Intro
Discover the average Certified Nurse Midwife salary and what factors influence earnings. Learn about CNM job duties, education requirements, and growth prospects. Get insights into salaries by location, experience, and industry, and find out what you can expect as a Certified Nurse Midwife in the US healthcare market.
As the demand for high-quality, patient-centered healthcare continues to grow, so does the importance of Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) in the medical field. These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) play a vital role in providing primary and specialty care to women, particularly in the areas of reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. If you're considering a career as a CNM, one of the most pressing questions on your mind is likely: "How much can I expect to earn as a Certified Nurse Midwife?"

The salary for Certified Nurse Midwives can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for nurse midwives was $115,640 in May 2020. This is significantly higher than the median annual salary for registered nurses, which was $76,840 during the same period.
Factors Affecting Certified Nurse Midwife Salary
Several factors can influence the salary of a Certified Nurse Midwife. Here are some of the most significant ones:
Location
The cost of living and demand for healthcare services in a particular region can significantly impact CNM salaries. For example, CNMs working in urban areas tend to earn higher salaries than those in rural areas. According to the BLS, the top-paying states for nurse midwives in May 2020 were:
- California: $143,620
- New York: $134,610
- New Jersey: $132,310
- Massachusetts: $129,610
- Maryland: $127,490

Experience
As with most healthcare professions, experience plays a significant role in determining CNM salaries. More experienced CNMs tend to earn higher salaries, with those having 10-20 years of experience earning the highest median salaries.
Employer
The type of employer can also impact CNM salaries. For example:
- Hospitals: $114,140
- Physician offices: $112,490
- Outpatient care centers: $109,610
- Community health centers: $106,490

Benefits and Perks
In addition to their salaries, Certified Nurse Midwives often receive a range of benefits and perks, including:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plans
- Continuing education opportunities
- Malpractice insurance
Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
Many organizations offer student loan forgiveness programs for CNMs, which can help alleviate the financial burden of graduate education. These programs may be offered by employers, state governments, or federal agencies.
Career Outlook
The demand for Certified Nurse Midwives is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the BLS, employment of nurse midwives is projected to grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Job Satisfaction
Certified Nurse Midwives report high job satisfaction rates, citing the personal and professional rewards of working in this field. A survey by the American College of Nurse-Midwives found that 95% of CNMs reported being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their careers.

Conclusion
As a Certified Nurse Midwife, you can expect a competitive salary and a range of benefits and perks. While salaries may vary depending on factors such as location and experience, the median annual salary for CNMs is significantly higher than that of registered nurses. With a strong job outlook and high job satisfaction rates, a career as a Certified Nurse Midwife can be a rewarding and fulfilling choice for those passionate about women's health and reproductive care.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the salary and benefits of Certified Nurse Midwives. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.
What is the average salary for a Certified Nurse Midwife?
+The median annual salary for Certified Nurse Midwives was $115,640 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What factors affect Certified Nurse Midwife salaries?
+Factors affecting CNM salaries include location, experience, and employer.
What benefits and perks do Certified Nurse Midwives typically receive?
+CNM benefits and perks may include health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, continuing education opportunities, and malpractice insurance.