Midwife Salary: How Your Take-Home Pay Compares to the National Average

Midwife Salary in Australia: What You Really Take Home

If you’re a midwife or considering the profession, understanding your midwife salary after tax is key to planning your finances. The latest data from Jobs and Skills Australia shows that the median full-time weekly earnings for midwives are $2,114 – that’s about $109,928 annually before tax. This figure places the typical midwife well above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) and slightly above the full-time adult ordinary time earnings benchmark of $2,083.70 per week.

How Midwife Pay Compares to Benchmarks

The national minimum wage, set by Fair Work from 1 July 2026, is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. The average full-time adult ordinary time earnings (excluding overtime and employer super) are $2,083.70 per week, according to the ABS. At $2,114 per week, the median midwife earns about 1.5% more than that average – a solid position in the Australian workforce. However, only 43% of midwives work full-time hours, so part-time and casual roles will see lower weekly pay.

What Your Take-Home Pay Looks Like

Using the 2026–27 tax rates, a midwife earning the median $109,928 would pay:

• Income tax: $4,020 plus 30¢ for every dollar over $45,000 = $23,498
• Medicare levy: 2% of taxable income = $2,199 (the full rate applies because your income exceeds the single upper threshold of $35,013)
• Total deductions: $25,697
• Take-home pay: approximately $84,231 per year, or $3,239 per fortnight

This is a resident estimate only and excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll rounding. For a more precise calculation, visit our Take-home pay guide.

The Role of Superannuation

Employer super contributions are not deducted from your salary – they are paid on top. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So your total employment package (salary plus super) would be around $123,119. Remember, super is locked away until retirement and isn’t part of your take-home pay.

Award Coverage and Minimum Rates

Midwives are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the official minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. While the award sets a floor, most midwives earn above it – the median salary is a more realistic guide. The award’s health professional classifications have specific pay points that increase with experience, but the Jobs and Skills Australia data reflects the market rate.

Factors That Affect Your Midwife Salary

• Employment type: Full-time, part-time, or casual – part-time workers earn proportionally less but have more flexibility.
• Location: Salaries can vary between states and metropolitan versus regional areas.
• Experience: Senior midwives and those in specialist roles earn more.
• Shift penalties: Weekend, public holiday, and night shifts attract higher rates under the award.