Illinois Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Salary
Explore the complete guide to CNM compensation. Review mean pay, percentiles, local hospital job demand, and specific Board of Nursing (BON) requirements.
State Mean
$126,450
Annual Salary
State Hourly
$59.53
Per hour
COL Adjusted Pay
$132,270
True Purchasing Power
vs National
-2%
Below US Mean
Our nursing salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
Data
reviewed by 
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
on March 2026
for accuracy.
Salary Range & Percentiles
Salaries for Certified Nurse-Midwifes in Illinois range from $104,010 (entry-level) to $144,560 (highly experienced) annually.
CNM Salary by Metro Area in Illinois
Certified Nurse-Midwife salaries vary significantly across metro areas in Illinois. Click any column header to sort, matching the Specialty rankings table behavior.
| Metro Area | Annual | Hourly | vs State Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $129,180 | $59.83 | +2.2% |
Top Hospitals Hiring CNMs in Illinois
Illinois is home to leading healthcare facilities. Based on CMS quality ratings, the highest-rated hospitals where CNMs are in demand include:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Rush University Medical Center
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center - VA Chicago Healthcare System
Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston Hospital
Illinois BON & Education Requirements
To practice as a Certified Nurse-Midwife and earn the salaries listed above, the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation requires strict licensure and certification steps.
-
1
Active RN License: You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the state of Illinois.
-
2
Graduate Education: Completion of an accredited MSN or DNP program with a specific Certified Nurse-Midwife track. Top Programs: University of Illinois Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University
-
3
National Certification: Pass the relevant national certification exam provided by a recognized credentialing body (e.g., ANCC, AACN, NCC).
-
4
Advanced Practice Licensure: Apply for a Nurse Practitioner license or Furnishing Number through the state BON to prescribe medications. Apply for APN Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Certified Nurse-Midwife make in Illinois?
As of 2023, the median Certified Nurse-Midwife salary in Illinois is $126,450 per year or $59.53 per hour. This is 2% below the national median.
What is the starting salary for a new grad CNM in Illinois?
Entry-level Certified Nurse-Midwifes in Illinois typically start around the 10th percentile, earning $104,010. With 5-10 years of experience, CNMs can expect to reach the median salary of $126,450 or higher.
Is Illinois a good state for CNM salaries when considering the cost of living?
Illinois has a cost of living index of 0.96. When adjusting the raw median salary of $126,450 for local expenses, the true purchasing power is approximately $132,270. This means your dollar stretches further here, giving you more real purchasing power.
How much does an CNM make an hour in Illinois?
The median hourly wage for an CNM in Illinois is $59.53. Those in the top 90th percentile, often working in specialized or high-acuity roles, can make upwards of $69.50 per hour.
Which hospitals hire the most CNMs in Illinois?
Salaries and demand vary by facility, but large medical centers and specialty units generally offer the highest compensation. In Illinois, top employers hiring CNMs include Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center - VA Chicago Healthcare System, Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston Hospital.
What are the requirements to become an CNM in Illinois?
To practice as a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Illinois, you must hold an active RN license, graduate from an accredited program, pass the relevant national certification exam, and apply for advanced practice licensure through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
Are there CNM programs in Illinois?
Yes, aspiring Certified Nurse-Midwifes can attend local programs such as University of Illinois Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University. Alternatively, many Illinois nurses opt for accredited online programs that arrange clinical placements at local hospitals.
Is there a high demand for Certified Nurse-Midwifes in Illinois?
Yes, the demand for Certified Nurse-Midwifes remains strong in Illinois, particularly in metro areas supporting large healthcare systems. Job growth is projected to remain steady as facilities seek specialized providers to manage complex patient care.