Position
Salary

How much does a Director of Nursing make?

The average salary for a Director of Nursing is $104,686 per year in the US.

The role of a Director of Nursing (DON) comes with a rewarding salary. On average, DONs earn about $104,686 per year. This figure highlights the importance and responsibility of the role in the healthcare industry. Such a salary can make this a very attractive career choice for many professionals.

The salary of a Director of Nursing can vary based on a few key factors. These include years of experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility. For instance, those with more experience often see higher pay. Urban areas may offer better salaries compared to rural regions. Hospitals and large clinics tend to provide more competitive packages compared to smaller practices. These variations reflect the diverse opportunities available in the field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Director of Nursing?

Director of Nursing roles offer competitive salaries in various cities across the United States. The highest paying cities include San Francisco, where the average salary reaches over $159,000. Other top-paying cities are Salinas, with nearly $146,000, and New Haven with over $138,000. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking high-paying nursing leadership positions. Positions in Sacramento, Seattle, and San Diego also offer attractive compensation packages, making them good choices for job seekers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Director of Nursing jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $159,981 and Modesto, CA with the lowest at $131,612.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $159,981
    In San Francisco, nursing leaders shape care with top hospitals like UCSF Health. This city offers chances to work with cutting-edge technology and diverse patient populations.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $146,191
    Salinas provides a supportive community for healthcare professionals. Nurses here enjoy a strong sense of teamwork, working in facilities that prioritize patient care.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Salinas, CA


  3. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $138,165
    New Haven is known for its vibrant healthcare sector, with Yale New Haven Hospital offering many opportunities. Leaders here value innovation and comprehensive care.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in New Haven, CT


  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $136,774
    Sacramento offers a dynamic healthcare environment. Nurses can influence policy and practice in a city that values community health and wellness.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Sacramento, CA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $136,376
    Seattle's healthcare leaders benefit from a progressive environment with institutions like Swedish Medical Center. This city promotes professional growth and patient-centered care.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $136,192
    In San Diego, nursing leaders enjoy a mild climate and a thriving healthcare market. Facilities like Scripps Health provide excellent opportunities for career advancement.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $132,901
    Santa Rosa offers a balanced lifestyle with a strong healthcare community. Nurses here find support and resources to enhance their professional skills.
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  8. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $132,204
    Stamford provides a competitive healthcare market, with prominent employers like Stamford Hospital. Leaders here focus on quality care and community engagement.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Stamford, CT


  9. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $131,684
    Riverside is a growing city with a robust healthcare sector. Nursing leaders here work in facilities that value innovation and patient satisfaction.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Riverside, CA


  10. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $131,612
    Modesto offers a close-knit healthcare community. Leaders here enjoy a supportive environment where they can make a meaningful impact on patient care.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Modesto, CA

What are the best companies a Director of Nursing can work for?

ProHealth Staffing, Inc tops the list of best-paying companies for Director of Nursing positions, offering an average salary of $170,000. Telecare Corporation follows closely, with a competitive average salary of $159,657. These top companies demonstrate their commitment to providing attractive compensation packages to their nursing directors. CareerStaff Unlimited, Medstaff Group, and CommonSpirit Health also offer strong salaries, with averages ranging from $156,400 to $150,855. These companies recognize the value of experienced nursing leadership and reward it accordingly. Job seekers can find excellent opportunities for career growth and financial compensation in these leading organizations.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Director of Nursing jobs, highlighting ProHealth Staffing, Inc with the highest at $170,000 and Apex Healthcare with the lowest at $142,516.
  1. ProHealth Staffing, Inc
    Average Salary: $170,000
    ProHealth Staffing, Inc offers Director of Nursing jobs with a competitive salary. The company operates nationwide, providing opportunities in various locations. This role involves overseeing nursing staff and ensuring quality patient care.


  2. Telecare Corporation
    Average Salary: $159,657
    Telecare Corporation provides promising Director of Nursing positions. They have locations across several states. This role requires managing nursing staff and ensuring top-notch patient care services.


  3. CareerStaff Unlimited
    Average Salary: $156,400
    CareerStaff Unlimited offers Director of Nursing positions with a strong salary. They operate in multiple states. This role involves overseeing nursing staff and ensuring excellent patient care.


  4. Medstaff Group
    Average Salary: $153,000
    Medstaff Group provides Director of Nursing jobs with a competitive salary. The company has locations in various states. This role entails managing nursing staff and ensuring quality patient care.


  5. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $150,855
    CommonSpirit Health offers Director of Nursing positions with a solid salary. They operate in several states. This role involves overseeing nursing staff and ensuring high-quality patient care.


  6. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $149,269
    TEEMA provides Director of Nursing jobs with a competitive salary. They operate in multiple states. This role includes managing nursing staff and ensuring excellent patient care.


  7. Genie Healthcare
    Average Salary: $148,486
    Genie Healthcare offers Director of Nursing positions with a strong salary. They operate in various states. This role entails overseeing nursing staff and ensuring quality patient care.


  8. Seagate Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
    Average Salary: $146,154
    Seagate Rehabilitation and Nursing Center offers Director of Nursing jobs with a competitive salary. They have locations in several states. This role involves managing nursing staff and ensuring top-notch patient care.


  9. Montefiore Medical
    Average Salary: $143,291
    Montefiore Medical provides Director of Nursing positions with a solid salary. They operate in multiple states. This role requires managing nursing staff and ensuring excellent patient care.


  10. Apex Healthcare
    Average Salary: $142,516
    Apex Healthcare offers Director of Nursing jobs with a competitive salary. They have locations in several states. This role involves overseeing nursing staff and ensuring quality patient care.

How to earn more as a Director of Nursing?

A Director of Nursing plays a pivotal role in healthcare settings. With this role comes the potential to earn a competitive salary. Increasing earning potential involves several key factors. Each factor plays an important part in advancing one's career and salary.

An effective way to earn more is to gain additional certifications. Specializations can command higher salaries. For example, certifications in critical care or pediatric nursing often lead to higher-paying positions. Continuing education also opens doors to leadership roles. These roles frequently offer higher compensation packages. Another factor is experience. More years in the field often lead to higher salaries. Directors of Nursing with a decade or more of experience usually earn more. Seeking roles in urban or high-demand areas can also boost earnings. High-cost living areas often offer higher salaries to attract top talent. Networking and building strong professional relationships can lead to higher-paying job opportunities. Lastly, taking on extra responsibilities can lead to salary increases. Directors who manage multiple units or departments often earn more.

By focusing on these factors, Directors of Nursing can enhance their earning potential. This proactive approach ensures long-term career growth and financial stability.

  1. Obtain additional certifications.
  2. Gain more years of experience.
  3. Work in high-demand areas.
  4. Build a strong professional network.
  5. Take on extra responsibilities.

Currently 2,638 Director of Nursing job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Director of Nursing in the US?

Learn what a Director of Nursing does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Director of Nursing today.
Position
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Director of Nursing
2,638 Job Openings