Licensed Nursing Home Administrators (LNHA)
Finding the Right Facility as a Licensed Administrator
For an experienced administrator, the building matters as much as the title. Operator support, survey history and the DON partnership shape the job. Here is what LNHAs tell me they check before taking over a facility.
Confidential. No résumé needed for a first conversation.
What to check before taking over a building
Ask the operator directly, and look at the public record yourself.
- Ownership and operator: who owns the building, how long they have operated it, and how decisions are made.
- Survey history: recent inspection results and any plans of correction, which are publicly available.
- Regional support: clinical, HR and reimbursement support from the regional team.
- DON partnership: who the director of nursing is, and how long they have been in the role.
- Staffing and census: current staffing levels, agency use, and census trends.
How nursing home administrator pay is structured
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish a separate figure for nursing home administrators. It groups them with medical and health services managers, whose median annual wage in nursing and residential care facilities was $100,520 in May 2025. That group includes other managers, so treat it as context rather than a benchmark.
Administrator roles usually pay a base salary plus a bonus tied to measures such as census, survey results or budget. Ask exactly how the bonus is calculated and how often it has paid out.
Licensure moves state by state
Every state requires nursing home administrators to be licensed, and requirements vary. If you are considering a move across state lines, check the requirements with that state’s licensing board early. NAB, the national association of long term care administrator boards, is a good starting point.
Source: National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) (opens in a new tab)
For operators and senior care groups
Experienced LNHAs ask about ownership stability, survey history and regional support. Being direct about all three helps strong administrators say yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much do nursing home administrators make?
BLS groups nursing home administrators with medical and health services managers. That group’s median annual wage in nursing and residential care facilities was $100,520 in May 2025. Administrator pay also varies with facility size, region and bonus structure.
What should I check before taking over a building?
Look at ownership and operator stability, recent survey results, regional support, the DON partnership, and staffing and census trends. Survey results are public, so review them yourself.
How do survey results affect an administrator role?
Recent survey results show what you would be inheriting, including any open plans of correction. Ask what support the operator will provide to address them.
Does my LNHA license transfer between states?
Licensure is state by state, and requirements vary. Check with the licensing board in the state you are considering. NAB is a useful starting point.
Can I explore new roles confidentially?
Yes. Conversations are confidential, and nothing is shared with any employer without your permission.
Talk it through, confidentially
A first conversation is private and there is no obligation. Nothing is shared with any employer without your permission.
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