Executive Director Nursing Salary in the United States

How much does an Executive Director Nursing make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Executive Director Nursing in the United States is $166,753 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.

However, an Executive Director Nursing's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $200,255
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $151,158 to $184,289
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $136,960

Key Factors That Influence Executive Director Nursing Salaries

An Executive Director Nursing's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Executive Director Nursing Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Executive Director Nursing's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $115,046
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $134,638
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $163,100
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $200,327
  • Expert (over 8 years): $242,027
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Nursing Supervisor less than 1 year $115,046
Nursing Manager 1-2 years $134,638
Executive Director Nursing 2-4 years $163,100
Nursing Director 5-8 years $200,327
Head of Nursing over 8 years $242,027

Top Paying Cities for Executive Director Nursing

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $210,326
  • San Francisco: $208,023
  • Oakland: $203,639

Executive Director Nursing Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Executive Director Nursing roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Executive Director Nursing positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Executive Director Nursing as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Executive Director Nursing

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $200,104 $96.0 20%

How Education impacts an Executive Director Nursing's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Executive Director Nursing professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Executive Director Nursing with a Bachelor's is between $159,426 and $171,713.

Executive Director Nursing Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Executive Director Nursing
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 1.5%
High School 1.5%
Associate's Degree 24.1%
Bachelor's Degree 35.1%
Master's Degree or MBA 36.6%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 2.8%

Executive Director Nursing Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Executive Director Nursing's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$151,158
Average $166,753/year
$184,289
$12,597
Average $13,896/month
$15,357
$2,907
Average $3,207/week
$3,544
$73
Average $80/hour
$89
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $184,289 $15,357 $3,544 $89
Average $166,753 $13,896 $3,207 $80
25th Percentile $151,158 $12,597 $2,907 $73

Most common benefits for Executive Director Nursing

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Executive Director Nursing

Here are companies hiring for Executive Director Nursing and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Executive Director Nursing Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Executive Director Nursing job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • AOM Healthcare | Columbus, OH

    AOM Healthcare | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Traveling RN Director of Nursing - Ohio. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Traveling RN Director of Nursing... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Saber Community Support and Development Office | Columbus, OH

    Saber Community Support and Development Office | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Lead with heart and purpose - join us as a Director of Nursing in Training where your leadership helps create a supportiv... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Scioto Rehabilitation & Care Center | Columbus, OH

    Scioto Rehabilitation & Care Center | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Licensed Registered Nurse. Reports directly to the Director of Nursing, assisting in the management of facility, people, ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Eastland Care Center | Columbus, OH

    Eastland Care Center | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Eastland Rehab & Nursing Center.  is seeking a compassionate and professional . Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON).  to... more

    8 Days Ago

  • The Laurels of Worthington | Columbus, OH

    The Laurels of Worthington | Columbus, OH

    Are you a Registered Nurse (RN) looking for a leadership opportunity with a growing organization. We have an exceptional opportunity for an Assistant Direc... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Armor Health | Columbus, OH

    Armor Health | Columbus, OH

    Director Of Nursing. Excellent outcomes start with great people, and Armor has an exciting opportunity for a Director of Nursing Monday - Friday to join ou... more

    11 Days Ago

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FAQ about Executive Director Nursing

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Executive Director Nursing?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Executive Director Nursing roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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