How to become a nurse midwife
Diagnoses and coordinates every part of the birthing process, working either independently or as part of a healthcare team.
At a glance
United States| Median annual pay | $134,040 Median pay for Nurse Midwives, BLS, May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Pay range | $93,620 to $188,320 Median pay for Nurse Midwives, BLS, May 2025 |
| Job outlook | +11.5% by 2035 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree |
Data from BLS OEWS, May 2025 and BLS Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035.
Nurse midwife salary
United States$134,040 median annual pay
Half of the people in this job earn more than the median and half earn less. Pay varies with location, industry and experience.
Median pay for Nurse Midwives, BLS, May 2025.
What a nurse midwife does
Diagnoses and coordinates every part of the birthing process, working either independently or as part of a healthcare team. This person may also provide well-woman gynecological care. Specialized, graduate nursing education is required for this work.
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Provide prenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum, and newborn care to patients.
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Monitor fetal development by checking heartbeat, uterine size, fetal position, and estimated size and weight.
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Document patients' health histories, symptoms, physical conditions, and other diagnostic information.
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Provide patients with direct family planning services, such as inserting intrauterine devices, dispensing oral contraceptives, and fitting cervical barriers, including cervical caps or diaphragms.
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Develop and carry out individualized health care management plans.
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Prescribe medications as state regulations permit.
Skills
Workplace
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Science
- Mathematics
Certification path
Start with an entry exam, then add more as your role grows.
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Entry
For people just starting out.
Nurse midwife FAQ
Do you need a degree to become a nurse midwife?
BLS lists "Master's degree" as the typical entry education (BLS Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035).
Which certification should you get first?
Many people start with an entry certification such as ATI TEAS or National Council Licensure Examination - NCLEX-RN before moving to more specialized exams.
What does a nurse midwife do?
Typical duties include: Provide prenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum, and newborn care to patients; Monitor fetal development by checking heartbeat, uterine size, fetal position, and estimated size and weight; Document patients' health histories, symptoms, physical conditions, and other diagnostic information.
Start preparing for your first certification
ATI TEAS is the entry step on this path.
Sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025bls.gov
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035bls.gov
- O*NET 31.0 Databaseonetcenter.org
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