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RN Program Director Salary in the United States

How much does a RN Program Director make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a RN Program Director in the United States is $140,272 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.

However, a RN Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $162,359
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $124,280 to $151,833
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $109,720
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence RN Program Director Salaries

A RN Program Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do RN Program Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $155,309.
  • California: $154,720.
  • Massachusetts: $152,658.

Top Paying Cities for RN Program Directors

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: $176,925
  • San Francisco: $174,988
  • Oakland: $171,300

What Skills Can Increase a RN Program Director's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 13.32% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Staff Development (Mentioned in 1.89% Job Postings): Refers to all the policies, practices, and procedures used to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies of staff to improve the effectiveness and efficiency both of the individual and the University.
  • Tutoring (Mentioned in 1.17% Job Postings): A Tutor is responsible for helping students learn and understand new concepts and complete assignments.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 13.32%
Staff Development 1.89%
Tutoring 1.17%
See More Skills

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 RN Program Director's salary.

  • Authenticity: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • People Management: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Results Oriented: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Authenticity $166,924
19%
People Management $157,105
12%
Results Oriented $152,896
9%
Get Latest Data

RN Program Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industry for a RN Program Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu, Government & Nonprofit$182,354$88.030%

How Education impacts a RN Program Director's Salary?

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

Typical Education for RN Program Director
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%
View as Graph

RN Program Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$124,280
Average $140,272/year
$151,833
$10,357
Average $11,689/month
$12,653
$2,390
Average $2,698/week
$2,920
$60
Average $67/hour
$73
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $151,833 $12,653 $2,920 $73
Average $140,272 $11,689 $2,698 $67
25th Percentile $124,280 $10,357 $2,390 $60

Most common benefits for RN Program Director

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for RN Program Director

Here are companies hiring for RN Program Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about RN Program Director

1. What industry pays the highest salary for RN Program Director?

The Edu, Government & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for RN Program Director roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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