Midwife Salary
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 3rd, 2010
What is the salary like as a nurse-midwife?
The profession of midwifery is very lucrative since it is such a unique training. These nurses make far better salaries than general RNs. According to the American College of Nurse-midwives Compensation and Benefits Survey 2007, the median salary for nurse-midwives who are members of the ACNM was $79,093-$89,916 for fulltime employment (35 hours or more). However, they can make well over this amount, even as high as the $150,000 range. It depends on the practice they get into and what their specific role is.
Learn more about the
midwife schools.
What are the hours like in this field?
The hours midwives work can vary greatly. Oftentimes they are “on call” during some weekends and evenings since women can go
into labor anytime of day. Midwives who work in small private practices will work regular daytime hours in their offices and then are on call some nights, weekends, and holidays, whereas those who work in larger midwifery services may work shifts in the hospital as well as working days in the office.
Is there room for advancement in this field?
As a nurse-midwife there is room to advance to become a service director. Also, by earning a doctorate, these individuals can conduct research or teach at midwifery programs.
What are the advantages to a job as a nurse-midwife?
Oftentimes nurses will decide to further their education and get their master’s degree in midwifery because this field provides them with an opportunity to be a primary care provider for women and educate women throughout their lifespan. The philosophy of midwifery care promotes a partnership between the midwife and the woman to whom she provides care, and midwives pride themselves on their ability to listen to women. This profession provides more autonomy than the role of the nurse.
Is the field of midwifery in high demand?
There is a high need for nurse-midwives. OB/GYN offices can employ them for less than half of the cost of an additional physician. The services provided by nurse-midwives are in increasingly higher demand as there has been a shift in viewpoint such that pregnant women are not seen as “sick” so should not need to be seen by a doctor. In most circumstances, pregnant women are healthy and appreciate the extra educational information that a nurse-midwife can provide.
