An OB nurse specializes in the care of women, including during pregnancy and childbirth. OB nurses generally work with an OB-GYN specialist. In the US, OB nurses earn well over $75,000 per year compared to AU$112,000 ($89,192 USD) in Australia. Earnings in US dollar equivalency are similar in New Zealand and Canada at NZ$94,000 ($68,895 USD) and C$77,000 ($62,307 USD), respectively, followed by £42,000 ($52,891 USD) in the. On the lower end of the pay scale is South Africa at R302,000 ($25,134 USD) and India at Rs5,89,160 ($9,192 USD). Details on the OB nurse salary variance by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting are included in this guide.
How Much Does a OB Nurse Make per Year?
The chart below outlines average annual and hourly wages for OB nurses in select countries worldwide.
| OB Nurse Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $36 | C$37 | £20 | AU$54 | NZ$45 | Rs283 | R145 |
| Annual Wage | $75,331 | C$77,184 ($62,307 USD) |
£42,381 ($52,891 USD) |
AU$112,092 ($89,192 USD) |
NZ$94,080 ($68,895 USD) |
Rs5,89,160 ($9,192 USD) |
R301,901 ($25,134 USD) |
Factors that Influence the OB Nurse Salary
While geographic region strongly influences earning potential for OB nurses, professional experience and work setting are also determining factors on salary. This guide provides additional information on income and career insight for OB nurses worldwide.
1. Geographic Area
OB Nurse Salary in US
In the US, OB nurses earn more than $75,000 per year, or $36 per hour. An additional $1,200 in bonus pay is possible through some employers. Early career OB nurses earn roughly $54,000 per year compared to their senior level colleagues who earn more than $93,000 annually.
OB Nurse Salary in Canada
OB nurses in Canada receive an annual base salary of more than C$77,000 per year, plus an additional C$1,200 in bonus income potential. Hourly wage earners see an average of C$37 per hour. The average salary for those with up to three years’ experience is about C$55,000 per year, increasing with experience to well over C$95,000 per year for those at the senior level.
OB Nurse Salary in UK
Annual compensation for OB nurses in the UK exceeds £42,000 in base salary, plus an additional £700 in bonus income. The average hourly pay is £20 per hour. Those entering this career field can expect an average annual salary of about £30,000 compared to senior level pay that is well over £52,000 per year.
OB Nurse Salary in Australia
Annual compensation for OB nurses in Australia averages about AU$112,000 in base salary, plus an additional AU$1,800 in bonus income potential. Hourly pay averages AU$54 per hour. Entry level OB nurses earn roughly AU$80,000 per year while senior level professionals see annual earnings reaching AU$139,000.
OB Nurse Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the average annual salary for OB nurses is about NZ$94,000, and bonus income can add another NZ$1,500 to overall earnings. On average, the hourly wage is roughly $45. During the first three years of work experience, OB nurses earn about NZ$67,000 per year, and see annual earnings increase with experience and responsibility to more than NZ$116,000 annually.
OB Nurse Salary in India
The average annual pay for OB nurses in India exceeds Rs5,89,000, or Rs283 per hour. Bonus income potential can add Rs9,4000 or more to overall earnings. Entry level OB nurses earn about Rs4,26,000 per year compared to their senior level colleagues with an average annual salary of about Rs7,40,000.
OB Nurse Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, OB nurses see an annual salary of about R302,000 per year, or R145 per hour. Bonus income potential can add R4,800 in additional pay. Upon entering this career, annual pay averages roughly R217,000 while those with the most experience and responsibility at the senior level earn about R377,000 per year.
2. Experience
Salaries increase with experience between 72% and 74% worldwide. In the US, senior level pay is about $39,000 more per year, representing an increase of about 72%. The gap between senior level and entry level pay in Australia is about AU$59,000 per year, an increase of 74%, which is the same percentage of increase in India where senior level professionals earn about Rs3,14,000 more than their entry level counterparts.
3. Industry
Due to the nature of their work, OB nurses typically work in hospitals or physician offices. Employment in the private sector and for-profit hospitals and physician offices may offer greater opportunity for bonus pay. Hospital salaries, regardless of in the private or public sector, often follow a similar pay scale with little salary variance. OB nurses often express a high level of job satisfaction and good work-life balance in their careers.
Working Hours
While most OB nurses work full-time, 36 to 40 hours per week, there are part-time employment opportunities available. Nurses employed in hospital settings often work 12-hour shifts, and because care and treatment are provided during all hours, their schedules can span any day of week or hour of day. On-call hours may be necessary, and overtime pay and pay differential for holidays and weekend work are common in some organizations. Those employed in physician offices often have a more consistent schedule during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, when physicians see patients.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
OB nurses typically receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage and paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time. Bonus opportunities are found worldwide, though these may be more common in the private sector or in for-profit facilities. Other benefits that may be offered to OB nurses include retirement plans, paid training, and allowances for meals and commuting expenses. Part-time employees may not be eligible for all bonus and benefits or may receive a smaller package.
Job Outlook
A faster than average growth rate of 15% through 2026 is estimated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Trained OB nurses are expected to remain in demand as a result of improvements in medical care and greater access to healthcare. A career as an OB nurse requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, completion of a licensing exam, and registration with the appropriate governing body in the region.
Conclusion
OB nurses receive strong salaries with comprehensive benefits and bonus packages commonly found worldwide. Full-time employment is typical, but there are part-time opportunities. Future growth in the nursing field, including OB nurses, is expected to pace at a faster than average rate, meaning newly trained professionals should find ample employment opportunities with salaries remaining at solid levels.
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