Midwife Pay Rate in VIC 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for midwives in Victoria under the Nurses Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Midwife — Minimum Pay Rate (VIC)
Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034)
$31.35
Base rate/hr
$39.19
Casual rate/hr
Midwives provide care to women during pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postnatal period. They work in hospitals, birth centres, and community settings.
Victoria Note
Victoria has state-based long service leave that may differ from the NES. Check your entitlements with the Victorian Wage Inspectorate.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Midwife
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $31.35/hr | $1,191.30 | $61,947.60 |
| Part-time (adult) | $31.35/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $39.19/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Nurses Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Midwife
Saturday
$47.03/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$54.86/hr
1.75x base
Public Holiday
$78.38/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($31.35/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Nurses Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RN Level 1 (Year 1) | Registered midwife — first year | $31.35 | $39.19 | $61,947.60 |
| RN Level 1 (Year 4+) | Registered midwife — 4+ years experience | $33.42 | $41.78 | $66,037.92 |
| RN Level 2 | Clinical midwife / team leader | $35.50 | $44.38 | $70,148.00 |
| RN Level 3 | Midwifery unit manager / educator | $37.80 | $47.25 | $74,692.80 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Midwife?
Midwives frequently work irregular hours including overnight shifts. Common underpayment issues include incorrect shift penalty calculations and unpaid on-call time.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse | $30.71/hr | $38.39/hr | $53.74/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a midwife get paid per hour in Victoria?
The minimum hourly rate for a midwife in Victoria is $31.35/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $39.19/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a midwife?
The minimum wage for a midwife is $31.35 per hour ($1,191.30 per week for a 38-hour week, or $61,947.60 per year). This is set by the Nurses Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers midwives?
Midwives are covered by the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do midwives get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Nurses Award 2020, midwives receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($47.03/hr) and 1.75x on Sundays ($54.86/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($78.38/hr).
What is the casual rate for a midwife?
The casual rate for a midwife is $39.19/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $31.35/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old midwife get paid?
Midwives are registered health professionals and are not subject to junior rates. The Nurses Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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