Executive Pay Rises as Turnover and Sign-On Bonuses Decline in 2026
The newly released 2026-2027 Nursing Home Salary & Benefits Report is a national study published by Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) and supported by AHCA. The report presents nursing home compensation and benefits data effective as of March 2026.
Compensation Increases for Leadership and Key Department Heads
Among nursing homes that participated in both the current and prior-year studies, the positions receiving the highest percentage increases included Nursing Home Administrator, CFO, HR Director, Director of Staff Development, Life Enrichment Director, Director of Social Services, and Director of Facilities/Plant Operations. From 2025 to 2026, compensation increased by 3.71% for Nursing Home Administrators, 3.82% for Directors of Facilities/Plant Operations, and 3.66% for Directors of Social Services among these repeat participants.
Turnover Rates Continued to Decline
Turnover rates continued their downward trajectory in 2026 after peaking in 2022.
Use of Sign-On Bonuses Declined
In 2026, 54.38% of respondents reported using sign-on bonuses, compared with 55.61% in 2025 and 65.44% in 2024. RNs, LPNs, and CNAs remained the primary recipients of sign-on bonuses. Fewer facilities reported offering the incentives to Medication Techs, Resident Assistants, or Dining and Kitchen staff in 2026.
Study Scope and Data
This is the 49th annual edition of the study. A total of 947 nursing homes participated and provided compensation data on more than 126,050 employees. The report covers 47 management and 55 nonmanagement positions. Of the participating facilities, 58.50% were not-for-profit and 41.50% were for-profit. Results are reported by revenue size, profit type, bed size, region, state, and CBSA. The report includes 18 fringe benefits, shift differentials, actual and projected salary increases by department for 2026 to 2027, turnover and vacancy rates, and sign-on bonuses.
The report is available for $400, with a discounted rate of $325 for AHCA/NCAL members.