How Much Does a Nursing Manager Make? (2025)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing manager or medical and health services manager jobs in the US are expected to grow by 29% from 2023 to 2033. This is significantly faster than the national average and corresponds to an estimated 61,400 job openings annually for nursing managers.
Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for nursing managers in the United States in 2025 is $135,900. This salary guide provides a comprehensive overview of salaries, job descriptions, FAQs, and job expectations for nursing managers.
What Does a Nursing Manager Do?
Nursing managers oversee the daily operations of nursing units in healthcare facilities. They supervise other nurses, manage budgets and resources, and ensure patient care meets regulatory and quality standards. They develop policies, handle staffing and scheduling, and work to improve nursing service efficiency.
Nursing managers also lead teams, mentor staff, and collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes. They ensure compliance with safety and legal standards and foster a positive, productive work environment.
They work in diverse settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and specialty units. According to the BLS, the top-paying industries for nursing managers include:
- Government
- Hospitals: State, Local, and Private
- Outpatient Care Centers
- Offices of Physicians
- Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and several years of clinical experience are typically required. Many hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or healthcare administration. Certifications like Nurse Executive Board Certified (NE-BC) or Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) are highly valued for career advancement.
What is the Nursing Manager Salary Overview?
The average salary for nursing managers in the United States in 2025 is $135,900 per year, according to Salary.com. A nursing manager’s salary ranges from $114,694 to $161,882 per year. The average salary per month is $11,325.
Nursing managers earn an average of $65 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $55 to $78. Moreover, the average salary for nursing managers per week is $2,613, with weekly pay ranging from $2,206 to $3,113.
2025 Nursing Manager Salary: $135,900 ($65 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core compensation for a nursing manager is $127,700 per year, including salary and bonuses, and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $105,157 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,900 |
| 50th Percentile | $127,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $153,491 |
On the other hand, the average total compensation for nursing managers in the US is $173,289 according to the Salary.com report. The total compensation package includes benefits like healthcare ($6,056), time off ($15,717), and Social Security ($9,769), which makes up 18.2% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $135,900 | 78.4% |
| Bonus | $8,200 | 4.7% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $9,769 | 5.6% |
| 401K/403B | $6,002 | 3.5% |
| Disability | $1,022 | 0.6% |
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 3.5% |
| Pension | $7,024 | 4.1% |
| Time Off | $15,717 | 9.1% |
| Total Compensation | $173,289 | 100% |
What Can Affect Nursing Manager Salaries?
Various factors such as experience level, geographic location, education, and skills can significantly influence nursing manager salaries. Below is a breakdown of key salary components:
By Experience Level
Over time, nursing manager salaries are expected to grow in line with work experience. Salary.com data shows that entry-level senior nursing managers with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $131,994.
In contrast, experienced nursing managers working for eight or more years, considered expert-level professionals, can expect to earn an average salary of $137,273.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Nursing Manager | $131,994 |
| Intermediate Level Nursing Manager | $132,541 |
| Senior Level Nursing Manager | $133,516 |
| Specialist Level Nursing Manager | $134,734 |
| Expert Level Nursing Manager | $137,273 |
By Geographic Location
A nursing manager's average salary in the United States may vary by geographic location due to key factors like cost of living, the local economy, and industry presence.
Among the hot or highest paying cities in the United States, San Francisco reports the highest nursing manager salary at $169,700, while Miami and Dallas reflect lower median salaries at $130,600 and $134,200, respectively.
| Cities | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $155,900 | $169,700 | $186,700 |
| Washington, District of Columbia | $138,200 | $150,400 | $165,500 |
| Miami, Florida | $119,900 | $130,600 | $143,700 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $129,000 | $140,400 | $154,500 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $139,200 | $151,500 | $166,700 |
| New York, New York | $144,600 | $157,500 | $173,300 |
| Dallas, Texas | $123,300 | $134,200 | $147,600 |
By Skills
Gaining sought-after skills is also an effective way to increase nursing manager salaries and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand nursing manager skills are patient care and nursing assessment and care with 37.01% and 29.53%, respectively.
Meanwhile, essential skills such as life support and patient care can increase nursing manager salaries by 11.75% and 10.64%, respectively. The table below includes more in-demand skills for nursing managers and their respective influence on salary:
| Skills | Demand (%) | Salary (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Life Support | 7.28% | +11.75% |
| Patient Care | 37.01% | +10.64% |
| Quality Improvement | 9.28% | +9.95% |
| Nursing Assessment and Care | 29.53% | +7.20% |
| Regulatory Compliance | 3.93% | +4.66% |
| Customer Satisfaction | 8.16% | +4.20% |
How to Become a Nursing Manager?
Aspiring nurse managers typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to earn a nursing diploma and an active Registered Nurse (RN) license, which requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Most employers expect at least three to five years of clinical nursing experience, often in acute care settings, to build the expertise necessary for management roles.
Many Nursing Managers pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), or an MBA with a healthcare focus to strengthen leadership and business skills. While not always mandatory, these degrees are highly valued.
Professional certifications like the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) or Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) further validate leadership competence and can enhance career advancement. These certifications require an active RN license, relevant management experience, and passing a certification exam.
Key steps to advance as a Nursing Manager include:
- Develop essential skills: Leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities are critical for managing nursing teams and operations.
- Gain practical experience: Build several years of clinical and supervisory nursing experience, typically three to five years or more. This can help you achieve leadership roles and supervisory positions as well.
- Pursue advanced education: Consider advanced nursing programs and graduate degrees focused on nursing leadership or healthcare administration.
- Obtain certifications: Earn CNML or CENP credentials to demonstrate expertise in nursing management.
- Engage in continuous learning: Stay updated on healthcare regulations, technologies, and best practices.
Nursing Managers work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and specialty units, applying their leadership across diverse healthcare environments. With the right combination of education, experience, certifications, and ongoing development, nurses can successfully transition into management roles where they lead nursing staff, oversee patient care quality, and contribute to organizational success.
What are the FAQs for Nursing Manager?
Here are some common questions about the nursing manager pay:
What does a nursing manager do?
Nursing Managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the nursing staff and daily operations within healthcare units or facilities. They ensure that nursing services deliver high-quality patient care while complying with healthcare regulations and organizational policies.
Typical duties of nursing managers include:
- Overseeing nursing staff recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations
- Managing budgets, supplies, and resources to maintain efficient unit operations
- Developing and implementing nursing policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives
- Collaborating with physicians, administrators, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care
- Monitoring patient outcomes and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards
- Leading nursing teams and serving as a liaison between staff and upper management
These responsibilities ensure that nursing units operate smoothly, provide safe and effective care, and align with the broader goals of the healthcare organization. Nursing Managers play a vital role in fostering a supportive work environment and improving patient satisfaction.
What is the highest salary for a nursing manager?
A nursing manager’s salary may vary depending on their education, skills, experience, and geographic location. For instance, a nursing manager based in San Francisco, California, earns an average salary of $169,700. On the other hand, a nursing manager based in Miami, Florida, only earns an average of $130,600.
Are nursing managers in demand?
Yes. The BLS or Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nursing manager or medical and health services manager jobs in the US are expected to grow by 29% from 2023 to 2033. This figure is significantly faster compared to the national average and corresponds to an estimated 61,400 job openings every year for nursing managers in the US.
How much does a nursing manager make in the US?
Salary.com reports that the average nurse manager salary in the US is $135,900 or $65 per hour.
