Understanding Midwife Salary UK: Hourly Rates and Annual Pay

If you're looking into a career in midwifery or already working as a midwife, knowing how your hourly rate translates into an annual salary is essential. The midwife salary UK picture is shaped by NHS pay bands, national statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), and additional payments for London weighting or unsocial hours. This guide breaks down the latest figures for 2026/27 and explains how to convert between hourly and yearly pay.

NHS Pay Bands for Midwives 2026/27

Midwives in England are typically employed on NHS Agenda for Change bands. Most newly qualified midwives start at Band 5, while more experienced or specialist midwives move to Band 6. The NHS Employers pay scales for 2026/27 show:

• Band 5: annual salary from £32,073 (entry) to £39,043 (top). Hourly rates range from £16.40 to £19.97.
• Band 6: annual salary from £39,959 (entry) to £48,117 (top). Hourly rates range from £20.44 to £24.61.

These are basic pay figures. If you work in London or the surrounding fringe areas, you'll also receive a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) worth 5% to 20% of basic salary, subject to minimum and maximum payments.

ONS Data: The Broader Midwife Salary Picture

The ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) provides a different view: what full-time midwives actually earn across the UK, including those outside the NHS. The latest provisional data (2025) gives:

• Median annual salary: £46,990
• Average annual salary: £48,988
• Median hourly rate: £25.29

These figures are about 20% above the UK full-time median of £39,039. The ONS category is "Midwifery nurses" and covers around 21,000 employee jobs. Because the ONS data includes all employers and may reflect overtime and location supplements, it tends to be higher than NHS basic band rates.

Converting Hourly Rate to Annual Salary

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary for a full-time midwife, use the standard NHS contracted week of 37.5 hours and multiply by 52 weeks:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × 37.5 × 52

For example:

• Band 5 entry rate £16.40/hr → £16.40 × 37.5 × 52 = £31,980 (close to the published £32,073)
• Band 6 top rate £24.61/hr → £24.61 × 37.5 × 52 = £47,989.50 (close to £48,117)

Remember that this calculation assumes a steady 37.5-hour week with no unpaid overtime. Actual pay may differ if you work part-time, have variable shifts, or receive unsocial hours enhancements.

Take-Home Pay After Tax and Pension

Your take-home pay depends on your tax code, National Insurance, and NHS pension contributions. For a Band 6 midwife at the top point (£48,117), estimated net annual pay is around £34,391, or £2,866 per month, after income tax, employee NI, and the standard NHS pension contribution. This excludes student loan repayments and any London weighting.

For a Band 5 midwife starting at £32,073, take-home is about £24,483 per year (£2,040 per month).

Use our Hourly to Salary calculator to see your own figures, or browse salary articles for more detailed breakdowns.

Factors That Affect Actual Earnings

• London weighting (HCAS): Inner London adds 20% of basic salary (min £5,794, max £8,746); Outer London 15%; Fringe 5%.
• Unsocial hours: Nights, weekends, and bank holidays attract premium rates. Bank staff rates can be higher – for example, some NHS trusts pay Band 2 nursing staff £14.24 per hour on days and £17.72 on Sundays.
• Overtime and on-call: Additional payments can boost annual earnings significantly.
• Career progression: Moving from Band 5 to Band 6, or into specialist roles, increases your basic pay.

Summary

The midwife salary UK in 2026/27 ranges from around £32,000 for a newly qualified Band 5 midwife to over £48,000 for an experienced Band 6 midwife, with the ONS median sitting at £46,990. When converting hourly rates, remember the 37.5-hour week and 52-week year. For a personalised estimate, check your contract and use our salary data pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert an hourly midwife rate to an annual salary?

Multiply the hourly rate by your contracted weekly hours and then by 52 weeks. For a full-time NHS midwife working 37.5 hours per week, annual salary ≈ hourly rate × 37.5 × 52. For example, a Band 6 entry rate of £20.44 per hour gives roughly £39,858 per year, close to the published Band 6 minimum of £39,959. Always check your contract for exact hours and any unpaid breaks.

What is the average midwife salary UK in 2026?

According to ONS ASHE 2025 provisional data, the median full-time midwife salary is £46,990 per year, and the average is £48,988. NHS Band 6 tops at £48,117, so the ONS average is slightly higher, likely reflecting London weighting and unsocial hours payments. The UK full-time median across all jobs is £39,039.

Does the midwife salary include London weighting or unsocial hours?

NHS basic pay scales do not include London weighting or unsocial hours. London weighting (HCAS) adds 5% to 20% of basic salary depending on the zone, with a minimum of £5,794 and maximum of £8,746 for 2026/27. Unsocial hours payments for nights, weekends, and bank holidays are paid on top of basic pay. ONS figures may include these additions, so they often appear higher than NHS band rates.