One of the benefits of working in healthcare is that you can travel pretty much wherever you want to practice medicine. With that being said, it can sometimes be difficult to choose where to relocate to while doing so. If you’re pursuing a career in medicine and you’re looking to become a Certified Nurse Midwife, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of 5 states that pay Certified Nurse Midwives the most. In this article, we’ve included the average Certified Nurse Midwife salary in each state and the concentration, or location quotient, of Certified Nurse Midwives in each state.

Note: The location quotient of each specialty is calculated by dividing the local concentration of the industry by the national concentration of the industry. If the location quotient is greater than 1, the industry makes up a larger share of that state’s employment than it does for the entire United States.

California

Average Annual Salary: $183,740

Location Quotient: 1.08

California stands out as the premier state for nurse midwives in terms of salary, with an average annual income of $183,740. Several factors drive this high compensation:

  1. Robust Healthcare System: California's extensive healthcare infrastructure supports a diverse population with comprehensive healthcare needs, including advanced maternity care.
  2. High Cost of Living: The state's elevated cost of living necessitates higher salaries to ensure a good quality of life for healthcare professionals.
  3. Diverse Job Opportunities: Nurse midwives in California can find employment in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and home birth services.

The state's progressive stance on healthcare and a strong emphasis on women's health further increase the demand for skilled nurse midwives.

Hawaii

Average Annual Salary: $161,820

Location Quotient: 1.58

Hawaii, renowned for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture, also offers a lucrative average salary of $161,820 for nurse midwives. The high cost of living in Hawaii is reflected in the competitive compensation packages for healthcare professionals.

Unique Healthcare Challenges

Nurse midwives in Hawaii face unique healthcare challenges, such as providing care to remote island communities. This demand for comprehensive maternity services in both clinical and non-traditional settings makes the profession highly valued in the state.

Massachusetts: 

Average Annual Salary: $154,080

Location Quotient: 1.11

Massachusetts is known for its exceptional healthcare system and prestigious medical institutions. Nurse midwives in this state enjoy an average annual salary of $154,080.

Commitment to Women’s Health

The state's dedication to advancing healthcare, especially in women's health and maternity care, boosts the demand for nurse midwives. Professionals in Massachusetts often collaborate with obstetricians and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care to expectant mothers and their families.

Maine

Average Annual Salary: $140,440

Location Quotient: 2.15

Maine ranks fourth in terms of nurse midwife salaries, with an average annual income of $140,440. The state is known for its stunning coastal landscapes and vibrant communities, offering a conducive environment for healthcare practitioners.

Recognition and Retention

Maine’s competitive compensation reflects its commitment to attracting and retaining top nursing talent, ensuring high-quality maternal and infant care. This recognition underscores the state's appreciation for nurse midwives and its prioritization of healthcare excellence.

Oregon

Average Annual Salary: $139,490

Location Quotient: 1.26

Oregon completes the list of top-paying states with an average annual salary of $139,490 for nurse midwives. The state's progressive approach to healthcare, particularly maternity care, makes it an appealing destination for professionals seeking competitive salaries.

Demand Across Urban and Rural Areas

Nurse midwives in Oregon are in demand both in urban centers and rural communities where maternity care services are often limited. Their ability to provide personalized care, including home births, aligns with the state’s healthcare goals and contributes to their favorable compensation.

There you have it – some of the most basic, but also important, information about becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife. Check out our job board to find your next practice opportunity, or register to attend an upcoming live or virtual career fair. It’s always nice to know what kind of salary you can expect! As always, you can contact us at information@practicematch.com with any questions or comments. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Paul Olzak, MBA, CPRP

With a career focused on healthcare Business Development and Service Line performance, Paul had recently been at the forefront redefining the traditional In-house Provider Recruiting role. In his position as Medical Staff Development Officer at University Hospitals, Lake Health Region in Cleveland, Ohio, Paul integrated collegial interaction, analytics, and provider experience expertise to drive a differentiated recruitment strategy.

 

Paul has brought that knowledge and experience to Client Sourcing at PracticeMatch. Joining PracticeMatch in 2021, Paul supports Client Sourcing’s pro-active recruiting model that generates a robust prospect pool, creates an effective and efficient recruiting experience, and identifies key metrics to ensure optimal performance for the client. Paul has a commitment to learning, development and passion for building a team of recruiting professionals to leverage their national footprint which benefits its client organizations and their candidates.