Midwife salary QLD: where it sits on the Australian salary index

What does "midwife salary qld" mean?

When someone searches for "midwife salary qld", they are typically looking for a typical or expected gross annual pay for a midwife working in Queensland. This figure is often compared to the national average or to other roles. On the Salary Index, we measure pay relative to the national line of 100, which represents full-time adult ordinary-time earnings as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. For May 2026, that line is $108,352 per year (or $2,083.70 per week).

Where does a midwife salary in Queensland sit on the salary index?

The exact median or average midwife salary in Queensland is not available in the reference data. However, we can use state and industry benchmarks to place it. Queensland's state index is 97.9, meaning the typical full-time worker in Queensland earns about 97.9% of the national line, or around $106,064 annualised. The health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, very close to Queensland's figure. Since midwives are part of the health care industry, it is reasonable to expect that a midwife salary in Queensland would be near these indices, likely around the national average of 100. This is a broad estimate; actual pay can vary widely.

How the salary index works

The salary index is a simple tool: it takes a yearly gross salary, divides it by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352), and multiplies by 100. A score of 100 means the pay matches the national average. Scores above 100 are above average; below 100 are below. For example, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $52,255 per year, giving an index of 48.2. The mining industry has an index of 154.7, while retail trade is 75.9. This index helps you see where a role or state sits relative to the broader economy.

Factors that affect a midwife's pay in Queensland

A midwife's salary in Queensland is influenced by several factors:

• Award coverage: Most midwives are covered by the Nurses Award 2010 or a specific enterprise agreement. The award sets minimum hourly rates based on classification (e.g., Registered Midwife, Clinical Midwife Specialist). Many public hospitals have enterprise agreements that pay above the award.
• Experience and seniority: More experienced midwives or those in leadership roles (e.g., Midwife Unit Manager) earn higher pay. The award has pay points for years of service.
• Location: Regional and remote areas often attract higher wages through allowances or incentive programs. For example, a midwife in rural Queensland may earn more than one in Brisbane due to retention incentives.
• Public vs private sector: Public hospital midwives are typically paid under state-based agreements, while private hospitals may follow the award or their own arrangements. Private sector pay can be lower but may offer other benefits.
• Shift work and penalties: Midwives often work rotating rosters, including nights, weekends, and public holidays. Penalty rates can significantly boost gross pay. The award provides for overtime and shift loadings.
• Superannuation: From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. This is on top of the salary.

Comparing Queensland to other states and industries

Queensland's state index of 97.9 is slightly below the national line but close to Victoria (98.0) and South Australia (94.6). Western Australia (106.9) and the ACT (109.9) are higher, reflecting stronger mining and public sector wages. The health care industry index nationally is 97.8, so a midwife in Queensland is likely earning around the industry average. For context, the industries page shows that education and training is 105.5, while accommodation and food services is 72.5. Midwifery sits in a middle ground, close to the national average.

Take-home pay considerations

Gross salary is not the same as take-home pay. For a resident in Queensland in 2026–27, income tax rates are: nil up to $18,200, 15% from $18,201 to $45,000, 30% from $45,001 to $135,000, 37% from $135,001 to $190,000, and 45% above that. A 2% Medicare levy also applies. For a midwife earning around $106,064 (QLD state average), the estimated tax (excluding HELP, salary sacrifice, or surcharges) would be approximately $24,000–$26,000, leaving a take-home of about $80,000–$82,000. Superannuation of 12% is additional and not accessible until retirement.

Conclusion

While a precise "midwife salary qld" figure is not available from the reference, the combination of Queensland's state index (97.9) and the health care industry index (97.8) suggests that a typical midwife in Queensland earns close to the national average of $108,352 per year. Actual pay depends on award classification, experience, location, and employer. For more detailed pay guides, see the pay guides page. To compare other roles or states, visit the states or topics pages. Remember that the salary index is a benchmark, not a quote for a specific job.