Salaries for Administrators and DONs rise substantially

Nursing home operators value loyalty and good nursing leaders, the latest results from the nation’s most in-depth nursing-home survey indicate. The national median salary for directors of nursing (DONs) at nursing homes jumped 5.2% this year, up to $72,515. Similarly, assistant DONs enjoyed a 4.9% rise, up to $60,022.   Both increases are much higher than the standard increase in other similiar positions.

Administrators, meanwhile, saw their national median salary increase by a less robust 3%, to $82,400. Assistant administrators’ median pay climbed to $59,357. However, compared to other type of white collar workers, this increase is substantial.

The figures come from the newly released 2007-2008 AAHSA Nursing Home Salary & Benefits Report. More than 2,500 facilities took part in the 30th annual survey, which is published by Oakland, NJ-based Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service and supported by both major nursing home associations.