Midwife Salary 2026/27: Hourly, Weekly and Annual Pay for NHS Midwives in the UK

Midwife Salary: Understanding Hourly, Weekly and Annual Pay

If you are looking into a career in midwifery or already working as a midwife, understanding how your pay is structured is essential. The midwife salary in the UK is set by the NHS Agenda for Change pay bands, which apply to all directly employed NHS staff in England. This article breaks down the hourly, weekly and annual pay for midwives, including take-home pay after deductions.

NHS Pay Bands for Midwives

Most midwives in England are employed on Band 5 or Band 6, depending on experience. Newly qualified midwives start on Band 5 and typically move to Band 6 after completing a preceptorship period. Specialist midwives, such as those in mental health or triage, often work at Band 7.

According to the most recent NHS pay scales, the annual salaries for 2026/27 are:

• Band 5: Entry step £32,073, top step £39,043
• Band 6: Entry step £39,959, top step £48,117
• Band 7: Entry step £49,387, top step £56,515

These figures are for full-time work (37.5 hours per week) and exclude any London weighting or unsocial hours payments.

Hourly Rates

Hourly rates are calculated from the annual salary divided by 37.5 hours per week and 52 weeks per year. For 2026/27:

• Band 5: Entry £16.40 per hour, top £19.97 per hour
• Band 6: Entry £20.44 per hour, top £24.61 per hour
• Band 7: Entry £25.26 per hour, top £28.90 per hour

These hourly rates are the basic pay. If you work nights, weekends or bank holidays, you receive enhanced rates. For example, bank midwife rates can be higher, with some trusts paying up to £39.38 per hour for Band 6 bank shifts.

Weekly Pay

To work out weekly pay, multiply the hourly rate by 37.5 hours. For a Band 5 midwife at entry step, that is £16.40 × 37.5 = £615 per week. At the top of Band 6, weekly pay is £24.61 × 37.5 = £923 per week. Specialist midwives at Band 7 top step earn £28.90 × 37.5 = £1,084 per week.

Remember that these are gross figures before tax and National Insurance. Your actual weekly take-home will be lower.

Take-Home Pay After Deductions

Your net pay – the amount that lands in your bank account – is reduced by income tax, employee National Insurance and the NHS pension contribution (currently around 9.3% for most staff). Using the 2026/27 rates:

• Band 5 entry: Gross £32,073, net £24,483 (about £2,040 per month)
• Band 5 top: Gross £39,043, net £28,570 (about £2,381 per month)
• Band 6 entry: Gross £39,959, net £29,157 (about £2,430 per month)
• Band 6 top: Gross £48,117, net £34,391 (about £2,866 per month)
• Band 7 entry: Gross £49,387, net £35,206 (about £2,934 per month)
• Band 7 top: Gross £56,515, net £39,708 (about £3,309 per month)

These figures assume standard NHS Pension membership and no student loan repayments. If you have a student loan, your take-home will be slightly lower.

Variations: London Weighting and Other Factors

Midwives working in London or the surrounding fringe areas receive a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS). For 2026/27, Inner London trusts pay 20% of basic salary (minimum £5,794, maximum £8,746). Outer London pays 15%, and the fringe area pays 5%. This can significantly boost your midwife salary.

In Scotland, midwives are paid on a separate scale, with salaries ranging from £34,544 to £52,679 for 2026/27. Northern Ireland and Wales have their own pay arrangements.

How Does the Midwife Salary Compare to National Minimum Wage?

The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour (2026/27). Even the lowest NHS midwife pay (Band 5 entry at £16.40) is well above this. For more on statutory rates, see our pay guides.

What About Bank and Agency Midwives?

Bank midwives are paid on an hourly basis, often with enhancements for unsocial hours. For example, a Band 6 bank midwife might earn £24.61 per hour for day shifts and more for nights or weekends. Agency rates can be higher but come without pension or holiday pay.

Summary

Your midwife salary depends on your band, step, location and any additional payments. The NHS Agenda for Change provides a clear structure with annual increments. For a detailed breakdown of all bands, visit our pay data page.

Remember that these figures are for 2026/27 and may change with future pay awards. Always check your contract and the latest NHS Employers guidance for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a midwife in the NHS?

Newly qualified midwives in England typically start on Band 5, which has an entry salary of £32,073 per year (2026/27 rates). After a preceptorship period of 12 to 18 months, most progress to Band 6, where the entry salary is £39,959. Some trusts now recruit directly to Band 6 due to shortages.

How much does a midwife take home after tax?

Take-home pay depends on band and step. For a Band 5 midwife at the entry step, net annual pay after income tax, National Insurance and the NHS pension contribution is about £24,483. At the top of Band 6, net pay rises to £34,391. These figures exclude London weighting, unsocial hours and overtime.

Do midwives get London weighting?

Yes, midwives working at NHS trusts in London or the surrounding fringe areas receive a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS). Inner London trusts pay 20% of basic salary (minimum £5,794, maximum £8,746 for 2026/27). Outer London pays 15%, and the fringe area pays 5%. This is added to the basic band salary.