Midwife Pay Rate WA 2026-27
Midwives in Western Australia earn at least $32.09/hr (RN Level 1 (Year 1)), $40.11/hr casual — about $1,219 a week full-time — under the Nurses Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Midwife — Minimum Pay Rate (WA)
Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034)
$32.09
Base rate/hr
$40.11
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.
Know someone on midwife pay?
Western Australia Note
Western Australia has a state industrial relations system that covers some private sector employees not in the national system.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Midwife
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $32.09/hr | $1,219.42 | $63,409.84 |
| Part-time (adult) | $32.09/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $40.11/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Nurses Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Midwife
Saturday
$48.14/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$56.16/hr
1.75x base
Public Holiday
$64.18/hr
2x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time RN Level 1 (Year 1) ($32.09/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 | $32.09 | $40.11 | $63,409.84 |
| RN Level 1 (Year 4+) | Registered midwife — 4+ years experience | $34.45 | $43.06 | $68,073.20 |
| RN Level 2 | Clinical midwife / team leader | $39.59 | $49.49 | $78,229.84 |
| RN Level 3 | Midwifery unit manager / educator | $42.93 | $53.66 | $84,829.68 |
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 | $32.09/hr | $40.11/hr | $56.16/hr |
More on the Nurses Award
Nurses Award (MA000034) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in nursing
- Application for approval of the Karuna Hospice Services Nurses Enterprise Agreement 2026
- The Mary Ogilvy Homes Society Nursing & General Staff Agreement 2026
- Nurses (Mercy Palliative Care Ltd) Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028
- Wheatfields Incorporated Nursing Employees (aged care) Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Melaleuca Home for the Aged Inc. Registered Nurse and Enrolled Nurse Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Genesis Cancer Care QLD Pty Limited Nurse Enterprise Agreement 2025
Recently approved agreements from the Fair Work Commission register in this industry. Check the agreement itself for the award it sits on.
Employer pay guides under the Nurses Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a midwife get paid per hour in Western Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a midwife in Western Australia is $32.09/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $40.11/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the RN Level 1 (Year 1) adult rate under the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a midwife?
The minimum wage for a midwife is $32.09 per hour ($1,219.42 per week for a 38-hour week, or $63,409.84 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 ($48.14/hr) and 1.75x on Sundays ($56.16/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2x ($64.18/hr).
What is the casual rate for a midwife?
The casual rate for a midwife is $40.11/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $32.09/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.
Useful Tools
Browse All Job Pay Rates
FairWork Mate AI
Is the figure right for you?
The advisor reads your payslip, contract or letter against the Fair Work Commission case library and cites the decision behind every answer.
Renews monthly at A$29.99 until you cancel. By continuing you agree to our Terms.
Just need this week sorted? A 7-Day Pass is 50 questions over 7 days, no account. Get a 7-Day Pass — $14.99
Get pay and rights updates for your job
Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.
Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
Embed the Midwife Pay Rate WA 2026-27 on your site, free. Get the code →