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Nursing Home Administrator Licensing in Pennsylvania

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nursing home administrator in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Nursing Home Administrator in Pennsylvania

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 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

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Nursing Home Administrators Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $103,720 median (12% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #39 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Nursing Home Administrator licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Nursing Home Administrators Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Pennsylvania

With a median salary of $103,720, Nursing Home Administrators in Pennsylvania earn 12% below the national median of $117,960. Pennsylvania ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,364

Median annual salary

$103,720

Hourly estimate

$49.87
12% below national median

Difference: -$14,240

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$71,290
  • P2525th percentile$82,240
  • P50Median$103,720
  • P7575th percentile$131,990
  • P9090th percentile$180,790

State vs National Median

State: $103,720
National: $117,960

Total employment: 26,430 | Annual openings: N/A

Nursing Home Administrator Salary Ranking

#39 of 50 statesfor Nursing Home Administrator median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$149,820
#2Washington$143,300
#3Hawaii$140,750
#4California$136,500
#5Georgia$136,030

Nearby States Comparison

Nursing Home Administrator licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Pennsylvania$103,720Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$149,820Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
New Jersey$132,250Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Delaware$125,150Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$132,590Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$110,780Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$105,040Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
New Jersey50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Delaware50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia56MediumState-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

Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Nursing Home Administrators Board

P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649

Phone: 7177837155

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Nursing Home Administrator in Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

The board typically expects Degree required for Nursing Home Administrator licensure in Pennsylvania.

What is the typical Nursing Home Administrator salary in Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for Nursing Home Administrators in Pennsylvania is $103,720. Salaries range from $71,290 (10th percentile) to $180,790 (90th percentile).

How does the Nursing Home Administrator salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?

Nursing Home Administrators in Pennsylvania earn 12% below the national median of $117,960, with a state median of $103,720.

How many Nursing Home Administrators work in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania employs approximately 26,430 Nursing Home Administrators according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Nursing Home Administrator license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Nursing Home Administrators Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/NursingHomeAdministrators/Pages/default.aspx.

How often do you renew a Nursing Home Administrator license in Pennsylvania?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.