Midwifery salary guide: what you can expect to take home in 2026–27

Understanding the midwifery salary landscape

If you are a midwife or considering the profession, knowing what you can expect to earn and take home after tax is essential. This guide uses the latest public data from Jobs and Skills Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman to give you a clear picture of the midwifery salary in Australia for the 2026–27 tax year.

Median earnings for midwives

According to , the median full-time weekly earnings for midwives are $2,114 before tax, with a median hourly rate of $56. This is based on the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025. The data also shows that 43% of midwives work full-time hours, with an average of 41 hours per week. The median age is 38, and the workforce is 100% female.

How it compares to benchmarks

To put this in perspective, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week (Minimum wage). The median midwifery hourly rate is more than double that. Meanwhile, the ABS average full-time ordinary time earnings (excluding overtime and employer super) is $2,083.70 per week (Benchmarks). The midwifery median sits slightly above that, showing the profession is well compensated relative to the broader workforce.

Estimating your take-home pay

Your take-home pay is what reaches your bank account after income tax and the Medicare levy. Using the 2026–27 tax rates and the median weekly salary of $2,114:

• Annual gross: $2,114 × 52 = $109,928
• Income tax: $4,020 plus 30c for each dollar over $45,000 = $23,498
• Medicare levy: 2% of taxable income = $2,199 (full rate applies as income exceeds the single upper threshold of $35,013)
• Total deductions: $25,697
• Annual take-home: $84,231
• Weekly take-home: $1,620
• Fortnightly take-home: $3,240

This estimate does not include the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) because at this income level it phases out to zero. It also excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, and any salary packaging arrangements. For a personalised calculation, use our Take-home pay guide or the Clearance tool.

Award coverage and superannuation

Midwives are typically covered by the Nurses Award 2010, not the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for the Nurses Award, which includes classification levels and penalty rates. The median earnings from Jobs and Skills Australia reflect actual market pay, which may be above award minimums.

Employer superannuation contributions are 12% from 1 July 2026, on top of your salary. The median figure quoted is before tax and does not include super. If your employment contract states "plus super," your total remuneration package is higher, but super is not part of your take-home pay.

Part-time and casual considerations

With 57% of midwives working part-time, your actual weekly earnings may vary. Part-time rates are proportional to full-time, and casual employees receive a loading (typically 25%) in lieu of paid leave. The median hourly rate of $56 is a useful benchmark regardless of hours.

Medicare levy thresholds

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. For single people, the levy is reduced or waived if your taxable income is below certain thresholds. The latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 (lower) and $35,013 (upper). If your income is between these, the levy is 10c per dollar over the lower threshold. Full-time midwives will almost always pay the full 2% because their income exceeds $35,013.

Final thoughts

The midwifery salary in Australia is strong, sitting above the national average for full-time workers. Use the figures here as a guide, and always check your specific award or enterprise agreement for exact rates. For more on tax and Medicare, see Tax and Medicare.

Resident estimate only. Excludes HELP/HECS, Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll tax-table rounding. Not an assessment.