Nurse Midwives
Nurse midwives diagnose and manage pregnancies, births, and postpartum care, working independently or within healthcare teams. They may also provide gynecological care for women. Nurse midwives work in hospitals, birthing centers, clinics, and private practice settings across the United States.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nurse midwives and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A nurse midwife's week typically includes prenatal appointments where they assess maternal health and fetal development, attend deliveries in hospitals or birth centers, and conduct postpartum follow-ups. They perform clinical exams, order and interpret tests, manage labor and delivery, and provide patient education. Documentation, collaboration with physicians on complex cases, and well-woman gynecological visits fill the remaining time.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited for this role if you enjoy solving clinical problems and gathering detailed information about patients—strengths common to investigative people. You're also drawn to supporting others through significant life events and building relationships with diverse populations, which appeals to those with strong social interests.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $176,080 | $203,840 | $216,560 | 870 |
| Hawaii | $132,530 | $170,110 | $193,780 | — |
| Massachusetts | $140,030 | $159,800 | $176,340 | 280 |
| Washington | $110,510 | $158,970 | $162,970 | 170 |
| New Jersey | $141,050 | $153,970 | $167,980 | 120 |
| Vermont | $132,450 | $151,030 | $160,350 | 60 |
| Oregon | $133,060 | $146,900 | $159,970 | 240 |
| New York | $130,600 | $144,510 | $162,220 | 360 |
| New Hampshire | $140,790 | $142,960 | $159,080 | 60 |
| Arizona | $123,310 | $140,960 | $159,390 | 80 |
| Maryland | $130,700 | $140,120 | $152,310 | 240 |
| Nebraska | $135,030 | $138,880 | $138,880 | — |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) — American Midwifery Certification Board
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) — National Board on Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
- Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC) — ANA Enterprise
- Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) — ANA Enterprise
- Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) (CHN) — Board of Nephrology Examiners Technology Nursing
- Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse (CPDN) (CPDN) — Board of Nephrology Examiners Technology Nursing
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nurse midwives and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1161.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.