Director of Nursing
Allbridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center – Columbus, OH
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:
Executive Director Nursing Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average 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 |
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Executive Director Nursings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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.
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
Salaries for an Executive Director Nursing can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $136,210 in 2023 to around $135,381 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Executive Director Nursing salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $136,210 |
| 2024 | $136,562 |
| 2025 | $135,381 |
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Executive Director Nursing roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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