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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nurse Director in Illinois is $159,935 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.
However, a Nurse Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Nurse Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $175,577 | $14,631 | $3,376 | $84 |
| Average | $159,935 | $13,328 | $3,076 | $77 |
| 25th Percentile | $142,360 | $11,863 | $2,738 | $68 |
Village Caregiving - Marion, IL - Marion, IL
ELEVATED CARE HOME HEALTH - Bolingbrook, IL
Clinical Management Consultants - Naperville, IL
Psychiatric Medical Care - Monticello, IL
A Nurse Director'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Nurse Director'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Nursing S... Level Nurse Director | $115,405 |
| Nursing M... Level Nurse Director | $135,050 |
| Nurse Dir... Level Nurse Director | $163,597 |
| Nursing D... Level Nurse Director | $200,946 |
| Head of N... Level Nurse Director | $242,759 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Nurse Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Nurse Director 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, Nurse Director positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Nurse Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $191,922 | $92.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Nurse Director'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 | $175,577 | $14,631 | $3,376 | $84 |
| Average | $159,935 | $13,328 | $3,076 | $77 |
| 25th Percentile | $142,360 | $11,863 | $2,738 | $68 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Nurse Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Humboldt Park Health
Chicago, IL
Humboldt Park Health | Chicago, IL
Nurse Director, Emergency & ICU DepartmentsA new opportunity awaits you at Humboldt Park Health. If you are mission driving and have a passion for Advancin... more
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Job Description. Job Description. . If you're a team player with a passion for geriatric mental health care, we’d love to hear from you. Join Allure Health... more
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SynergenX Health Holdings LLC
Hoffman Estates, IL
SynergenX Health Holdings LLC | Hoffman Estates, IL
Job Description. Job Description. As part of our candidate screening process, your professional license and NPI/taxonomy will be verified with credentialin... more
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TheraEx Staffing Services
Decatur, IL
TheraEx Staffing Services | Decatur, IL
TheraEX Staffing Services is seeking a travel nurse RN Director of Nursing for a travel nursing job in Decatur, Illinois. Job Description & Requirements Sp... more
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Skyline Med Staff Nursing
Petersburg, IL
Skyline Med Staff Nursing | Petersburg, IL
Skyline Med Staff Nursing is seeking a travel nurse RN Director of Nursing for a travel nursing job in Petersburg, Illinois.Job Description & RequirementsS... more
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TheraEx Staffing Services
Petersburg, IL
TheraEx Staffing Services | Petersburg, IL
TheraEX Staffing Services is seeking a travel nurse RN Director of Nursing for a travel nursing job in Petersburg, Illinois. Job Description & Requirements... more
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