As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) in the United States is $222,020. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $196,210 to $275,930, with most professionals earning between $172,711 and $325,012.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $275,930 | $22,994 | $5,306 | $133 |
| Average | $222,020 | $18,502 | $4,270 | $107 |
| 25th Percentile | $196,210 | $16,351 | $3,773 | $94 |
An entry-level Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) with less than 1 year of experience earns about $206,226. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $208,537. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $210,463. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $213,545, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $217,397.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) | $206,226 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) | $208,537 |
| Senior Level Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) | $210,463 |
| Specialist Level Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) | $213,545 |
| Expert Level Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) | $217,397 |
| Entry Level | 7% |
| Mid Level | 6% |
| Senior Level | 5% |
| Top Level | 4% |
| Experienced | 2% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $206,007 in 2023 to approximately $209,865 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $222,020 | 75.6% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $13,672 | 4.7% | ||
| 401K/403B | $10,435 | 3.6% | ||
| Disability | $1,776 | 0.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 2.1% | ||
| Pension | $12,211 | 4.2% | ||
| Time Off | $27,326 | 9.3% | ||
| Total Compensation | $293,496 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 1.1% |
| Associates | 11.1% |
| Bachelors | 22.2% |
| Masters | 57.9% |
| Doctorate | 7.7% |
What Am I Worth?
The salary for a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) ranges from $225,800 to $307,180 annually, with a mid-range salary of $264,150. This reflects the competitive compensation for CNOs, highlighting the importance of their role in healthcare management.
Chief nursing officers (CNOs) earn a median salary of approximately $264,150, with a range from $225,800 to $307,180. Many CNOs also receive performance-based bonuses, which can vary significantly, typically ranging from $5,000 to $49,000 annually, depending on the organization and individual performance.
A Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) typically reports to the organization's President and Chief Executive Officer. In cases where there is a system-level Chief Nursing Executive (CNE), the CNO reports to the CNE. The salary for a CNO ranges from a minimum of $225,800 to a maximum of $307,180, with a mid-salary of $264,150.
CNOs can indeed become CEOs, though it's still uncommon. Hospitals that appoint nurses to top positions often find that CNOs, with the right preparation, excel as CEOs. Given the salary range for CNOs, with a minimum of $225,800, a mid-range of $264,150, and a maximum of $307,180, this transition can be financially rewarding and beneficial for the organization.
A Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) in a hospital oversees nursing staff, ensuring high-quality patient care and compliance with healthcare regulations. They manage budgets, develop policies, and collaborate with other departments to enhance operational efficiency. CNOs typically earn between $225,800 and $307,180, with a median salary of $264,150, reflecting their critical leadership role.
The highest rank for a nurse is the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). CNOs are responsible for overseeing nursing staff and ensuring quality patient care. The salary for a CNO typically ranges from a minimum of $225,800 to a maximum of $307,180, with a mid-salary of $264,150, reflecting their significant leadership role in healthcare organizations.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
