As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Chief Nursing Executive in the United States is $222,100. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $196,300 to $276,000, with most professionals earning between $172,810 and $325,073.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $276,000 | $23,000 | $5,308 | $133 |
| Average | $222,100 | $18,508 | $4,271 | $107 |
| 25th Percentile | $196,300 | $16,358 | $3,775 | $94 |
An entry-level Chief Nursing Executive with less than 1 year of experience earns about $206,312. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $208,622. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $210,548. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $213,628, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $217,479.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief Nursing Executive | $206,312 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Nursing Executive | $208,622 |
| Senior Level Chief Nursing Executive | $210,548 |
| Specialist Level Chief Nursing Executive | $213,628 |
| Expert Level Chief Nursing Executive | $217,479 |
| Entry Level | 7% |
| Mid Level | 6% |
| Senior Level | 5% |
| Top Level | 4% |
| Experienced | 2% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Chief Nursing Executive compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $206,007 in 2023 to approximately $209,865 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Chief Nursing Executive salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
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Here are companies hiring for Chief Nursing Executive and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $222,100 | 75.6% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $13,674 | 4.7% | ||
| 401K/403B | $10,439 | 3.6% | ||
| Disability | $1,777 | 0.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 2.1% | ||
| Pension | $12,216 | 4.2% | ||
| Time Off | $27,335 | 9.3% | ||
| Total Compensation | $293,596 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 1.1% |
| Associates | 11.1% |
| Bachelors | 22.2% |
| Masters | 57.9% |
| Doctorate | 7.7% |
What Am I Worth?
The salary for a Chief Nursing Executive (CNO) at Mayo Clinic typically ranges from $225,800 to $307,200, with a median salary of approximately $264,200. This reflects the competitive compensation for such a vital leadership role in healthcare.
The salary for a Chief Nursing Executive in the USA ranges from a minimum of $225,800 to a maximum of $307,200, with a mid-salary of $264,200. This reflects a significant increase compared to the typical earnings of a Director of Nursing, which averages around $108,675 annually.
Chief Nursing Executives have a challenging role and are well-compensated for their expertise. Based on current salary data, the minimum salary is $225,800, the mid-range salary is $264,200, and the maximum can reach $307,200. This reflects the high demand and responsibility associated with the position, especially in larger healthcare facilities.
While the highest salaries for Chief Nursing Executives can reach up to $307,200 annually, most positions typically offer salaries ranging from $225,800 to $264,200. While some specialized nursing roles may approach or exceed $300,000, it is not common for most nursing positions.
A Chief Nursing Executive is responsible for shaping and enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery in alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and values. This role involves ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and professional nursing standards. The salary for this position ranges from $225,800 to $307,200, with a midpoint of $264,200.
Being a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is a challenging role, but the compensation reflects that. The salary range for a CNO is between $225,800 and $307,200, with a mid-salary of $264,200. Those in larger hospital systems can expect to earn towards the higher end of this scale, making the position financially rewarding.
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.
