Key takeaways
- CNM pay varies significantly by location and setting.
- The top-paying settings include outpatient care centers and hospitals.
- Job growth is strong, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) opens the door to advancement.
- Competition for positions depends mostly on setting and geography.
Earning potential
CNMs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), the same category as nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners. The BLS reports that the bottom 10% of CNMs earn $74,670 a year, while the top 10% make $177,040. Your pay depends on where you live and work, your hours and conditions, and your daily responsibilities.
Setting makes a clear difference. Average CNM pay by top-paying place of employment, per the BLS:
| Place of employment | Average salary |
|---|---|
| Outpatient care centers | $146,030 |
| General medical and surgical hospitals | $135,730 |
| Physicians' offices | $129,220 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools | $126,950 |
| Local government agencies | $115,710 |
Where you live can matter even more. CNM salaries in the top metro areas all run above the national average.
Demand
The American College of Nurse-Midwives reports that CNMs attended 12% of U.S. births in 2021. Demand is expected to climb, partly because CNMs serve as primary caregivers and partly because of the ongoing shortage of family and primary care physicians.
Job growth
The BLS projects 11% job growth for nurse midwives from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Beyond demand, the work is attractive because the federal government recognizes APRNs as primary care providers, a designation that lets CNMs perform many of the same tasks as physicians, including writing prescriptions, ordering tests, diagnosing conditions, and creating treatment plans.
Competition
Setting drives competition. CNMs face less of it in hospitals, where turnover runs high due to irregular hours. Physicians' offices, with regular hours and better conditions, draw more applicants. Rural areas generally have a harder time recruiting healthcare workers, so jobs there are easier to land.
Advancing your career
A CNM must hold an MSN to practice. A DNP can lead to leadership and nurse manager roles, university teaching, or public policy work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nurse midwives make? CNMs are among the highest-paid nurses. The BLS reports the bottom 10% earn about $74,670 and the top 10% earn more than $177,040, with pay shaped by setting, location, hours, and responsibilities.
Which settings pay nurse midwives the most? By BLS average wage, outpatient care centers lead at about $146,030, followed by general medical and surgical hospitals near $135,730 and physicians' offices near $129,220. Colleges and local government agencies pay somewhat less.
Is the job outlook for nurse midwives good? Yes. The BLS projects 11% growth for nurse midwives from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, driven by demand for primary care and the shortage of family and primary care physicians.
What degree do you need to earn a nurse midwife salary? A CNM must hold at least an MSN with a midwifery specialty from an accredited program and pass the AMCB certification exam. A DNP is optional and can open higher-paying leadership and faculty roles.
Do nurse midwives earn more than registered nurses? Yes. As advanced practice registered nurses, CNMs earn well above the RN median of $93,600 (BLS, May 2024), reflecting their graduate education and expanded scope, including prescriptive authority.
Does location affect nurse midwife pay? Significantly. Salaries in top metro areas all run above the national average, and rural areas, while often easier to get hired in, can pay differently. Willingness to relocate can raise both your odds of hire and your salary.