Position
Salary

How much does a Director of Nursing make?

The average salary for a Director of Nursing is $102,647 per year in the US.

A Director of Nursing plays a key role in managing healthcare facilities. This position often comes with a rewarding salary. On average, a Director of Nursing earns around $102,647 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of facility.

The salary range for Directors of Nursing can be quite broad. At the lower end, some earn around $60,000. At the higher end, salaries can reach up to $165,000. Most Directors of Nursing fall somewhere in the middle, earning between $79,000 and $136,000 annually. This range shows the potential for growth and the value of experience in the field.

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

Job seekers aiming for a Director of Nursing role can find attractive opportunities in several cities. San Francisco, California, leads with an average salary of $147,420. Salinas and Chico, also in California, follow closely with salaries around $144,000 and $140,000, respectively. These cities offer competitive pay and a chance to advance in a rewarding career.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Director of Nursing jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $147,420 and Bakersfield, CA with the lowest at $130,633.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $147,420
    In San Francisco, nursing leaders manage top-tier healthcare facilities. They work with renowned institutions like UCSF Health. The city offers a dynamic environment for those who excel in patient care and leadership.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $144,114
    Salinas provides a community-focused setting for nursing directors. They lead healthcare teams in a supportive environment. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is a key employer in the area.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Salinas, CA


  3. Chico, CA
    Average Salary: $139,823
    Chico offers a smaller, close-knit community for nursing leaders. They oversee healthcare services in a welcoming environment. Enloe Medical Center is a prominent employer in the region.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Chico, CA


  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $134,244
    Sacramento is a hub for healthcare leadership. Nursing directors work in a diverse setting with major employers like Kaiser Permanente. The city offers many opportunities for professional growth.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Sacramento, CA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $133,683
    Seattle provides a vibrant environment for nursing directors. They lead teams in cutting-edge healthcare facilities. Major employers include Virginia Mason and Seattle Children's Hospital.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $133,541
    San Diego offers a dynamic healthcare landscape for nursing leaders. They work with top institutions like Scripps Health. The city's diverse population provides rich experience in patient care.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $132,357
    Santa Rosa offers a balanced environment for nursing directors. They lead healthcare teams in a community-focused setting. Sutter Health is a key employer in the area.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $131,994
    San Jose provides a tech-driven environment for nursing leaders. They work with innovative healthcare providers. Stanford Health Care is a prominent employer in the region.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in San Jose, CA


  9. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $131,755
    Riverside offers a growing environment for nursing directors. They lead healthcare teams in a supportive community. Riverside University Health System is a major employer in the area.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Riverside, CA


  10. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $130,633
    Bakersfield provides a community-focused setting for nursing leaders. They oversee healthcare services in a growing area. Kern Medical is a key employer in the region.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Bakersfield, CA

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

Kaiser Permanente offers one of the highest salaries for Director of Nursing positions, averaging around $173,649. ProHealth Staffing, Inc. and Clover Health Services also provide competitive pay, with averages of $170,000 and $160,140, respectively. These companies value their nursing leaders and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Director of Nursing jobs, highlighting Kaiser Permanente with the highest at $173,649 and TEEMA with the lowest at $146,136.
  1. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $173,649
    Kaiser Permanente offers rewarding Director of Nursing roles. They operate in multiple states, including California, Colorado, and Washington. Their focus on patient care and innovation makes it a great place for nursing leaders.


  2. ProHealth Staffing, Inc
    Average Salary: $170,000
    ProHealth Staffing, Inc. provides excellent opportunities for Director of Nursing positions. They work with healthcare facilities across the nation. Their commitment to quality care and professional growth is well-known.


  3. Clover Health Services
    Average Salary: $160,140
    Clover Health Services offers competitive salaries for Director of Nursing roles. They serve areas in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Their focus on patient-centered care creates a supportive environment for nursing leaders.


  4. Telecare Corporation
    Average Salary: $159,624
    Telecare Corporation provides rewarding Director of Nursing positions. They operate in California, Nevada, and New York. Their dedication to mental health and community care makes it a great place for nursing leaders.


  5. Genie Healthcare
    Average Salary: $156,052
    Genie Healthcare offers attractive salaries for Director of Nursing roles. They work with healthcare facilities across the United States. Their focus on quality care and professional development is well-regarded.


  6. Medstaff Group
    Average Salary: $153,981
    Medstaff Group provides excellent opportunities for Director of Nursing positions. They serve healthcare facilities in multiple states. Their commitment to patient care and professional growth is highly valued.


  7. Montefiore Medical
    Average Salary: $152,194
    Montefiore Medical offers rewarding Director of Nursing roles. They operate in New York. Their focus on patient care and innovation makes it a great place for nursing leaders.


  8. Knights Management
    Average Salary: $147,120
    Knights Management provides attractive Director of Nursing positions. They work with healthcare facilities in multiple states. Their dedication to quality care and professional development is well-known.


  9. Rock Medical Group
    Average Salary: $147,019
    Rock Medical Group offers rewarding Director of Nursing roles. They operate in California. Their focus on patient care and innovation makes it a great place for nursing leaders.


  10. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $146,136
    TEEMA provides excellent opportunities for Director of Nursing positions. They serve healthcare facilities in multiple states. Their commitment to quality care and professional growth is highly valued.

How to earn more as a Director of Nursing?

A Director of Nursing plays a crucial role in healthcare settings. This position requires a blend of leadership, clinical expertise, and administrative skills. Increasing your earning potential in this role involves several strategic steps. Focus on enhancing your qualifications and experience to stand out in the job market.

Consider these key factors to boost your salary as a Director of Nursing:

  1. Advanced Education: Pursue higher degrees like a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing. These qualifications can lead to higher-paying positions.
  2. Certifications: Obtain certifications in specialized areas such as Nurse Executive or Nurse Practitioner. These add value to your resume and can increase your salary.
  3. Experience: Gain experience in various healthcare settings. More experience often leads to higher pay and better job opportunities.
  4. Leadership Skills: Develop strong leadership and management skills. Effective leadership can lead to promotions and higher salaries.
  5. Networking: Build a strong professional network. Connections can lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations.

Currently 3,063 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
3,063 Job Openings