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Nursing Home Administrator Salary in the United States

How much does a Nursing Home Administrator make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nursing Home Administrator in the United States is $134,210 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.

However, a Nursing Home Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $169,248
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $118,860 to $152,550
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $104,885
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View as table View as graph 25% $118,860 10% $104,885 90% $169,248 75% $152,550 $134,210 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Nursing Home Administrator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $152,550 $12,713 $2,934 $73
Average $134,210 $11,184 $2,581 $65
25th Percentile $118,860 $9,905 $2,286 $57
Check out Nursing Home Administrator Job Openings in the United States
Licensed Nursing Home Administrator

LIBERTY HEALTH CARE CENTER, INC. - Youngstown, OH

Licensed Nursing Home Administrator

HCF Management, Inc. - Coldwater, OH

Director of Nursing Home Health

American Primary Healthcare LLC - Columbus, OH

Director of Nursing Eve Home Health Care Inc

Eve Homehealth Care Inc - Columbus, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Nursing Home Administrator Salaries

A Nursing Home Administrator'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Nursing Home Administrator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Nursing Home Administrator'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:

  • Admissions Liaison (0-2 years): $46,938
  • Senior Living Care Coordinator (3-5 years): $68,197
  • Nursing Home Administrator (5+ years): $134,210
  • Top Skilled Nursing Facility Executive (5+ years): $282,106
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Admissions Liaison0-2 years$46,938
Senior Living Care Coordinator3-5 years$68,197
Nursing Home Administrator5+ years$134,210
Top Skilled Nursing Facility Executive5+ years$282,106
$46,938 Admission...
$68,197 Senior Li...
$134,210 Nursing H...
$282,106 Top Skill...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Nursing Home Administrators

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: $169,280
  • San Francisco: $167,430
  • Oakland: $163,900

What Skills Can Increase a Nursing Home Administrator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 11.15% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Quality Assurance (Mentioned in 2.13% Job Postings): Verifying the adherence of product with required specifications and expectations to track and resolve deficiencies prior to product release.
  • Operations Management (Mentioned in 1.48% Job Postings): Operations management is an area of management concerned with designing and controlling the process of production and redesigning business operations in the production of goods or services. It involves the responsibility of ensuring that business operations are efficient in terms of using as few resources as needed and effective in terms of meeting customer requirements. Operations management is primarily concerned with planning, organizing and supervising in the contexts of production, manufacturing or the provision of services. It is concerned with managing an entire production system which is the process that converts inputs (in the forms of raw materials, labor, and energy) into outputs (in the form of goods and/or services), or delivers a product or services. Operations produce products, manage quality and creates service. Operation management covers sectors like banking systems, hospitals, companies, working with suppliers, customers, and using technology. Operations is one of the major functions in an organization along with supply chains, marketing, finance and human resources. The operations function requires management of both the strategic and day-to-day production of goods and services.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 11.15%
Quality Assurance 2.13%
Operations Management 1.48%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Nursing Home Administrator's salary.
  • Operations Management: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Time Management: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Delegation: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Operations Management
$158,368
18%
Time Management
$154,342
15%
Delegation
$152,999
14%
Problem Solving
$152,999
14%
Clinical Services
$150,315
12%
Coordination
$150,315
12%
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Nursing Home Administrator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Nursing Home Administrator'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.

Last Updated on May 01, 2026

Nursing Home Administrator Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Nursing Home Administrator, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Top Skilled Nursing Facility Executive role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $282,110 - a projected growth of 110% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Nursing Home Administrator

Salaries for a Nursing Home Administrator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $134,250 in 2023 to around $131,872 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Nursing Home Administrator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Nursing Home Administrator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$134,250
2024
$132,688
2025
$131,872
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $134,250
2024 $132,688
2025 $131,872
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Nursing Home Administrator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Nursing Home Administrator

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FAQ about Nursing Home Administrator

1. What does an administrator do in a nursing home?

An administrator in a nursing home manages daily operations, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and mission. They provide leadership to clinical, managerial, and custodial teams, fostering effective collaboration. Responsibilities include hiring and firing staff at all levels. The salary for this role ranges from $117,080 to $158,430, with a median of $134,690.

2. Why do nursing home administrators make so much?

Nursing home administrators earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $117,080, a mid-range of $134,690, and a maximum of $158,430. Their compensation reflects their expertise in both business and healthcare, as they are responsible for managing complex operations and ensuring quality care for residents. This dual skill set justifies their higher earnings.

3. Do administrators make more than nurses?

Yes, administrators typically earn more than nurses. For instance, Nursing Home Administrators have a salary range with a minimum of $117,080, a mid-point of $134,690, and a maximum of $158,430. This is significantly higher than the average salary of around $100,000 for health service managers, including nurse administrators.

4. What is the highest salary of an admin?

The highest salary for a Nursing Home Administrator is $158,430 per year. The average starting salary is around $117,080, with a mid-range salary of $134,690. Typically, a minimum of one year of experience is required for this role.

5. What state pays nursing home administrators the most?

Nursing Home Administrators earn a salary range from $117,080 to $158,430, with a median salary of $134,690. While cities like San Antonio, TX, report salaries around $130,000, the overall highest-paying states for this role typically offer compensation closer to the maximum salary range.

6. Can a nurse become a nursing home administrator?

Yes, a nurse can become a nursing home administrator. While an RN license isn't mandatory, obtaining a degree in healthcare administration is essential. Nurses should pursue a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration after their nursing studies. The salary for nursing home administrators ranges from $117,080 to $158,430, with a median salary of $134,690.

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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