FAQ
Nurse Midwife FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a nurse midwife.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a nurse midwife: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about nurse midwifes
Do nurse midwives deliver babies?
Yes, in hospitals, birth centers and homes.
Do CNMs need to be nurses?
Yes, CNMs are RNs with graduate midwifery education.
Do midwives only care for pregnant women?
No, they also provide gynecologic and family planning care.
How much does a nurse midwife make?
The median annual wage for nurse midwifes was $134,040 ($64.44 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $93,620 and the highest 10% earned more than $188,320.
How long does it take to become a nurse midwife?
Most people need about 6–8 years including RN education of training. CNMs are RNs who earn a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited nurse-midwifery program and pass the AMCB certification exam.
Do you need a degree to be a nurse midwife?
Yes. BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
Is nurse midwife a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +11.5% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 400 openings each year. Upsides include deeply meaningful work; a common challenge is that unpredictable hours.
What skills does a nurse midwife need?
Key technical skills include prenatal care, labor management, newborn assessment, and gynecologic care. Employers also value calm under pressure, empathy, and communication.
What certifications are available for nurse midwifes?
Common credentials include Certified Nurse-Midwife (AMCB), State APRN license, Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and Electronic fetal monitoring certification. CNMs need an RN license, AMCB certification and state APRN licensure.
Still deciding?
Try the Nurse Midwife fit quiz, compare with Registered Nurse, or explore Nurse Midwife training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1161 (Nurse midwives).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Nurse midwives (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.