How Much Does a Clinical Director of Nursing make?

Clinical Director of Nursing made a median salary around $170,651 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $196,798 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $149,516. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $149,516 10% $130,274 90% $220,604 75% $196,798 $170,651 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for Clinical Director of Nursing

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Clinical Director of Nursing profession are Baldwin , Bismarck , Mandan , Menoken , Saint Anthony .
Baldwin, ND $170,651
Bismarck, ND $170,651
Mandan, ND $170,651
Menoken, ND $170,651
Saint Anthony, ND $168,934

Best-Paying States for Clinical Director of Nursing

The states and districts that pay Clinical Director of Nursing the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $191,081) , California (around $189,364) , New Jersey (around $188,162) , Alaska (around $186,960) , and Massachusetts (around $186,789) .
District of Columbia $191,081
California $189,364
New Jersey $188,162
Alaska $186,960
Massachusetts $186,789

What is the Career Path of Clinical Director of Nursing?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

The first career path typically progresses to Head of Nursing.
Besides, Clinical Director of Nursing can also turn to other related jobs, including Clinical Nursing Director , DIRECTOR OF NURSING CLINICAL DIRECTOR , Nursing Director and Clinical Informatics Director .

Frequently Asked Questions for Clinical Director of Nursing

Q: What is the salary range of Clinical Director of Nursing in Bismarck, ND?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Clinical Director of Nursing in Bismarck, ND earned an average annual salary of $149,516 , while the highest-paid made $196,798.
Q: What is the salary for a Clinical Director of Nursing in California?
A: Clinical Director of Nursing employed in California earned an average salary of $189,364 in 2025.

Average Clinical Director of Nursing Pay vs. Other Jobs

Clinical Director of Nursing earned an average salary of $170,651 in 2025. Other jobs related to Clinical Director of Nursing earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Clinical Nursing Director made $167,153 , DIRECTOR OF NURSING CLINICAL DIRECTOR made $170,651 , Nursing Director and Clinical Informatics Director made $168,728 and $174,538 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Clinical Director of Nursing

Clinical Nursing Director - Average Salary $167,153
There is currently no job description for Clinical Nursing Director, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Clinical Nursing Director.
DIRECTOR OF NURSING CLINICAL DIRECTOR - Average Salary $170,651
There is currently no job description for DIRECTOR OF NURSING CLINICAL DIRECTOR, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for DIRECTOR OF NURSING CLINICAL DIRECTOR.
Nursing Director - Average Salary $168,728
Nursing Director administers the nursing program in a hospital, nursing home, or other medical facility to maintain standards of patient care. Advises medical staff, department heads, and administrators in matters related to nursing service. Being a Nursing Director recommends establishment or revision of policies and develops organizational structure and standards of performance. Interprets policies and objectives of nursing service to staff and community groups. Additionally, Nursing Director requires an advanced degree of nursing. Typically reports to top management. Requires RN license. The Nursing Director typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be a Nursing Director typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Clinical Informatics Director - Average Salary $174,538
Clinical Informatics Director directs an organization's clinical informatics department. Designs and implements the organization's clinical informatics systems and data to improve patient care and operational results. Being a Clinical Informatics Director establishes initiatives to improve systems or integrate new systems. Communicates and collaborates with top management and other departments to ensure departmental initiatives and strategies align with broader organizational goals. Additionally, Clinical Informatics Director researches and stays up-to-date on new clinical informatics trends and technology. Requires a master's degree in nursing. Requires Registered Nurse (RN) license. Typically reports to top management. The Clinical Informatics Director manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be a Clinical Informatics Director typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
Head of Clinical Nursing - Average Salary $251,990
The Head of Clinical Nursing conducts analysis to understand the needs of nursing staff and develop systems and strategies that support and optimize patient care and align with organizational objectives. Directs and coordinates implementation, design, and maintenance of clinical nursing information systems used to improve nursing operations. Being a Head of Clinical Nursing plans the implementation, communication, and training for new technology deployments. Researches and evaluates new technologies and tools used to provide new sources of data and streamline nursing practices. In addition, Head of Clinical Nursing requires a master's degree in nursing. Requires Registered Nurse (RN). Typically reports to top management. The Head of Clinical Nursing manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Working as a Head of Clinical Nursing typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.