Nurse Midwife Salary in California
Based on 870+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$203,840
$98.00/hr
vs National Average
$132,814
+53.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$141K – $228K
870 employed in California
Nurse Midwife salary in California is notably competitive, with a median annual salary of $203,840. This figure reflects the state's high cost of living and strong demand for maternal healthcare professionals. Currently, approximately 870 nurse midwives work throughout California, contributing to a robust healthcare workforce in the state.
Several factors influence Nurse Midwife salary in California, including years of experience, geographic location within the state, employer type, and specialized credentials. Advanced certifications and additional training can lead to higher compensation. Urban areas with greater population density and healthcare infrastructure typically offer higher salaries than rural regions, while both hospital and independent practice settings may provide different financial opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Nurse Midwife in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $140,970 |
| 25th percentile | $176,080 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $203,840 |
| 75th percentile | $216,560 |
| 90th percentile | $227,590 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nurse Midwife (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nurse Midwifes the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nurse Midwifes in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $134,150 | 8K |
| Educational Services | $133,830 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nurse Midwife in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $177,800 |
| 2023 | $189,770 |
| 2024 | $196,700 |
| 2025 | $203,840 |
| 2026 (projected) | $211,239 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $177,800 | $119,060 |
| 2023 | $189,770 | $126,766 |
| 2024 | $196,700 | $126,779 |
| 2025 | $203,840 | $132,814 |
| 2026 (projected) | $211,239 | $137,635 |
Nurse Midwife Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $176,080 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $203,840 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $216,560 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $227,590 |
Nurse Midwife Salary in Other States
Related Nurse Midwife Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Nurse Midwife ($203,840 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nurse Midwife | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +73.4% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +54.0% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +47.8% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +43.5% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +32.7% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +23.6% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +5.1% | $102.95/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | -1.2% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | -8.9% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | -17.3% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | -18.6% | $79.78/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CA | $165,650 | -18.7% | $79.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse midwives make in California?
- Nurse midwives in California earn a median salary of $203,840 per year, or $98 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 53.5% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for nurse midwives in California?
- The salary range for nurse midwives in California spans from $140,970 to $227,590 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and employer type.
Is being a nurse midwife in California more lucrative than the national average?
- Yes, nurse midwives in California earn 53.5% more than the national average, with a median salary of $203,840 compared to significantly lower wages in other states. This makes California one of the most lucrative locations for this profession.
How many nurse midwives are employed in California?
- There are currently 870 nurse midwives employed in California, according to the latest employment data. This represents the total workforce of professionals in this specialized healthcare field across the state.