Average Director of Nursing Salary

$65.81/hour

The average salary for a Director of Nursing is $65.81 per hour. This is 27% higher than the nursing US average of $48.28.

Last updated on August 14, 2026. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Salaries for Director of Nursing compared to Registered Nurse National Averages

$65.81/hour

27% higher than the nursing US average.

$48.28/hour

United States

Where do Directors of Nursing get paid the most?
StateAverage Hourly SalaryMax Hourly Salary
California$79$97
Oregon$61$78
Wisconsin$60$65
New Mexico$57$72
Minnesota$57$65
North Dakota$56$63
Colorado$55$60
Texas$50$60
New York$50$61
Missouri$49$58
Nebraska$49$51
Illinois$48$50
Georgia$48$53
Arizona$48$59
Iowa$46$50
Kentucky$42$46
Tennessee$39$42
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Director of Nursing jobs?
Average Hourly SalaryMax Hourly Salary
Tenet North Cal$98$98
Tenet Desert$77$77
Medical Solutions Direct Hire$67$67
Patterns Hiring - Perm$51$51
Perm Staff Jobs$46$47
Elara Caring$42$42

Last updated on August 14, 2026. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.

A Nurse holding a file folder

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 guide
Was this page helpful?

Get alerts about new jobs and salary trends

Be the first to know about new jobs for Directors of Nursing with the salary that suits you.

Featured Blog Posts

Open article 5 Ways to Take Care of Yourself This World Mental Health Day
be kind to your mind world mental health day
5 Ways to Take Care of Yourself This World Mental Health Day
Check out these top ways to prioritize yourself today and everyday.
Open article Celebrate Nurses Week 2025 with Vivian Health
Nurses Week 2025
Celebrate Nurses Week 2025 with Vivian Health
We appreciate the 4.4 million nurses serving the nation. Check this page May 6th – 12th as we say thanks.
Open article Technology in Nursing Education: Perks of Online Degree and Certification Programs
Online nursing education header
Technology in Nursing Education: Perks of Online Degree and Certification Programs
Flexibility, accessibility and lower costs make it easier to get your nursing degree.
See more Blog Posts

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.