As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a RN Program Director in the United States is $148,078 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a RN Program 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level RN Program Director | $136,473 |
| Intermediate Level RN Program Director | $138,049 |
| Senior Level RN Program Director | $140,149 |
| Specialist Level RN Program Director | $142,774 |
| Expert Level RN Program Director | $145,399 |
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 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
|
$176,213 |
19%
|
|
People Management
|
$165,847 |
12%
|
|
Results Oriented
|
$161,405 |
9%
|
|
Work Ethic
|
$161,405 |
9%
|
|
Organization Development
|
$158,443 |
7%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$156,963 |
6%
|
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 January 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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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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