District midwife

What does a district midwife do? – Tasks and work environment

A district midwife primarily works within primary care and is responsible for providing support and advice to pregnant women, new parents, and women of various ages. Tasks include maternity health care, contraceptive counseling, gynecological health checks, and childbirth preparation discussions. The work often involves close contact with patients, both individually and in groups, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. The environment is varied, including clinic work and home visits, which requires flexibility and good communication skills.

Salary development over time

The salary of a district midwife has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,600 SEK per month, then increased to 47 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 48 300 SEK, representing an overall increase of approximately 6% during this period. This positive trend is linked to increased demand for qualified personnel in maternity and women’s health, as well as union negotiations and wage adjustments in the public sector. The salary range is relatively narrow, but the top levels are found among private-employed midwives. Differences between regions and employers exist, although the base salary remains stable nationally.

District midwife salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 48 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 48,100 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 67,100 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 290 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 48 300 SEK, data for men is unavailable
• Regional differences: Some variation depending on employer and region

Education and qualifications

To work as a district midwife, licensure as a midwife is required, which is based on a specialist training after a nursing degree. The education pathway is both theoretical and practical, focusing on maternity health care, gynecology, and childbirth care. In addition to formal requirements, experience from clinical work and ongoing professional development are often expected.

• Nursing degree: 3 years at university/college
• Specialist training for midwife: 1.5 years (master's level)
• Licensure: Required to practice as a midwife
• Practical training: Included in education, often at various clinics and primary care
• Continuing education: Courses and further training are recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits for district midwives often include occupational pension, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development through courses and training. Other common compensations may include overtime pay, flexible working hours, generous vacation policies, and access to occupational health services. Working in regional or municipal settings also often includes security insurances and sometimes extra days off.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a district midwife varies between regions, but there is generally high demand for qualified personnel. Challenges include high demands for independence, responsibility, and the ability to make quick decisions in complex situations. Workload can be high, especially during staff shortages or in rural areas with limited resources. Nonetheless, the role is central to ensuring good maternity and women’s health care locally, making the profession both responsible and meaningful.

Tips for aspiring district midwives

To succeed as a district midwife, it’s beneficial to have a genuine interest in women’s health and strong empathetic skills. Being attentive during patient interactions and communicating clearly are crucial, especially when giving advice in sensitive situations. Precision and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously ease daily routines, as does flexibility to changing needs and responsibilities. Building trust and creating a sense of security for patients requires patience and high integrity. It’s also valuable to stay updated on medical guidelines and participate in ongoing training. Finally, good collaboration with colleagues and other professionals contributes to an effective and pleasant work environment.

Key facts about district midwives

• Education level: Nursing degree + specialist training (midwife)
• Work environment: Clinic, primary care, and home visits
• Demand: High, over 375 job openings in the profession
• Work hours: Usually daytime, some on-call duties possible
• Special skills: Maternity health care and contraceptive counseling

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining several years of experience, district midwives have opportunities to specialize further, for example in sexual health, youth clinics, or leadership roles such as department head. Others choose to work with training, supervision, or research within maternity and women’s health. According to forecasts from the Employment Service, the demand for midwives remains strong, although specific figures for district midwives are limited due to sparse data. With over 375 job openings, the job market is broad, and opportunities for further development are good.

Frequently asked questions about district midwives

• What does a district midwife earn?
  - The average salary is 48 300 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of about 290 SEK.
• How do you become a district midwife?
  - First, a nursing degree (3 years), then a specialist training to become a midwife (1.5 years), and licensure.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Salary data for men is unavailable, but women earn an average of 48 300 SEK.
• What are the duties of a district midwife?
  - Tasks include maternity health care, contraceptive counseling, childbirth preparation, and health checks.
• What is the job market like for district midwives?
  - Demand is high, with over 375 job openings in the profession.
• What is the highest salary for a district midwife?
  - The highest salary is 67,100 SEK per month (for a female private employee).
• What is the lowest salary for a district midwife?
  - The lowest salary is 48,100 SEK per month, the same for both men and women according to available data.