What is the minimum wage for a midwife in Australia?

The minimum wage for a midwife is set by the Nurses Award 2020. As of 1 July 2026, a midwife classified as a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 must be paid at least $32.09 per hour (or $1,219.50 per week for a full-time employee). Higher classifications, such as RN Level 2 or Level 3, have higher minimum rates.

Do midwives receive superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee, currently 12% of ordinary time earnings, into a complying super fund on top of the midwife's base salary. This is not deducted from the employee's pay.

Can a midwife be paid less than the award rate?

No. The award rate is the legal minimum. However, if a midwife is covered by a registered enterprise agreement, that agreement may set different (usually higher) rates. Introductory rates for new employees may apply for a limited time, but these cannot fall below $25.74 per hour. Junior rates do not apply to midwives as they are adult professionals.

Midwife salary: award minimums and how to check your pay

The minimum hourly rate for a midwife classified as a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 is $32.09 under the Nurses Award 2020, well above the national minimum wage of $26.44.

Understanding the midwife salary floor

If you are a midwife or employ one, knowing the legal minimum pay is essential. The term midwife salary often refers to what an employer actually pays, but the starting point is the minimum rate set by the Nurses Award 2020, which covers midwives because midwifery is part of nursing care. The Fair Work Commission sets these award rates each year, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces them.

Midwives are typically classified as Registered Nurses (RN) under the award. The classification depends on experience, qualifications, and level of responsibility. For example, a newly graduated midwife with a bachelor’s degree is usually an RN Level 1 Pay Point 1. A more experienced midwife may be RN Level 1 Pay Point 8 or RN Level 2. The award provides minimum weekly and hourly rates for each pay point.

Legal minimum vs award rate vs market rate

It is important to separate three different figures:

National minimum wage: $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026). This applies only to employees not covered by an award or agreement. Midwives are covered by the Nurses Award, so this floor does not directly apply to them.
Award minimum rate: For an RN Level 1 Pay Point 1, the minimum is $32.09 per hour. This is the legal minimum for that classification. Higher pay points pay more, up to $38.57 per hour for RN Level 1 Pay Point 8, and $41.59 for RN Level 2 Pay Point 4.
Market or negotiated salary: Many midwives earn above the award minimum due to enterprise agreements, individual contracts, shift penalties, overtime, or allowances. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings across all occupations average $2,083.70 per week (May 2026), but this is not specific to midwives.

When discussing a midwife salary, always check which classification applies. The award also includes rates for enrolled nurses and assistants in nursing, but midwives are almost always registered nurses.

How to check your midwife salary

To verify that your pay meets the legal minimum, follow these steps:

Identify your classification under the Nurses Award 2020. Look at Schedule A of the award or ask your employer. Common classifications for midwives are Registered Nurse Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.
Find the minimum hourly rate for your pay point. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can calculate this, or you can refer to the award’s pay table. For example, an RN Level 1 Pay Point 1 must be paid at least $32.09 per hour.
Compare your hourly rate (before tax) to that minimum. If you are a casual employee, the award requires a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate, so the casual minimum for RN Level 1 Pay Point 1 is $40.11 per hour.
Remember superannuation: The employer must pay 12% super on top of your ordinary time earnings. This is not part of your take-home pay but is an additional benefit.
Check for enterprise agreements: If your workplace has a registered enterprise agreement, it may set different rates. Those rates must still be higher than the award minimum overall.

Our Rate tables provide a quick reference for award minimums, and our Guides explain how to use the Pay and Conditions Tool. If you are award-free, the Which minimum wage applies page can help you determine your correct floor.

What about part-time or casual midwives?

Part-time midwives work fewer than 38 hours per week and are paid pro-rata on the same hourly minimum as full-time employees. Casual midwives receive the 25% loading. The award also contains penalty rates for evening, weekend, and public holiday work, which can significantly increase take-home pay.

Common questions about midwife pay

Midwives often ask whether their salary is fair. The award minimum is a safety net, but many midwives earn more through experience, specialisation, or working in higher-level roles. For example, an RN Level 3 Pay Point 4 has a minimum of $45.27 per hour, and an RN Level 4 Grade 3 minimum is $55.57 per hour. These rates reflect greater responsibility, such as management or clinical specialist roles.

If you believe you are being underpaid, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice. Remember that the award minimum applies regardless of whether you are paid annually or hourly. Always convert your annual salary to an hourly rate by dividing by 52 weeks and then by 38 hours per week.

For more detail on how award rates are calculated, see our How the figures work page.