What is the minimum wage for a midwife in Australia?

The legal minimum for a midwife covered by the Nurses Award 2020 is at least the Registered Nurse level 1, pay point 1 rate of $32.09 per hour (as at 1 July 2026). This applies to full-time and part-time employees; casuals receive a 25% loading on top. Many midwives are classified at higher pay points or levels, so the actual minimum depends on qualifications and experience. The award also sets higher rates for enrolled nurses and midwives with postgraduate qualifications.

How does superannuation affect my take-home pay as a midwife?

Superannuation is paid by your employer on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the Super Guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For example, if your base salary is $80,000, your employer must contribute an extra $9,600 to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional benefit. Your take-home pay is your salary after tax and any salary sacrifice arrangements.

Is the median midwife salary of $56 per hour guaranteed for all midwives?

No. The $56 per hour figure is the median hourly earnings for full-time midwives reported by the ABS from the Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025. It represents the middle point of all full-time midwives' earnings – half earn more, half earn less. Your actual rate depends on your classification, experience, location, and whether you work in the public or private sector. The legal minimum under the award is lower, and many midwives earn above the median.

Midwife Salary Australia: Award Rates, Median Pay, and What You Take Home

The minimum hourly rate for a registered nurse (midwife) under the Nurses Award 2020 is $32.09, while the ABS reports a median hourly earnings of $56 for full-time midwives.

Midwife Salary Australia: Understanding the Pay Floor and the Median

When researching a midwife salary Australia, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages and negotiated rates. This guide uses the most current public figures from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to give you a clear picture.

The Legal Minimum: Nurses Award 2020

Most midwives in Australia are covered by the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034). The Fair Work Commission sets the award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces them. Under this award, a midwife is classified as a registered nurse (RN) or enrolled nurse depending on their qualifications. The minimum hourly rate for a Registered Nurse level 1, pay point 1 is $32.09 per hour as at 1 July 2026. For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, that equals $1,219.50 per week. Casual midwives receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $40.11 per hour.

Higher classifications attract higher minimums. For example, an RN level 2 pay point 1 starts at $39.59 per hour, and an RN level 5 grade 6 can reach $71.23 per hour. Midwives with a four-year degree or master’s degree have separate minimum rates of $33.51 and $34.66 per hour respectively. These are the legal floors – your employer must pay at least these amounts, but a modern award, enterprise agreement, or individual contract can set a higher rate.

The Median: What Midwives Actually Earn

The ABS, through Jobs and Skills Australia, provides median earnings data for midwives (ANZSCO 2541). Based on the Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, the median full-time weekly earnings for midwives is $2,114, and the median hourly earnings is $56. This is significantly above the award minimum and also above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week. Note that only 43% of midwives work full-time hours, so part-time and casual arrangements are common.

These median figures are a guide, not a guarantee. Your actual salary depends on your experience, location, employer (public hospital, private practice, or agency), and any enterprise agreements that may top up the award.

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

When discussing pay, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the Super Guarantee rate is 12%. For a midwife earning the median $2,114 per week, the employer would add $253.68 to super each week. This is not deducted from your take-home pay; it is an extra benefit for your retirement.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your take-home pay depends on your total taxable income and the tax rates for the 2026–27 financial year. For a midwife earning the median full-time salary of approximately $109,928 per year ($2,114 × 52), the estimated tax (including Medicare levy at 2%) would be around $26,000–$28,000, leaving a net annual income of roughly $82,000–$84,000. This is a rough estimate and does not include the low-income tax offset, HELP repayments, or salary sacrifice. Use the ATO’s tax calculator for a personalised figure.

How the Figures Work Together

Award minimum: $32.09/h (RN level 1) – the legal floor.
Median earnings: $56/h – what half of full-time midwives earn or more.
National minimum wage: $26.44/h – the backstop for award-free workers, but midwives are almost always covered by the award.

For more details on how these rates are calculated, see our How the figures work page. You can also browse Rate tables for other health occupations.

Key Points to Remember

The Nurses Award 2020 sets the legal minimum for midwives. Check your classification and pay point.
The ABS median is a survey average, not a guaranteed rate.
Super is paid on top of your salary at 12%.
Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can provide higher pay than the award.
Always confirm your exact rate with your employer or union.

This guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.