife or exploring the path to becoming one, you might be curious about the latest trends in the average nurse midwife salary — how much can you expect to earn? Nurse midwives are essential to the health and well-being of women and families across the U.S. Each year, about 3.86 million women give birth and more than 98% of them receive prenatal care from a maternity provider. That adds up to over 18 million visits annually, creating a constant need for skilled, compassionate midwives.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the salary of a certified nurse midwife (CNM), including annual, hourly, and monthly rates, state-by-state salary differences, and the factors that influence pay.
What Is the Average Certified Nurse Midwife Salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), certified nurse midwives earn an average annual income of $128,110. This breaks down to an average nurse midwife salary per hour of $61.59. Keep in mind that your earnings can vary based on factors like experience, education level, employer type, and geographic location.
Wondering where you can earn the most? While there is no definite answer to the question, certified nurse midwives working in hospitals or large specialty clinics may earn more than those in smaller practices or rural areas. Additionally, big cities with large hospital networks often offer higher salaries too, as they compete to hire top nursing talent. To give you a better idea of what's out there, here's a detailed breakdown of salary percentiles for nurse midwives to help you understand your earning potential:
| Nurse Midwife Wage Estimates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% | 75% | 90% |
| Annual | $74,670 | $104,260 | $128,790 | $146,520 | $177,040 |
| Hourly | $35.90 | $50.13 | $61.92 | $70.44 | $85.11 |
Nurse Midwife Salary by State
While the national average is a good starting point, nurse midwife salaries can vary widely by location. Places with high cost of living and large urban areas like New York or San Francisco often offer higher pay, while rural areas may provide incentives like loan forgiveness, relocation bonuses, or even visa sponsorship for internationally trained nurses — making rural healthcare a surprisingly competitive field for some professionals.
Curious about regional differences? Here's a helpful resource outlining the average salary for midwife nurse roles in various states.
*Note: The latest BLS data update did not provide average annual salaries for certain states, and so the salaries are listed as "n/a" wherever relevant.
| State | Average Annual Nurse Midwife Salary | Average Hourly Nurse Midwife Salary | Certified Nurse Midwife Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Alabama |
| Alaska | $137,410 | $66.06 | CNM jobs in Alaska |
| Arizona | $174,870 | $84.07 | CNM jobs in Arizona |
| Arkansas | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Arkansas |
| California | $179,630 | $86.36 | CNM jobs in California |
| Colorado | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Colorado |
| Connecticut | $126,960 | $61.04 | CNM jobs in Connecticut |
| Delaware | $109,580 | $52.68 | CNM jobs in Delaware |
| Florida | $105,650 | $50.79 | CNM jobs in Florida |
| Georgia | $124,760 | $59.98 | CNM jobs in Georgia |
| Hawaii | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Hawaii |
| Idaho | $66,830 | $32.13 | CNM jobs in Idaho |
| Illinois | $107,280 | $51.58 | CNM jobs in Illinois |
| Indiana | $130,210 | $62.60 | CNM jobs in Indiana |
| Iowa | $149,040 | $71.66 | CNM jobs in Iowa |
| Kansas | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Kansas |
| Kentucky | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Kentucky |
| Louisiana | $103,170 | $49.60 | CNM jobs in Louisiana |
| Maine | $137,760 | $66.23 | CNM jobs in Maine |
| Maryland | $132,200 | $63.56 | CNM jobs in Maryland |
| Massachusetts | $165,820 | $79.72 | CNM jobs in Massachusetts |
| Michigan | $118,090 | $56.77 | CNM jobs in Michigan |
| Minnesota | $125,650 | $60.41 | CNM jobs in Minnesota |
| Mississippi | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Mississippi |
| Missouri | $134,690 | $64.76 | CNM jobs in Missouri |
| Montana | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Montana |
| Nebraska | $132,680 | $63.79 | CNM jobs in Nebraska |
| Nevada | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Nevada |
| New Hampshire | $116,250 | $55.89 | CNM jobs in New Hampshire |
| New Jersey | $138,980 | $66.82 | CNM jobs in New Jersey |
| New Mexico | $91,050 | $43.77 | CNM jobs in New Mexico |
| New York | $138,570 | $66.62 | CNM jobs in New York |
| North Carolina | $120,060 | $57.72 | CNM jobs in North Carolina |
| North Dakota | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in North Dakota |
| Ohio | $123,690 | $59.47 | CNM jobs in Ohio |
| Oklahoma | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Oklahoma |
| Oregon | $117,640 | $56.56 | CNM jobs in Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | $109,510 | $52.65 | CNM jobs in Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island | $127,610 | $61.35 | CNM jobs in Rhode Island |
| South Carolina | $114,770 | $55.18 | CNM jobs in South Carolina |
| South Dakota | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in South Dakota |
| Tennessee | $109,870 | $52.82 | CNM jobs in Tennessee |
| Texas | $112,990 | $54.32 | CNM jobs in Texas |
| Utah | $135,190 | $65.00 | CNM jobs in Utah |
| Vermont | $138,410 | $66.54 | CNM jobs in Vermont |
| Virginia | $134,500 | $64.67 | CNM jobs in Virginia |
| Washington | $149,980 | $72.11 | CNM jobs in Washington |
| West Virginia | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in West Virginia |
| Wisconsin | $131,450 | $63.20 | CNM jobs in Wisconsin |
| Wyoming | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Wyoming |
| Washington D.C. | $116,150 | $55.84 | CNM jobs in Washington, DC |
| Puerto Rico | n/a | n/a | CNM jobs in Puerto Rico |
Best-Paying States for Nurse Midwife Roles 2025
Where you practice as a nurse midwife can make a big difference in your paycheck.
States with a high cost of living and strong demand for healthcare workers often offer the most competitive salaries, while others may fall below the national average. Based on the latest BLS data, here are the top-paying states for nurse midwives:
- California
- Arizona
- Massachusetts
- Washington
- Iowa
Love your hometown but still want to boost your income? Consider travel CNM roles — they let you take on temporary contracts in high-paying states without making a permanent move.
How Education and Training Affect Your Salary
Curious about the midwife vs. nurse salary difference? Nurse midwives go through advanced education and clinical training, plus they're required to pass a national certification exam. That extra effort pays off — the typical RN salary is about $98,430 per year, while nurse midwives earn nearly $30,000 more on average.
When comparing nurse midwife salary with nurse practitioner (NP) roles, the gap is a bit narrower. The average NP salary is $132,000 per year, which is about $3,890 more than the average CNM salary.
While salary differences may not be the only factor in choosing your path, it's clear that education plays a major role in earning potential. Beyond formal degrees, you can increase your professional credibility by earning specialty certifications, attending nursing conferences, and taking continuing education courses. These efforts not only expand your knowledge but also add clear, credible proof of your skills to your resume — helping you qualify for top-paying opportunities.
Certified Nurse Midwife Salary: FAQ
What are some good ways to increase my nurse midwife salary?
Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience under your belt, there are plenty of ways to increase your earning potential. Here are some practical strategies to help you grow your salary:
- Pursue advanced certifications: Earning additional certifications — such as Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) or Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) — can enhance your expertise and increase your earning potential. These credentials may also open doors to starting your own business.
- Teach or mentor future midwives: Consider becoming a clinical instructor or preceptor for nursing students. Taking on extra responsibilities, such as mentoring new staff members, may come with added income.
- Negotiate your salary: Don't shy away from negotiating. Whether you're starting a new position or going through a performance review, be prepared to advocate for higher pay based on your qualifications, certifications, and the value you bring to the team.
- Step into leadership: Taking on a leadership position — like managing a midwifery team or supervising a department — can boost your income while also advancing your career.
How much does a nurse midwife make in different workplaces?
Where you work as a nurse midwife can have a big impact on your salary. Certified nurse midwife professionals often earn more in specialty hospitals than in outpatient or ambulatory care centers. Let's take a look at how average salaries vary across different healthcare settings.
- Specialty hospitals: $102,680
- Outpatient centers: $155,150
- General medical and surgical hospitals: $137,510
- Offices of physicians: $130,380
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $127,160
What is the job outlook for nurse midwives?
The job outlook for advanced practice nurses is looking seriously bright. According to BLS projections, nurse midwives are expected to see job growth at around 11% over the next decade.
What is the typical monthly salary for a CNM?
With an average annual salary of $128,110 (according to the BLS), nurse midwives can expect to earn around $10,676 per month when working year-round.
Want to Boost Your Nurse Midwife Salary?
Whether you're looking for better pay, a new setting, or more freedom in your schedule, Credenza helps certified nurse midwives land roles that fit their lives — and their value. Find the latest CNM jobs in your area.