How Much Does A Midwife Earn?

How Much Does a Midwife Earn? UK Salary, Training & Career Guide

Midwives are specialist healthcare professionals who care for women during pregnancy, labour, birth and the early postnatal period. They play a vital role in both hospitals and community care, offering clinical expertise, emotional support and reassurance to new mothers and families.

This guide explains how much midwives earn in the UK, what training and qualifications are needed, specialisations, pros and cons of the job, and the best employers in the maternity field.

Job Description: What Do Midwives Do?

Midwives provide medical, emotional and practical care for pregnant people before, during and after birth. They ensure safe delivery and support the well-being of both mother and baby.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting antenatal checks and health assessments

• Advising on pregnancy care, nutrition, and mental health

• Supporting labour and managing normal births

• Monitoring fetal heart rates and maternal health

• Administering pain relief and emergency care

• Providing postnatal support and breastfeeding advice

• Referring to obstetricians or paediatricians when necessary

• Recording care plans, medications, and progress

How Hard Is It to Become a Midwife?

It’s academically and emotionally demanding. You’ll need a nursing-level healthcare degree, and the role requires resilience, stamina, and communication skills. Clinical placements can involve nights, weekends, and emotionally intense situations.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

• Empathy and compassion

• Emotional resilience, especially in emergencies or losses

• Excellent communication and listening skills

• Calm under pressure

• Teamwork and collaboration with other healthcare professionals

• Physical stamina—shifts can last 12 hours

• Attention to detail and record-keeping

Do You Need Qualifications?

Yes. Midwifery is a regulated healthcare profession, and you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Training route:

1. A-Levels (usually Biology and one other science)

2. BSc (Hons) in Midwifery – 3 years full-time

3. NMC registration

4. Annual CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

Alternatively:

• Registered nurses can take an 18-month postgraduate course to qualify as midwives.

• Some NHS Trusts offer midwifery apprenticeships (earn while you train).

Career Levels and Specialisations

Student Midwife - In training during university

Registered Midwife (Band 5–6) - Entry and core clinical level

Senior / Specialist Midwife (Band 6–7) - Specialist roles e.g. home birth, bereavement

Midwife Team Leader / Matron (Band 7–8) - Manages teams, leads on policy

Consultant Midwife / Educator (Band 8) - Strategic or academic roles

Specialisations:

• Community Midwifery – home visits, clinics

• Hospital Midwifery – delivery units and antenatal wards

• High-risk / Consultant-led Units

• Public Health / Safeguarding

• Neonatal or Infant Loss Support

• Independent / Private Midwifery

What Experience Do You Need?

• No experience needed to start the degree, but healthcare volunteering helps your application

• During training, you’ll complete placements in NHS hospitals, birth centres, and community settings

• All roles require annual revalidation with the NMC to continue practicing

Benefits of Being a Midwife

• Incredibly rewarding—you support families at life-changing moments

• Good job security, especially in the NHS

• Variety—no two shifts are the same

• Flexible working patterns available in many trusts

• Strong public respect and trust

• Path to senior roles or independent practice

• Eligible for NHS pension and generous annual leave

Drawbacks and Negatives

• Physically and emotionally demanding

• High stress, especially in emergencies

• Shift work—nights, weekends, holidays

• Understaffing in some NHS trusts

• Potential for burnout and emotional fatigue

• Student debt after university (though NHS bursaries may help)

Midwife Salary Levels in the UK

Midwives in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay structure.

Student Midwife - N/A - N/A

Registered Midwife - Band 5–6 - £28,407 – £42,618

Senior / Specialist - Band 6–7 - £41,659 – £50,056

Midwifery Matron / Leader - Band 7–8a - £51,000 – £67,000

Consultant / Educator - Band 8b+ - £68,000 – £80,000+

Tax Example (Band 6 midwife on £39,000):

• Income Tax: ~£6,232

• National Insurance: ~£3,309

• Take-home pay: ~£29,459/year or £566/week

NHS midwives also receive pension contributions, overtime pay, and London weighting (if applicable).

What Factors Affect Salary?

• Experience and banding

• Location – inner London weighting adds £4,000+

• Overtime, bank shifts or on-call hours

• Type of setting – community vs hospital

• Specialisms and added responsibilities

• Private vs NHS – private midwives can charge £3,000–£6,000 per case

What’s the Future for Midwifery?

The outlook is strong, but evolving.

Trends:

• Growing demand due to NHS staff shortages

• Greater focus on continuity of care and home births

• More specialist midwife roles (e.g. perinatal mental health)

• **Rise in caseload midwifery (assigned midwives per woman)

• Expansion of digital maternity care tools

• Private and independent midwifery gaining traction

Best Employers for Midwives in the UK

NHS Trusts (e.g. Barts, Guy’s & St Thomas’) - Leading hospitals with strong maternity units

Homerton / Chelsea & Westminster - Award-winning maternity services

Sheffield / Birmingham Women’s Hospitals - Regional maternity centres

NHS Birth Centres - Focus on natural and low-intervention care

Private Midwifery Services (e.g. Neighbourhood Midwives) - Continuity of care

Teaching universities - Academic or clinical educator roles

Final Thought

Midwifery is a challenging, rewarding and vital profession for anyone passionate about pregnancy care, women’s health, and life’s most significant moments. While the hours are long and the responsibility high, the emotional rewards—and career opportunities—make it a career full of meaning.