As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a RN Program Director in the United States is $148,252 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.
However, a RN Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A RN Program 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 RN Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 13.32% |
| Staff Development | 1.89% |
| Tutoring | 1.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Authenticity
|
$176,420 |
19%
|
|
People Management
|
$166,042 |
12%
|
|
Results Oriented
|
$161,595 |
9%
|
|
Work Ethic
|
$161,595 |
9%
|
|
Organization Development
|
$158,630 |
7%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$157,147 |
6%
|
For RN Program Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu, Government & Nonprofit, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, RN Program Director positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view RN Program Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu, Government & Nonprofit | $192,728 | $93.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many RN Program Directors enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a RN Program Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $134,382 and $144,014).
RN Program Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 4.4% |
| Associates | 3.3% |
| Bachelors | 32.0% |
| Masters | 49.7% |
| Doctorate | 10.3% |
Understanding how a RN Program 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a RN Program Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $146,806 in 2023 to around $147,136 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of RN Program Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $146,806 |
| 2024 | $148,224 |
| 2025 | $147,136 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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