Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.
SOC: 29-1161.00
Common Job Titles
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Nurse Midwife
Staff Certified Nurse Midwife
Staff Nurse Midwife
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeSynthesize evidence-based medicine and clinical guidelines for comprehensive well-woman gynecological care incorporating knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic interventions when providing primary and preventive services.
Advanced
KnowledgeAssess maternal and fetal health status throughout the birthing process using fetal heart rate monitors, laboratory results, and clinical assessment techniques in labor and delivery settings.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate complex obstetric and gynecological conditions integrating patient history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic test results to formulate evidence-based care plans.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform comprehensive prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum examinations using specialized equipment including colposcopes, vaginal speculums, and ultrasound probes independently or as part of interdisciplinary teams.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute precisely obstetrical procedures including episiotomy repair, suturing, and neonatal resuscitation following clinical protocols under time-sensitive conditions to ensure maternal and infant safety.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with cultural sensitivity and psychological support when addressing emotionally charged situations throughout prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postpartum periods.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate informed decision-making and patient autonomy throughout reproductive healthcare while navigating ethical considerations, legal requirements, and diverse cultural beliefs in birthing and gynecological care.
Proficient
KnowledgeCoordinate multidisciplinary care plans involving obstetricians, pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and social services documenting patient information in electronic health record systems such as Epic or Cerner to ensure care continuity.
Proficient
MindsetEngage patients and families in prenatal education, birthing preparation, and postpartum care instruction using therapeutic counseling and teaching strategies to promote maternal-infant health outcomes.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret clinical monitoring data including vital signs, fetal heart rate patterns, and labor progression parameters in real-time during labor and delivery to identify and respond to potential complications.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Nurse Midwives (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
8,280
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $74,670. 25th percentile: U.S. $104,260. 50th percentile: U.S. $128,790. 75th percentile: U.S. $146,520. 90th percentile: U.S. $177,040. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$74,670
10% of workers earn the following or more
$177,040
Workers on average earn
$128,110
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
Psychology4.3/5
Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
English Language4.2/5
Biology4.1/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
