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How to Become A Midwife

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What is a Midwife

A midwife guides women through pregnancy, birth, and the early days after having a baby. It is a career built on skill, trust, and real human connection. Midwives work in hospitals, community health centres, and home birth settings all over Australia.

Every day, midwives run check-ups, monitor mums and babies, and help with labour. They deliver care that keeps both mother and child safe. They also teach families what to expect and answer questions along the way.

Midwives also work as part of a broader health team. They know when to call in a doctor or specialist. They make sure each woman’s wishes are heard and respected. Their advocacy makes a real difference to the birth experience.

To work as a midwife in Australia, you need a recognised degree. You must also register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The average salary is around $96,000 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025), and future demand for midwives is rated as strong by yourcareer.gov.au.

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Career Outlook for Midwife

Midwifery offers a stable and growing career path in Australia. Around 19,400 midwives are currently employed, with future demand rated as strong by yourcareer.gov.au (2025). The health care and social assistance sector is the primary employer. Roles are available in every state and territory, with strong demand in rural, regional, and remote areas.

Most midwives enter the profession in their mid-to-late 20s after a three-year Bachelor of Midwifery. The median age is 38 years (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Full-time midwives work an average of 41 hours per week. Shift work, nights, and weekends are common in hospital settings. About 57% of midwives work part-time (JSA, 2025).

Career growth is strong. Entry-level roles start at around $76,000 a year. The average is $96,000, with senior and specialist roles reaching $115,000 or more (Healthcare Australia, 2026). Advanced roles include consultant midwife, clinical midwifery specialist, and management or research positions. Continuing professional development (CPD) is needed for annual NMBA registration renewal.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Midwife

Step 1: Complete Year 12 with a focus on science subjects

Finish secondary school with strong results in biology and chemistry. These subjects build the foundation for your midwifery studies. Most universities need a strong ATAR or equivalent, so check the entry requirements for your preferred institution early.

Step 2: Complete a Bachelor of Midwifery

Enrol in an accredited Bachelor of Midwifery at an Australian university. This three-year full-time degree covers anatomy, physiology, obstetric care, neonatal care, and clinical practice. It includes mandatory clinical placements in hospitals and community health settings. The degree is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). Check the current accreditation status at anmac.org.au before enrolling.

Step 3: Complete your clinical placement hours

During your degree, you will complete supervised clinical placements. The NMBA requires graduates to have attended a set number of births and clinical hours. These placements take place in hospitals, birthing centres, and community health services. Use this time to build skills and professional networks.

Step 4: Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)

After graduating, apply for registration through AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). Registration needs proof of your accredited qualification, evidence of clinical hours, a current criminal history check, and a health declaration. Registration must be renewed each year. Visit nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au for the current requirements.

Step 5: Consider a graduate midwifery program

Many hospitals offer a 12-month graduate midwifery program for newly registered midwives. These programs provide structured supervision and rotations across maternity services. Check with your state or territory health service for available programs.

Step 6: Pursue postgraduate specialisation (optional)

With experience, you can progress to specialist roles through postgraduate study. Options include a Graduate Certificate or Master of Midwifery. Common specialisations are neonatal intensive care, maternal fetal medicine, and midwifery education. These take 1-2 years part-time. They are offered by Australian universities and the Australian College of Midwives (ACM).

What does a Midwife do?

A midwife is hands-on from the very start of the maternity journey. Day to day, they run prenatal check-ups, monitor mums and babies throughout pregnancy, and help women prepare for labour. When birth day arrives, midwives are right there: supporting, guiding, and managing any complications. After the birth, they help with recovery, assist with breastfeeding, and answer the many questions new parents have. Midwives work across hospitals, community health centres, and home birth programs, often building strong relationships with the families they support.

Tasks

Midwives are at the heart of maternity care in Australia. They support women and families from the first prenatal visit right through to the postnatal period. Here is what a midwife does on a typical day.

  • Run prenatal check-ups: monitor the health of the mother and baby throughout pregnancy through screenings and assessments.
  • Teach and prepare families: cover pregnancy health, birth options, and what to expect in the early weeks.
  • Support women during labour: provide hands-on care, manage pain relief options, and track labour progress.
  • Assist with delivery: help with the birth and provide immediate newborn care.
  • Perform postnatal care: check on mum and baby after birth, support breastfeeding, and address recovery concerns.
  • Spot and respond to complications: detect warning signs such as pre-eclampsia or fetal distress and escalate quickly.
  • Work with the health team: liaise with obstetricians, paediatricians, and other professionals to ensure coordinated care.
  • Support emotional wellbeing: offer reassurance and practical help, and refer to mental health support when needed.

Skills for Success

To thrive as a midwife, you need strong clinical skills and strong people skills. Both are used every single day.

Empathy, patience, and clear communication are at the top of the list. You will explain medical information to people in the middle of one of life’s biggest moments. Plain, calm language matters a great deal. You also need to work well in a team. Midwives work closely with doctors, nurses, and allied health staff every day.

On the clinical side, you need strong assessment skills and attention to detail. Staying calm when things move fast is also key. Resilience helps when shifts run long and situations are high pressure. A passion for women’s health will carry you through a demanding but deeply rewarding career.

Skills & Attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Clinical assessment and decision-making
  • Attention to detail
  • Physical stamina and resilience
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Knowledge of obstetric and neonatal care
  • Time management and organisation
  • Cultural sensitivity and inclusive practice
  • Commitment to continuing professional development
  • Emotional support and clear communication

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a midwife in Australia is around $96,000 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Pay grows with experience and location. Entry-level roles start near $76,000. Senior midwives can earn $115,000 or more (Healthcare Australia, 2026).

min $76 K

max $115 K

av $96 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.