Director of Nursing Salary Guide
Average Director of Nursing Salary
$63.89/hour
The average salary for a Director of Nursing is $63.89 per hour. This is 24% higher than the nursing US average of $48.32.
Last updated on September 30, 2026. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Salaries for Director of Nursing compared to Registered Nurse National Averages
$63.89/hour
24% higher than the nursing US average.
$48.32/hour
United States
Where do Directors of Nursing get paid the most?
California pays Director of Nursings the most, averaging $83 per hour, followed by Minnesota ($59) and Texas ($48). California also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $103. For comparison, the national average for Director of Nursings is $64 per hour — California pays 30% more.
| State | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | $83 | $103 |
| Minnesota | $59 | $65 |
| Texas | $48 | $60 |
| Arizona | $48 | $60 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Director of Nursing jobs?
Tenet Desert pays Director of Nursings the most, averaging $89 per hour, followed by United Health Services ($74) and Perm Staff Jobs ($53). For comparison, the national average for Director of Nursings is $64 per hour — Tenet Desert pays 40% more.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Tenet Desert | $89 | $89 |
| United Health Services | $74 | $74 |
| Perm Staff Jobs | $53 | $53 |
| Patterns Hiring - Perm | $51 | $51 |
| Elara Caring | $42 | $42 |
| Tenet South Carolina | $35 | $35 |
Last updated on September 30, 2026. 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 ED - Emergency Department
- Desert Regional Medical Center
- Palm Springs, CA
$76-121/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Director Behavioral Health
- Doctors Medical Center of Modesto
- Modesto, CA
$76-121/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Director OR - Operating Room
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital
- Indio, CA
- Sign-On Bonus
$72-115/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Director of Nursing
- Hi-Desert Continuing Care Center
- Joshua Tree, CA
- Sign-On Bonus
$69-110/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Director ED - Emergency Department
- Hi-Desert Medical Center
- Joshua Tree, CA
$65-105/hour
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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.