Director of Nursing: Salary and How to Become One
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Mar 9, 2026
A director of nursing is the top-ranking administration role in the field. Professionals seeking this leadership role move from daily patient care to upper-level management and policy-level planning to promote effective health care facility operations.
If you want to move into the field, review the director of nursing salary, responsibilities, and educational requirements to learn more about this dynamic career opportunity.
The Role of a Director of Nursing
Directors of nursing in hospitals or health care facilities are responsible for overseeing the entire nursing department of their organization. This high-level management position focuses on department-wide goals, hiring responsibilities, and budgetary planning rather than day-to-day patient care. Directors also work closely with senior administrators of other departments to report on the level of care their department provides and how well it operates.
The work environment for nurse directors varies based on the facility or organization. However, many spend much of their time doing administrative and leadership tasks in an office environment and monitoring care throughout a hospital or health care facility.
Core Responsibilities of a Director of Nursing
The responsibilities of a nursing director can vary depending on the size of the hospital or other health care organization, and these duties can impact the typical director of nursing salary. They ensure their teams are both skilled and aligned with the institution’s goals and ethics.
Daily and weekly schedules may include the following responsibilities:
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Maintaining guidelines for the standard of care, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centric care
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Developing and executing both short-term and long-term strategies
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Developing and implementing policies
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Developing and tracking key metrics and goals, and working with nursing staff to reach those goals
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Overseeing hiring, training, and retention of nursing staff
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Managing a nursing department’s budget and monitoring its expenses
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Reviewing compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as well as maintaining institutional compliance for ethics and the delivery of safe, quality health care
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Evaluating the performance of nurses and other health care professionals
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Recommending policy updates or changes to improve performance
Some organizations allow directors of nursing to focus on a few key responsibilities while working with a larger team of health care professionals. Smaller organizations may require additional responsibilities as directors of nursing work alongside managers to guide and oversee nurses.
Director of Nursing Salary Expectations
As an experienced, top-level leader of a department or facility, a nursing director earns a competitive salary. According to Payscale, the median director of nursing salary is approximately $104,260 each year as of October 2025. However, the exact salary is based on years of experience, location, and size of the department.
Salaries in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, directors of nursing may earn less than the national average. However, the cost of living is significantly lower in Oklahoma cities than the national average, according to Payscale.
In Oklahoma City, Payscale reports the average salary for directors of nursing is about $86,500 as of January 2025. The cost of living is also 18% lower than the national average.
Directors of nursing working in the Tulsa area earned slightly more, at about $89,250 as of October 2023. The cost of living is 7% lower than the national average, according to Payscale.
Steps to Becoming a Director of Nursing
Directors of nursing often have more than 10 years of combined education and work experience in the field. The steps below highlight a typical timeline for nursing directors, but every career path is slightly different.
If you’re interested in becoming a director of nursing, identify the type of facility you wish to work in and explore the job requirements to learn more.
Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a nursing director is often earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This degree not only lays the foundation for the medical knowledge needed as a director of nursing, but also prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
While you can qualify for the role with a BSN, many employers may prefer or require at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which can help build high-level leadership skills. Graduates of an MSN degree program can also consider enrolling in a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program to further their nursing education.
Required Certifications
You should also consider earning a certification to improve your application. Two leading certification programs for directors of nursing are the Director of Nursing Services-Certified (DNS-CT) credential, offered by the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN), and the Certified Director of Nursing Exam (CDONA), offered by the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care (NADONA-LTC).
Health care organizations may have different certification requirements, so you should review job requirements for more information. Credentials and certifications can also positively impact salaries for directors of nursing.
Relevant Work Experience
Many director of nursing positions require two to three years of relevant managerial experience. Some prospective directors of nursing become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to gain crucial experience as they move toward their career goals.
Essential Skills
Directors of nursing need to demonstrate several interpersonal, technical, and managerial skills. Here are a few examples of essential skills you can hone for success:
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Strong oral and written communication skills to ensure information flows accurately between nurses, other health care staff, patients, and their families or caregivers
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Analytical skills to help your departments and organizations succeed
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Organization skills and attention to detail for managing time and resources within the department
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Leadership skills to ensure collaboration and team development among nursing departments
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Ability to encourage and inspire nurses and other health care professionals
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Strong command of medical and technical knowledge
Explore The University of Tulsa’s MSN Program Today
After reviewing the director of nursing salary expectations, responsibilities, and required education, you can start your career pathway. Explore The University of Tulsa’s online MSN program with three specializations: Leadership and Innovation, Education and Elevation, and Public Health Global Vision.
Whether you are hoping to advance into a director of nursing role or you’re already in an executive nursing position, TU’s MSN can provide the administrative and leadership skills needed to succeed in a high level nursing career.
We also offer an online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), DNP program that can prepare you for success as an APRN or to enter other nursing leadership roles, such as a director of nursing.
Learn more about TU’s program and how it can help you reach your goals as a nurse leader, whether you are already in a leadership role or seeking one in the future.
Recommended Readings
How an MSN Can Improve Nurse Retention
Rural vs. Urban Health in OK: The Role of Nurse Leaders
Your Guide to Nursing Leadership Certifications
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet
American Association of Managed Care Nurses, Nursing Director Overview
American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing, Director of Nursing Services-Certified
Indeed, Director of Nursing Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
Indeed, “How to Become a Director of Nursing in 7 Steps”
Payscale, Average Director, Nursing Salary
Payscale, Average Director, Nursing Salary in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Payscale, Average Director, Nursing Salary in Tulsa, Oklahoma
