Nurse Midwives vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Nurse Midwives out-earn Registered Nurses by $36K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Nurse Midwives land at $134,040 and Registered Nurses at $97,550. The education gap is real: nurse midwife programs typically require master's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Nurse Midwives is California ($203,840); for Registered Nurses it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Nurse Midwives median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Nurse Midwives or Registered Nurses?
Nurse Midwives earn more nationally. The median is $134,040 for Nurse Midwives versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $36K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Nurse Midwives or Registered Nurses?
Nurse Midwives has the better 10-year outlook at 11.1% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Nurse Midwives or Registered Nurses?
Nurse Midwives typically requires master's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Nurse Midwives get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Nurse Midwives at $203,840/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Nurse Midwives vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Nurse Midwives earn $203,840 vs. $140,270 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.