Midwives

Midwives focus on assisting and caring for others by guiding patients through pregnancy and labor. On a daily basis, these professionals gather information, monitor physical processes, and make critical decisions to ensure the safety of both parent and child. They document medical records, communicate closely with colleagues, and work directly with the public.

Success in this role requires strong social perceptiveness, active listening, and critical thinking. Midwives must understand medicine, biology, psychology, and counseling to address the physical and emotional needs of their patients. Because this work involves high-stakes medical situations, individuals must demonstrate empathy, dependability, self-control, and a high tolerance for stress. They use cautiousness and attention to detail to solve complex medical problems while maintaining supportive, cooperative relationships with the families they serve.

To enter this field, individuals typically need a postsecondary certificate, though extensive preparation is common. Most professionals in this occupation hold a graduate degree, such as a master's degree, PhD, MD, or JD. Relevant college majors include alternative and complementary medicine, health professions education, ethics and humanities, and health and medical administrative services.

Various professional certifications are available to establish credentials in this field. These include Birth Doula Certification from DONA International or the International Childbirth Education Association, Certified Labor Doula from the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association, and Certified Lactation Counselor from the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. Additionally, practitioners can earn the Certified Midwife credential from the American Midwifery Certification Board or become a Certified Postpartum Doula. Some states also list a license for this work.

The median annual pay for midwives is $65,790, though this figure is for the broader BLS group of healthcare practitioners and technical workers, all other. Earnings vary significantly based on experience, location, and education, with the lowest 10% earning less than $38,660 and the highest 10% earning more than $129,830.

There are 35,010 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 5.1%, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 2,200 job openings each year.