As a Midwife with Heathcare Australia (HCA), you have the work-life balance that comes with working agency, with the security of a full-time role. We offer our Agency Midwives flexible and reliable shifts, including opportunities to block book. We also have many short-term contracts in regional, rural and remote locations.
No matter what your level of experience or preferences of work, our strong client relationships with the best private and public healthcare facilities means we have access to the largest pool of agency healthcare shifts and medical jobs in the country. Working with 100’s of facilities in Australia, we deliver the very best variety of opportunities.
Interested in finding out about our latest opportunities? Search our latest roles or register your interest with us below and we’ll be in touch with a number of roles to suit your skills and preferences.
At HCA, we support midwives across the country, from metro hospitals to regional birth centres. This guide explains how to become a midwife, the qualifications you’ll need, registration requirements, career options, salary expectations and how our team can help you find work across Australia.
What Does a Midwife do?
Midwives provide essential care and guidance to women during pregnancy, labour and the early stages of parenting.
Common midwife responsibilities include:
Conducting antenatal checks and preparing women for birth
Supporting labour and managing births
Providing postnatal care for mothers and newborns
Promoting health and well-being for families
Educating women on infant care, feeding and emotional recovery
Through HCA, you can access maternity roles in high-demand areas across Australia. We place midwives in major hospitals, regional hubs and remote communities, giving you the flexibility to build a career that fits your lifestyle and passion.
There are two main ways to qualify as a midwife, depending on your background.
Pathway 1: Bachelor of Midwifery
If you’re new to healthcare, the direct route is to study for a Bachelor of Midwifery. This three-year full-time degree focuses entirely on maternity care and includes extensive clinical placements in hospitals and community settings.
Pathway 2: Midwifery after nursing
If you’re already a Registered Nurse, you can complete a Graduate Diploma or Master’s Degree in Midwifery. This pathway is ideal for nurses who want to shift their focus to women’s health and maternity. These postgraduate courses typically take 12 to 18 months full-time and build on your nursing foundation.
Step 2: Register with AHPRA
Once you’ve completed your studies, you’ll need to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) under the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
You’ll need to provide:
Evidence of your qualification
Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or OET)
Identity documents and a criminal history check
Registration is required to work as a midwife in any state or territory.
Step 3: Find midwifery jobs with Healthcare Australia
Once you’re registered, we help you find your first (or next) role. HCA’s national network includes metro hospitals, birth centres and remote maternity services, so you can work where it suits you best.
We offer:
Flexible contract options
Rural and regional travel opportunities
Access to roles that are not always advertised elsewhere
Support with onboarding, travel and compliance
Competitive midwife salary and benefits in Australia
The Average Wage of a Midwife in Australia
Midwife pay in Australia varies depending on factors such as experience, location, shift patterns, and the type of healthcare facility. Demand for skilled midwives, particularly in public hospitals and regional or remote settings, can also influence earning potential.
Earnings may differ between states and territories, as well as between metropolitan and regional roles. Shift loadings for nights, weekends, and public holidays can further impact overall pay, along with opportunities for overtime and additional allowances.
Because of these variables, state-based averages should be used as a general guide only rather than a definitive measure of what an individual midwife may earn.
Want the latest salary insights?
Download our 2026 Salary Guide to access up-to-date pay trends, industry insights, and detailed breakdowns by role, location, and specialty.
ENS 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) — Permanent visa sponsored by an employer.
Working Holiday (417/462) — Short-term work/travel visa.
Regional Sponsorship — Visas targeting skilled workers in high-demand regional areas.
Registration process for International Midwives:
If you trained overseas, you’ll need to apply for AHPRA registration. Some applicants may need to complete a bridging program or have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
How HCA supports international midwives
We provide:
Help with visa sponsorship (where eligible)
Assistance with AHPRA and paperwork
Cultural orientation and relocation support
Job matching across our maternity and women’s health networks
Resume and cover letter tips for midwives
Resume and Cover Letter Tips for Midwives
Want to make a strong impression? Here’s what to include in your application.
Cover letter tips
Address your letter to the maternity unit manager or hiring team
Highlight your experience in antenatal, birthing or postnatal care
Show your ability to remain calm and supportive in fast-paced situations
Mention your availability and interest in metro, rural or travel placements
Midwife resume essentials
AHPRA registration number
Qualifications and postgraduate training (if applicable)
Clinical placements or previous work experience
Key skills such as health education, empathy and documentation
Flexibility to work various shifts or in different locations
Need a second opinion? Our recruiters can help you refine your resume and connect you with roles that suit your experience.
HCA has placed midwives across public and private facilities for decades. Whether you want to gain experience in a busy city hospital or make a real impact in a rural town, we’re here to help you build a midwifery career that works for you.
Now that you know how to become a midwife in Australia, we’re ready to help you take the next step. Whether you’re finishing your studies or arriving from overseas, Healthcare Australia can connect you with midwifery roles across the country. Explore current job openings at Healthcare Australia to get started.
