Midwives

Provide prenatal care and childbirth assistance.

SOC: 29-9099.01

Common Job Titles

Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)Homebirth MidwifeLicensed Certified Professional MidwifeLicensed Midwife (LM)

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onPerform comprehensive prenatal examinations and fetal monitoring using doppler units, ultrasound imaging, and external fetal monitors in clinical and home settings.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate maternal and fetal health status during labor and delivery by analyzing vital signs, laboratory results, and clinical indicators to ensure safe outcomes.
  • MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with evidence-based obstetric practices while supporting maternal autonomy and informed decision-making throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
  • KnowledgeDesign individualized birth plans and care strategies by synthesizing medical history, psychosocial factors, and patient preferences within evidence-based guidelines.
  • KnowledgeFormulate evidence-based patient education programs on prenatal health, breastfeeding, and newborn care tailored to diverse populations and individual learning needs.
  • Hands-onExecute precisely childbirth assistance procedures including episiotomy repair and newborn resuscitation using sterile technique and specialized obstetric instruments in time-sensitive situations.
  • KnowledgeAssess obstetric emergencies and complications requiring medical intervention through critical analysis of maternal-fetal status and rapid decision-making under pressure.
  • MindsetSupport emotional and psychological well-being of patients and families during prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care through active listening and therapeutic communication.
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex medical information and test results for patients and families using culturally sensitive communication to ensure comprehension and informed consent.
  • Hands-onCoordinate multidisciplinary care activities with obstetricians, pediatricians, and nursing staff to ensure continuity of care across prenatal, delivery, and postpartum phases.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate compliance with clinical protocols and regulatory standards through systematic documentation in electronic medical record systems and quality assurance reviews.
  • MindsetAdvocate for patient rights, safety, and optimal birthing experiences when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and navigating healthcare systems.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Midwives (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

36,970

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$37,220
10% of workers earn the following or more$127,340
Workers on average earn$73,200

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
  • Medicine and Dentistry4.5/5
  • Psychology4.2/5
  • Therapy and Counseling3.9/5
  • English Language3.6/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Extensible markup language XMLMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

AS/400 DatabaseEmail softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwarePatient electronic medical record EMR softwarePrivate PracticeWeb browser software

Tools & Equipment

Automated blood pressure cuffsAutomated external defibrillators AEDBaby scalesBedpansBlood drawing syringesBlood glucometersDesktop computersDigital medical thermometers