Midwife
Care for women through pregnancy, birth and the early days with a new baby.
This UK midwife career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,407 (NHS Band 5)
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £43,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £75,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, birthing unit or community
- Time to entry
- 3 years (BSc Midwifery)
- Degree required
- Required
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
What a Midwife does
Care for women through pregnancy, birth and the early days with a new baby.
- Community Midwifery - Antenatal and postnatal care in community clinics and homes.
- Hospital Labour Ward - Intrapartum care in obstetric units.
- Antenatal Care - Specialist clinics, screening and education.
- Postnatal and Infant Feeding - Postnatal support including IBCLC pathways.
- High-risk Pregnancy - Caseload midwifery for complex and high-risk pregnancies.
How to become a Midwife
- Look up Midwife roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Midwife - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Clinical skills
- Empathy
- Calm under pressure
- Communication
- Stamina