Director of Nursing Salary Guide
Average Director of Nursing Salary
$88.54/hour
The average salary for a Director of Nursing is $88.54 per hour. This is 56% higher than the nursing US average of $38.80.
Last updated on March 17, 2025. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Salaries for Director of Nursing compared to Registered Nurse National Averages
$88.54/hour
56% higher than the nursing US average.
$38.80/hour
United States
Where do Directors of Nursing get paid the most?
| State | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | $73 | $94 |
| New York | $60 | $77 |
| Georgia | $43 | $53 |
| Missouri | $42 | $54 |
| Texas | $36 | $50 |
| Florida | $32 | $35 |
| South Dakota | $29 | $38 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Director of Nursing jobs?
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Hermann Health System | $45 | $45 |
| Atrium Health Navicent | $39 | $39 |
| The Hospitals of Providence | $37 | $37 |
| Elara Caring | $30 | $40 |
| Tenet South Carolina | $26 | $26 |
Last updated on March 17, 2025. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.

Director of Nursing Career Guide
Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.
Go to the guideTop Director of Nursing Jobs
Registered Nurse (RN) - Director Nurse Resident
- Community Regional Medical Center
- Fresno, CA
- 5x8 hrs, Days
$98-127/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Director Nurse Resident
- Community Regional Medical Center
- Fresno, CA
- 5x8 hrs, Days
$92-120/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Director ICU - Intensive Care Unit
- San Ramon Regional Medical Center
- San Ramon, CA
- 3x12 hrs
$83-133/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Director Med Surg / Telemetry
- San Ramon Regional Medical Center
- San Ramon, CA
- 3x12 hrs
- Sign-On Bonus
$83-133/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Director OR - Operating Room
- Adventist Health
- Bakersfield, CA
$146K-219K/year
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Director of Nursing FAQs
What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Director of Nursing?
Earning your Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL), Certified Director of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care (CDONA/LTC) or Director of Nursing Services–Certified (DNS-CT) often increases your salary potential as a director of nursing or makes you eligible for another position with greater responsibilities, which also might include a bump in wages.
Can having a Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL) boost my salary as a Director of Nursing?
Yes, having a Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a director of nursing.
Can having a Certified Director of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care (CDAL/LTC) boost my salary as a Director of Nursing?
Yes, having a Certified Director of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care (CDAL/LTC) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a director of nursing.
Can having a Director of Nursing Services–Certified (DNS-CT) boost my salary as a Director of Nursing?
Yes, having a Director of Nursing Services–Certified (DNS-CT) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a director of nursing.
Where can I learn more about working as a Director of Nursing?
Take a look at Vivian's Director of Nursing Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.