How much does a Certified Nurse Midwife make?
A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) provides care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. They also offer primary care to women throughout their lives. On average, CNMs make about $130,894 per year. This average comes from a range of salaries, from around $48,734 to $205,920. The exact salary can depend on many factors, such as location, years of experience, and the setting in which they work.
CNMs can find employment in a variety of locations, including hospitals, clinics, birthing centers, and private practices. Locations with a higher cost of living usually offer higher salaries. Experience also plays a key role in determining salary. Entry-level CNMs might start on the lower end of the scale, while those with several years of experience can earn towards the higher end. Additionally, CNMs working in urban areas or specialized practices may earn more due to increased demand and competition.
What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Nurse Midwife?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $220,911
In San Francisco, healthcare professionals enjoy a vibrant community. The city offers many job opportunities at renowned hospitals like UCSF Health and Zuckerberg San Francisco General.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $183,172
San Diego is a top choice for those in the medical field. The city provides excellent positions at institutions such as UC San Diego Health and Sharp HealthCare.
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Chico, CA
Average Salary: $160,924
Chico offers a more relaxed environment with a strong focus on community care. Butte Memorial Hospital is a leading employer in the area, providing quality positions.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $154,595
Modesto combines a smaller city feel with a growing healthcare sector. Adventist Health and Memorial Medical Center offer various opportunities for skilled professionals.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $149,926
Portland has a thriving healthcare industry. Oregon Health & Science University and Providence Health & Services are prominent employers in the city.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $149,005
Los Angeles offers a bustling environment with numerous job opportunities. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente are well-known employers in the city.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $139,629
Sacramento provides a diverse range of healthcare positions. Sutter Health and UC Davis Health are leading organizations in the area.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $132,389
Seattle is known for its excellent healthcare facilities. Virginia Mason Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center offer many job opportunities for skilled professionals.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $131,071
Baltimore offers a rich history and diverse healthcare options. Johns Hopkins Medicine and University of Maryland Medical Center are major employers in the city.
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Fargo, ND
Average Salary: $129,809
Fargo provides a smaller city experience with strong community support. Sanford Health and Essentia Health are key employers in the area.
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What are the best companies a Certified Nurse Midwife can work for?

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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $177,864
Kaiser Permanente offers Certified Nurse Midwife jobs with competitive salaries. This health care giant operates in multiple states, including California, Oregon, and Washington. Opportunities exist in various locations, providing comprehensive patient care.
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Saint Peter's Healthcare System
Average Salary: $163,528
Saint Peter's Healthcare System provides rewarding Certified Nurse Midwife positions. They operate in New Jersey, offering diverse locations and an environment focused on patient care. Staff enjoy a supportive workplace with excellent benefits.
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PeaceHealth
Average Salary: $159,998
PeaceHealth offers Certified Nurse Midwife jobs with a strong emphasis on community health. They have locations in Washington and Oregon. PeaceHealth values its staff and offers a collaborative and respectful work environment.
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Denver Health
Average Salary: $134,137
Denver Health provides Certified Nurse Midwife jobs in Colorado. They offer competitive salaries and a diverse work environment. Employees enjoy a range of benefits and a supportive team culture.
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Essentia Health
Average Salary: $133,250
Essentia Health offers Certified Nurse Midwife positions across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. They provide a collaborative work environment with a focus on patient care. Employees benefit from a supportive team and excellent benefits.
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Stony Brook University Medical Center
Average Salary: $132,500
Stony Brook University Medical Center offers Certified Nurse Midwife jobs on Long Island, New York. They provide competitive salaries and a stimulating work environment. The center is known for its dedication to patient care and staff development.
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OnPoint Medical Group
Average Salary: $125,833
OnPoint Medical Group offers Certified Nurse Midwife positions in Colorado. They provide a collaborative and supportive work environment. Opportunities include working in various locations, offering flexibility and a range of benefits.
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Unified Women’s Healthcare
Average Salary: $124,433
Unified Women’s Healthcare offers Certified Nurse Midwife jobs across multiple states. They focus on providing high-quality patient care and offer a supportive work environment. Staff enjoy a range of benefits and professional development opportunities.
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U.S. Air Force
Average Salary: $57,088
The U.S. Air Force offers Certified Nurse Midwife positions with opportunities to serve across the country and internationally. They provide competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. This role offers unique experiences and professional growth.
How to earn more as a Certified Nurse Midwife?
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) have the opportunity to earn a rewarding salary. Their work in healthcare is vital and appreciated. Increasing earnings as a CNM involves several key strategies. These strategies help CNMs advance their careers and improve their financial standing.
To increase earnings, CNMs can take several steps. Specialization is one important factor. CNMs can choose to specialize in areas such as neonatal care or women's health. Specializations often come with higher pay. Continuing education is another key factor. Keeping skills up-to-date through additional training can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Gaining experience in various settings also plays a role. Working in different types of healthcare facilities can open more career paths. Networking with other professionals in the field helps CNMs find better job opportunities. Lastly, negotiating salaries wisely can lead to higher pay. Understanding the value of their skills allows CNMs to ask for fair compensation.
Here are five factors that can help CNMs earn more:
- Specialization in a specific area of midwifery
- Continuing education and additional certifications
- Experience in various healthcare settings
- Building a strong professional network
- Effective salary negotiation skills



