Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Healthcare
Nursing Home Administrator Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nursing home administrator in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nursing Home Administrator in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$113,610 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#24 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Nursing Home Administrator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $113,610, Nursing Home Administrators in Illinois earn 4% below the national median of $117,960. Illinois ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$113,610Hourly estimate
$54.624% below national median
Difference: -$4,350
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNursing Home Administrator Salary Ranking
#24 of 50 statesfor Nursing Home Administrator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $149,820 |
| #2 | Washington | $143,300 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $140,750 |
| #4 | California | $136,500 |
| #5 | Georgia | $136,030 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nursing Home Administrator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $113,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $126,170 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $100,750 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $102,540 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $100,260 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $101,030 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $301,580 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $84,520 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nursing Home Administrator in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Nursing Home Administrators in Illinois?
Illinois lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nursing Home Administrators.
What education do you need to become a Nursing Home Administrator in Illinois?
The board typically expects Degree required for Nursing Home Administrator licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Nursing Home Administrator salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Nursing Home Administrators in Illinois is $113,610. Salaries range from $75,400 (10th percentile) to $220,030 (90th percentile).
How does the Nursing Home Administrator salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Nursing Home Administrators in Illinois earn 4% below the national median of $117,960, with a state median of $113,610.
How many Nursing Home Administrators work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 21,110 Nursing Home Administrators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nursing Home Administrator license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Nursing Home Administrators in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.
How often do you renew a Nursing Home Administrator license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.