Do I need a degree to start in midwifery?

Not always — many families have assistant or support roles you can enter without a degree, then train up. The career map shows where the entry points are.

How long does it take to progress?

Typical national timescales are shown on each route in the career map — they're averages, not guarantees.

Is this official NHS careers advice?

No — CareRoute is an independent planning tool using NHS-style data. Always check official NHS, NMC/HCPC and trust sources before making decisions.

Career family

Midwifery Midwifery

Maternity support and registered midwifery.

Browse midwifery roles Career map

Roles in family

Salary range

£25,760–£64,750

Demand

Growing

Progression

Band 3–8a

Study path

Vocational entry → registered training → specialisation

Entry → senior

~10 yrs

NHS workforce data

Midwifery today, by the numbers

Salary range

£25,760–£64,750

Band 3–8a

Fastest growing

+17.9%

Maternity Support Worker (YoY)

Most common next step

Consultant Midwife

~5 yrs typically

NHS-wide vacancy

~6.7%

national rate (not per-region)

Workforce growth by role · year-on-year

Maternity Support Worker

+17.9%

Consultant Midwife

+7.6%

Midwife

+2.2%

Community Midwife

+2.2%

Indicative figures from NHS HCHS workforce statistics (2026) and Agenda for Change 2026/27 — for guidance only; verify against official NHS sources. Vacancy is the NHS-wide rate, not family-specific.

Career map

Climb the ladder

Tap a role to see its pay, the study it needs, and where it leads next.

Maternity Support Worker
Band 2–3
Salary
£25,760–£27,476
Time here
1–2 years from HCA
Study needed
No formal entry requirement to start
Leads to
MidwifeNursing Associate
Role details

Maternity Support Worker

Band 2–3

Salary: £25,760–£27,476
Time here: 1–2 years from HCA
Study needed: No formal entry requirement to start

Leads to

MidwifeNursing Associate

Role details

Find your fit

What draws you in?

Pick what matters most and we'll point you to a role in this family to start exploring.

Compare

Roles at a glance

Role	Band	Salary	Study	Demand
Maternity Support Worker	Band 2–3	£25,760–£27,476	Low	High demand
Midwife	Band 5	£32,073–£39,043	High	Growing
Community Midwife	Band 6	£39,959–£48,117	Moderate	Growing
Consultant Midwife	Band 8a	£57,528–£64,750	High	High demand

Pay

What each role pays

Band entry to top-of-band after progression — indicative 2026/27 Agenda for Change basic pay.

Maternity Support WorkerBand 3 · £25,760–£27,476

MidwifeBand 5 · £32,073–£39,043

Community MidwifeBand 6 · £39,959–£48,117

Consultant MidwifeBand 8a · £57,528–£64,750

Band entryTop of band

Qualifications

Your study path

01
Vocational entry
02
registered training
03
specialisation

Ask the advisor anything

A practical coach grounded in real NHS-style role data — honest about pay, study and competition.

How do I get into midwifery with no experience?Which midwifery role pays best long term?What qualifications do I need for midwifery?Is midwifery a good career for the next 10 years?

Latest intelligence

Guides & updates

We're writing in-depth midwifery guides — pay, entry routes and progression. In the meantime, explore the roles and career map above.

FAQ

Questions, answered straight

It's indicative, based on the 2026/27 Agenda for Change bands — great for planning and comparison, but verify specifics against official NHS sources before deciding.

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