Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) represent one of the most rewarding and well-compensated careers in advanced practice nursing. As healthcare providers specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and primary healthcare services, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) combine clinical expertise with compassionate care delivery.
The latest 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals that certified nurse midwife salary ranges have increased significantly, with mean annual compensation now exceeding $130,000 nationally. This substantial earning potential reflects the growing recognition of CNMs as essential healthcare providers who deliver evidence-based care resulting in excellent patient outcomes, high satisfaction rates, and cost-effective healthcare delivery.
With the healthcare industry facing a projected shortage of 22,000 maternity care providers by 2050, the career outlook for CNMs remains exceptionally strong. Current data shows over 11,000 certified nurse-midwives employed across the United States, with California leading employment at 880 CNMs, followed by New York with 490 CNMs.
The World Health Organization’s designation of 2020 as “The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife” continues to influence healthcare policy and compensation structures, contributing to the upward trend in CNM salaries and professional recognition.
Quick Navigation: Certified Nurse Midwife Salary Information
2025 National Salary Overview for CNMs
Find Midwife Salary Info For Your State
Complete State-by-State Salary Guide
Factors Affecting CNM Salaries
2025 National Certified Nurse Midwife Salary Overview
The most recent certified nurse midwife salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024) shows significant growth in compensation across all practice settings and geographic regions. This comprehensive overview provides current earning expectations for CNMs nationwide.
| Salary Metric | 2024 National Data | Comparison to Previous Years |
|---|---|---|
| National Average Annual Salary | $132,000 – $140,000 | 15-20% increase from 2019 |
| Entry-Level Range (10th Percentile) | $105,000 – $112,000 | Significant growth in starting salaries |
| Median Annual Salary (50th Percentile) | $130,000 – $140,000 | Steady upward trend |
| Top Earners (90th Percentile) | $180,000 – $225,000+ | Premium opportunities expanding |
| Total CNMs Employed Nationally | 11,000+ | Growing workforce demand |
Top-Paying States Leading the Market
The 2024 BLS data reveals California continues to lead certified nurse midwife salary compensation, with significant increases in several other states:
| Rank | State | Annual Mean Salary | CNMs Employed | Market Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $179,630 | 880 | Largest market, highest pay |
| 2 | Arizona | $174,870 | 80 | Rapid growth market |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $165,820 | 190 | Strong healthcare system |
| 4 | Washington | $149,980 | 150 | Progressive practice environment |
| 5 | Iowa | $149,040 | 70 | Excellent value proposition |
Find Midwife Salary Info For Your State
The salary of a certified nurse midwife varies significantly by geographic location due to cost-of-living differences, demand for services, and state regulations regarding certified nurse midwife (CNM) practice authority. Use the links below to explore specific salary information for your state:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Certified Nurse Midwife Salary by Practice Setting
The practice setting continues to influence the potential salary of certified nurse midwives significantly. The 2024 data shows increased compensation across all settings, with specialized environments offering the highest earning potential.
CNM Work Schedule Distribution and Compensation
According to recent industry surveys, certified nurse-midwives work in various schedule arrangements that directly impact their annual earnings:
| Work Schedule | Percentage of CNMs | 2024 Hourly Rate Range | Annual Salary Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 77% | $62-$90/hour | $130,000-$185,000 |
| Part-time | 21% | $58-$85/hour | Pro-rated |
| PRN/Per Diem | 3% | $65-$95/hour | Variable, premium rates |
Practice Settings Ranked by Compensation Level
Based on multiple industry sources and 2024 BLS data, certified nurse midwife salary varies significantly across practice environments:
| Practice Setting | 2024 Average Annual Salary | Percentage of CNMs | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Health Clinics/FQHC | $155,000-$170,000 | Growing segment | Loan forgiveness opportunities, mission-driven work |
| Specialty Outpatient Centers | $140,000-$155,000 | 21% | Focused practice, work-life balance |
| Academic Medical Centers | $135,000-$150,000 | 28% | Research opportunities, comprehensive benefits |
| Private Group Practices | $130,000-$145,000 | 13% | Partnership potential, autonomy |
| Academic Faculty Positions | $120,000-$140,000 | 8% | Teaching, research, and sabbatical opportunities |
| Birth Centers & Home Birth | $110,000-$135,000 | 31% | Independent practice, philosophy alignment |
Birth Setting, Distribution, and Practice Opportunities
Understanding where CNMs practice provides insight into career options and earning potential across different environments:
| Birth Setting | % of CNM-Attended Births | Setting Characteristics | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital Settings | 97% | Full medical support, collaborative care | $130,000-$180,000 |
| Birth Centers | 2% | Homelike environment, low-intervention focus | $115,000-$140,000 |
| Home Birth Services | 1% | Independent practice, personalized care | $90,000-$130,000 |
Factors Affecting Certified Nurse Midwife Salary in 2025
Geographic Location: The Primary Determinant
Location remains the most significant factor influencing certified nurse midwife salary. The 2024 data shows even greater disparities between high-cost and moderate-cost areas:
| Practice Location Type | % of CNMs | 2024 Average Salary | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Metropolitan Areas | 65% | $145,000-$180,000 | High cost of living, extensive opportunities |
| Mid-Size Cities | 25% | $125,000-$145,000 | Balanced cost of living, growing demand |
| Rural/HPSA Areas | 10% | $110,000-$135,000* | Lower cost of living, loan forgiveness programs |
*Rural areas often provide additional benefits, including loan forgiveness, housing allowances, and other incentives that significantly increase total compensation value
Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) Opportunities: CNMs working in designated shortage areas provide critical services where physician-led practices are limited. The National Health Service Corps and state-specific programs offer loan forgiveness up to $50,000 for initial commitments, with additional awards for extended service. These programs can effectively increase total compensation by $15,000-$25,000 annually.
Complete State-by-State Certified Nurse Midwife Salary Guide (2024 BLS Data)
The following comprehensive breakdown shows certified nurse midwife salary ranges at both the 50th and 90th percentiles by state, based on the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). The 50th percentile represents the median salary, where half of all CNMs earn more than this amount and half earn less, while the 90th percentile indicates the earning potential for the top 10% of practitioners in each state.
| State | 50th Percentile (Median) | 90th Percentile | CNMs Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $130,030 | $179,930 | 60 |
| Arizona | $135,590 | Data not available | 80 |
| California | $196,700 | $226,840 | 880 |
| Colorado | $120,440 | $150,870 | 170 |
| Connecticut | $124,530 | $147,350 | 100 |
| Delaware | $107,210 | $130,900 | 50 |
| Florida | $108,060 | $149,670 | 330 |
| Georgia | $113,650 | $148,090 | 520 |
| Illinois | $118,340 | $157,770 | 290 |
| Indiana | $106,320 | $130,050 | 80 |
| Iowa | $143,680 | $177,470 | 70 |
| Kentucky | $114,730 | $140,700 | 70 |
| Louisiana | $98,240 | $120,070 | 40 |
| Maine | $129,510 | $177,780 | 50 |
| Maryland | $123,900 | $158,470 | 170 |
| Massachusetts | $149,640 | $216,960 | 190 |
| Michigan | $120,590 | $150,970 | 280 |
| Minnesota | $124,300 | $150,040 | 220 |
| Missouri | $103,770 | $126,470 | 50 |
| Montana | $98,890 | $121,480 | 40 |
| Nebraska | $103,790 | $124,440 | 40 |
| Nevada | $102,370 | $123,690 | 30 |
| New Hampshire | $106,060 | $131,760 | 70 |
| New Jersey | $130,960 | $175,140 | 190 |
| New Mexico | $114,400 | $141,900 | 90 |
| New York | $123,020 | $206,240 | 490 |
| North Carolina | $113,370 | $139,370 | 180 |
| Ohio | $116,430 | $153,800 | 330 |
| Oregon | $127,010 | $151,430 | 180 |
| Pennsylvania | $113,390 | $158,430 | 400 |
| Rhode Island | $115,590 | $142,210 | 50 |
| South Carolina | $98,470 | $120,770 | 30 |
| Tennessee | $111,300 | $141,880 | 40 |
| Texas | $98,970 | $124,180 | 540 |
| Utah | $108,100 | $138,120 | 60 |
| Vermont | $137,900 | $170,600 | 40 |
| Virginia | $112,780 | $137,990 | 180 |
| Washington | $142,050 | $200,560 | 150 |
| Wisconsin | $116,990 | $149,650 | 100 |
Understanding Salary Percentile Ranges
The salary data presented demonstrates significant earning progression opportunities within the certified nurse-midwife profession:
- 50th Percentile (Median): Represents typical earning expectations for CNMs with standard experience and qualifications
- 90th Percentile: Indicates advanced earning potential through specialization, leadership roles, or practice in high-demand markets
- Geographic Variations: Range from $98,240 (Louisiana median) to $226,840 (California 90th percentile)
- Career Progression: Most CNMs can expect 30-50% salary growth from the median to the 90th percentile within their state
Career Advancement and Salary Growth Potential
The 2024 data confirms that the certified nurse midwife salary growth continues to outpace that of many other healthcare professions. Understanding progression pathways helps CNMs maximize their earning potential throughout their careers.
Factors That Maximize Earning Potential
- Advanced Practice Specializations: Additional certifications in women’s health, family planning, or lactation consulting can add $10,000-$20,000 annually
- Leadership and Management Roles: Department head, clinical director, or program coordinator positions typically offer 20-30% salary premiums.
- Academic and Research Appointments: Faculty positions at nursing schools provide stable income plus benefits, sabbatical opportunities
- Independent Practice Development: Practice ownership or partnership can significantly increase earning potential in favorable markets
- Doctoral Education (DNP): Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees open leadership and executive-level opportunities
- Telehealth and Consulting: Growing opportunities in remote care delivery and healthcare consulting
Conclusion: 2025 Certified Nurse Midwife Salary Outlook
The 2025 certified nurse midwife salary landscape demonstrates the profession’s continued growth and recognition within the healthcare system. With mean salaries now exceeding $130,000 nationally and top earners reaching $225,000 or more, CNMs enjoy exceptional financial stability, combined with meaningful and impactful workrk.
The data indicate that geographic location, practice setting, and specialization level have a significant influence on earning potential. CNMs willing to relocate to high-demand markets or pursue additional certifications can achieve substantial compensation growth throughout their careers.
As healthcare continues to evolve toward value-based care models, certified nurse-midwives are uniquely positioned to benefit from their proven track record of delivering excellent outcomes at lower costs. This positioning, combined with the ongoing provider shortage, ensures continued salary growth and expanded opportunities for both current and future Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs).
For registered nurses considering this career path, the financial investment in CNM education provides strong returns through higher earning potential, job security, and opportunities for professional advancement across diverse practice settings.
Salary and employment data compiled by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2024. Figures represent accumulated data for all employment sectors in which nurse-midwives work. BLS salary data represents average and median earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Information current as of June 2025