Midwife salary in Australia: how it compares to the national average in 2026
Midwife salary in Australia: median full-time earnings sit at an index of 101, just above the national line. See award rates, state differences, and industry context.
The median full-time midwife salary sits at an index of about 101, just above the national line of 100, based on weekly earnings of $2,114.
Understanding the midwife salary in Australia
When we talk about a midwife salary, we mean the pay for registered midwives who provide care and advice during pregnancy, labour, childbirth, and the postnatal period. In Australia, midwives work mainly in hospitals, clinics, community health, and home-birth settings. Their pay is influenced by experience, qualifications, location, and whether they work full-time or part-time.
National median earnings for midwives
According to, the median full-time weekly earnings for midwives are $2,114, with a median hourly rate of $56. Only 43% of midwives work full-time; 57% work part-time. The median age is 38, and the profession is 100% female.
Annualising the full-time median gives about $109,928 ($2,114 × 52). Using the Salary Index where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352, the midwife salary index is approximately 101.5 – slightly above the national line. This means the typical full-time midwife earns a little more than the average worker across all occupations.
Minimum award rates under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award
The legal minimum for many midwives is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, as updated in October 2026. For a Health Professional Level 1 with AQF Level 5 qualifications, the minimum weekly rates are:
- 1st year: $1,232.70 ($32.44/hr)
- 2nd–3rd year: $1,308.80 ($34.44/hr)
- 4th–6th year: $1,426.00 ($37.53/hr)
- 7th year+: $1,541.30 ($40.56/hr)
These are the floors. Many midwives are covered by enterprise agreements or state health awards that pay above these rates. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database includes these classifications and reflects the 4.75% increase from the 2026 Annual Wage Review, plus gender undervaluation adjustments for health professionals.
State differences in midwife employment
Midwives are not evenly spread across Australia. The same profile shows:
- New South Wales: 32.0%
- Victoria: 23.6%
- Queensland: 20.7%
- South Australia: 8.8%
- Western Australia: data not available
- Tasmania: 2.0%
- Northern Territory: 1.7%
- Australian Capital Territory: 1.2%
While we don't have state-specific midwife earnings, the general state indices give a clue. For example, the ACT index is 109.9, Western Australia 106.9, and NSW 101.2 – all above the national line. Victoria and Queensland are slightly below at 98 and 97.9. A midwife working in Canberra or Perth might see higher pay than one in Hobart or Adelaide, reflecting local labour markets and cost of living.
Industry context: health care and social assistance
Midwives are part of the Health Care and Social Assistance industry, which has an index of 97.8 – slightly below the national average. But midwives themselves earn above that industry benchmark (index ~101.5). This suggests that midwifery is a relatively well-paid speciality within the sector, likely due to the advanced qualifications and responsibility involved.
Superannuation and tax considerations
From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12%. On a midwife salary of $109,928, that adds about $13,191 in super contributions. For tax, using the 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare), the tax on $109,928 would be roughly $23,498, plus the 2% Medicare levy ($2,199), leaving a take-home of about $84,231 (before any HELP or salary sacrifice). These figures are illustrative; actual amounts depend on individual circumstances.
How the salary index works
The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national line of 100, which is set at $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). To calculate an index, divide the annual salary by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For a midwife earning $109,928, that's (109928 / 108352) × 100 = 101.5. The index helps you see where a pay figure sits relative to the average Australian worker.
Putting it all together
A midwife salary in Australia is competitive. The median full-time earner sits just above the national average, and award minimums provide a solid floor that increases with experience. State and industry differences matter, but midwives generally earn more than the health care industry average. Whether you're entering the profession or comparing offers, the salary index gives a quick sense of where you stand.
For more context, explore pay guides for other health professions, or see how your state compares. The industries page also shows how health care stacks up against mining, retail, and professional services.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum award rate for a midwife in Australia?
Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a midwife classified as a Health Professional Level 1 with AQF Level 5 qualifications earns a minimum weekly rate of $1,232.70 (1st year) to $1,541.30 (7th year+), equivalent to $32.44 to $40.56 per hour. These rates were updated from 1 October 2026 following the Annual Wage Review and gender undervaluation adjustments.
How does the midwife salary compare to the national average?
The median full-time midwife salary of $2,114 per week annualises to about $109,928, giving a salary index of roughly 101.5. This is just above the national line of 100 ($108,352). It also exceeds the health care and social assistance industry index of 97.8, reflecting the specialised nature of midwifery.
Does the midwife salary vary by state?
While state-specific midwife earnings are not published, the distribution of midwives varies: NSW employs 32%, Victoria 23.6%, Queensland 20.7%, and South Australia 8.8%. General state indices suggest pay levels are higher in ACT (109.9) and WA (106.9) and lower in Tasmania (88.6) and SA (94.6). Midwives in higher-index states may earn more due to overall market conditions.