NHS Consultant Midwife salary, 2026/27
Consultant midwives provide clinical leadership at the most senior level, combining advanced clinical practice with research, education and service development. The role requires a Masters or doctoral qualification and extensive specialist experience. Most consultant midwives are at Band 8a, with the most senior at Band 8b.
- Range (England)
- £57,528 to £77,368
- Typical bands
- Band 8a, Band 8b
- Hourly entry
- £29.42
- Hourly top
- £39.57
Consultant Midwife pay by band, England 2026/27
The table below shows the entry and top step at each band Consultant Midwives are typically paid on. Most Consultant Midwives move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.
Consultant Midwife pay in Scotland
Scottish NHS staff are paid on a separate pay scale, negotiated by the Scottish Government rather than the UK Pay Review Body. Scotland consistently pays more than England at every band. The figures below are the Scottish equivalents for the same bands.
Common questions
- What pay band is a Consultant Midwife on?
- NHS Consultant Midwives sit at Band 8a or Band 8b depending on experience and the specific responsibilities of the role. Newly qualified Consultant Midwives usually start on the lowest banding shown, with progression to the higher bands as they take on more senior or specialist work.
- How much does an NHS Consultant Midwife earn in 2026/27?
- On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS Consultant Midwife earns between £57,528 and £77,368 a year gross, depending on band and step. At the lowest entry rate that works out to roughly £29.42 an hour, and at the top rate roughly £39.57 an hour. Take-home pay after tax, NI and the NHS pension contribution is typically 70% of the gross figure. Scottish Consultant Midwives earn between £65,125 and £82,251 on the equivalent Scottish scale.
- Where can I find Consultant Midwife jobs in the NHS?
- NHS Jobs (jobs.nhs.uk) lists all current vacancies across the four UK nations. Filter by 'Pay Band' to focus on roles at the band you're interested in. HSC Recruit covers Northern Ireland (jobs.hscni.net) and NHS Scotland Jobs covers Scotland (jobs.scot.nhs.uk). Most Trusts also list vacancies on their own websites alongside the national portal.
- Does Consultant Midwife get London weighting?
- Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. Consultant Midwives working at Inner London Trusts get 20% on top of basic pay (minimum £5,794, maximum £8,746 for 2026/27). Outer London is 15%, Fringe is 5%. Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Consultant Midwives don't receive a London weighting equivalent.