As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Improvement Nurse in the United States is $185,550 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $89.
However, a Quality Improvement Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Quality Improvement Nurse'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 Quality Improvement Nurse'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 Quality Improvement Nurse | $172,237 |
| Intermediate Level Quality Improvement Nurse | $173,975 |
| Senior Level Quality Improvement Nurse | $176,292 |
| Specialist Level Quality Improvement Nurse | $179,188 |
| Expert Level Quality Improvement Nurse | $182,084 |
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 Quality Improvement Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.81% |
| Auditing | 2.2% |
| Quality Improvement | 2% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$205,961 |
11%
|
|
Commitment
|
$196,683 |
6%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$196,683 |
6%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$194,828 |
5%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$194,828 |
5%
|
|
Program Management
|
$194,828 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Quality Improvement Nurses 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 Quality Improvement Nurse with a Bachelor's Degree is between $143,297 and $156,345).
Quality Improvement Nurse Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.6% |
| High School | 42.9% |
| Associates | 3.6% |
| Bachelors | 42.9% |
| Masters | 42.9% |
| Doctorate | 10.7% |
Understanding how a Quality Improvement Nurse'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 Quality Improvement Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $174,871 in 2023 to around $172,623 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Quality Improvement Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $174,871 |
| 2024 | $175,297 |
| 2025 | $172,623 |
| 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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