Midwife Salary UK 2026
NHS midwives are paid on the Agenda for Change pay framework. Newly qualified midwives start at Band 5; experienced and specialist midwives can reach Band 8a as consultant midwives.
Midwife Salary Pay Scale 2026
| Grade / Band | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Band 5 | £29,970 – £36,483 | Newly Qualified Midwife (NQM) |
| Band 6 | £37,338 – £44,962 | Senior Midwife / Specialist |
| Band 7 | £46,148 – £52,809 | Advanced Midwife / Team Leader |
| Band 8a | £53,755 – £60,504 | Consultant Midwife |
Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), NHS Agenda for Change 2026, sector salary surveys and advertised vacancy data. Figures are estimates; individual salaries vary.
About Midwife Salary Pay
Midwives in the UK must hold a three-year BSc in Midwifery (or an 18-month postgraduate programme for nurses) and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Employed almost entirely by NHS Trusts, midwives follow the Agenda for Change pay framework across England, Scotland and Wales (with slight variations in Scotland).
Band 6 midwives take on specialist or complex care responsibilities — including caseload midwifery, continuity of care models, and high-dependency care. Supervisor, practice development and education roles also typically sit at Band 6–7. The NMC mandates continuing professional development to maintain registration.
Independent midwifery is a small but growing sector. Independent midwives charge £3,000–£6,000+ for antenatal, birth and postnatal care packages. This allows more continuity of carer and often attracts mothers seeking home births. Independent midwives must carry professional indemnity insurance and be NMC registered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do midwives earn in the UK?
Newly qualified midwives start at NHS Band 5 (£29,970–£36,483). Senior midwives on Band 6 earn £37,338–£44,962, and advanced midwives at Band 7 earn £46,148–£52,809. Consultant midwives at Band 8a earn £53,755–£60,504. The median midwife salary across all grades is approximately £40,000.
How long does it take to qualify as a midwife?
The standard route is a three-year BSc (Hons) Midwifery. Registered nurses may qualify via an 18-month shortened programme. All qualified midwives must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and renew their registration every three years via revalidation.
Is there a midwife shortage in the UK?
Yes. NHS England has reported persistent midwifery workforce shortages since the 2010s, worsened by attrition, burnout and improved post-pandemic retirement. Some trusts pay retention payments and enhanced offers to newly qualified midwives. The Royal College of Midwives has lobbied for improved pay and working conditions to address the shortfall.