Long-Term Care Administrator Salary and Job Description

Long-term care refers to services that help people meet their everyday health or personal care needs when they can no longer do so on their own. With the aging of the U.S. population, this type of care is in high demand, and so are the professionals who help provide it.

The increasing older adult population is a key reason for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections that management positions in medical and health services, such as long-term care administrators, will grow faster than average between 2024 and 2034. Long-term care administrator salary projections are also promising, outpacing the median pay for all roles the bureau tracks.

For those interested in pursuing an important, rewarding career as a long-term care administrator, a bachelor’s degree in health administration can be a good first step.

Job Description: Long-Term Care Administrator

Long-term care administrators are responsible for managing and providing care for those living in long-term care facilities. The type of assistance these facilities offer can range from housekeeping help to personal and medical services. Long-term care administrators typically work full time and, depending on the facility, may work nights and weekends.

These administrators may work in one of the following types of long-term care facilities:

Nursing home: This type of home, also called a skilled nursing facility, offers a broad array of health and personal care assistance, with a greater emphasis on medical services than other types of long-term care.
Assisted-living facility: This type of facility assists with daily care, but its services aren’t as extensive as in a nursing home, focusing more on personal care and recreational activities.
Continuing care retirement community: This type of facility, also known as a life care community, often offers independent housing, assisted living, and skilled nursing care on one campus.

Long-Term Care Administrator Responsibilities

Administrators at long-term care facilities are responsible for overseeing all services that the home provides. They establish and direct plans for providing high-quality medical care and safe and comfortable living arrangements. The tasks that long-term care administrators perform include the following:

Developing and meeting the facility’s goals for patient satisfaction and quality of care
Admitting residents and communicating with families about their loved ones’ care
Ensuring that residents receive appropriate health care and nutritional support
Hiring and training staff to provide medical and personal care assistance
Scheduling staff services and overseeing contractors’ work
Resolving day-to-day issues related to resident care
Monitoring care to ensure that it meets legal and regulatory requirements
Preparing budgets and managing finances
Maintaining records of the services the facility provides

The Regulatory Landscape for Long-Term Care

As in other care delivery sectors, the guidelines and provisions surrounding long-term care are always evolving. Long-term care administrators must keep updated on regulatory changes and adjust their policies and strategic planning to remain compliant. Regulations cover specific elements of health care administration, including:

Patient safety
Patient billing
Infection control
Staffing levels
Resident rights
Privacy and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance
Electronic health records (EHRs)

Long-term care administrators must monitor regulations at both the federal and state levels. The Centers for Medical & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees federal care regulations, whereas state care regulations are monitored and adjusted by state-run boards. State regulations vary and can require additional processes not required at the federal level.

Long-Term Care Administrator Salary and Job Outlook

Salaries can vary according to various factors, such as location, experience, and education. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for long-term care administrators was around $102,700 as of December 2025, with the top 10% earning more than $124,000.

The type of facility can also significantly impact salaries. For example, Payscale reports that administrators working in skilled nursing facilities such as nursing homes earned a median annual salary of around $105,700 as of October 2025, with the top 10% earning around $144,000.

The outlook for job growth is also strong for long-term care administrators. The BLS projects that all medical and health services manager roles will increase by 23%, or about 62,100 each year, between 2024 and 2034.

How to Become a Long-Term Care Administrator

The requirements for becoming a long-term care administrator typically include relevant education and experience. Below are some important steps in pursuing this career.

Earn a Degree

Most long-term care administrator roles require at least a bachelor’s degree, although some may require a master’s degree. Those preparing for this career should seek a degree program that focuses on business and health care topics and helps students develop skills in leadership and communication.

Although requirements vary by state, a master’s degree is a common prerequisite for becoming a licensed nursing home administrator. Those pursuing master’s degrees should seek programs that help them build on their expertise in health care administration and long-term care.

Gain Experience

Anyone pursuing a role as a long-term care administrator can benefit from experience in a health care setting, and positions that require work in a long-term care facility or in management are especially helpful. Gaining experience can not only open doors for job seekers but also lead to higher salaries for long-term care administrators.

Degree programs that provide opportunities for experience in the field can help prospective long-term care administrators sharpen their on-the-job skills.

Obtain Necessary Licensure or Credentials

Long-term care administrators must be licensed in their state of practice. While licensure is overseen by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB), the licenses themselves are administered at the state level.

The precise license obtained can depend on the type of long-term care environment. For example, nursing home administrators typically earn a Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) license, while assisted-living facility administrators typically pursue a Residential Care/Assisted Living (RCAL) license. Certification requirements vary.

Prepare for a Career Leading Optimal Long-Term Care

A bachelor’s degree that helps students develop their health administration knowledge and skills, while also focusing on offering care to all patients and residents, can be helpful preparation for prospective long-term care administrators. The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Administration program offers foundational education for health administrators.

The program’s courses in managerial and clinical subjects help students establish themselves as future administrators, adept at managing services that address the health care needs of everyone in their community. The program features NCCU Online’s immersive and supportive experience, with instruction from faculty with industry knowledge.

Discover how the NCCU Online’s BS in Health Administration program can help you achieve your career goals.

Recommended Readings

How Community Health Programs Promote Public Health

How to Become a Health Care Consultant

Why Mental Health Literacy Matters

Sources:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, About Us

Indeed, “How to Become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA)”

National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards, Seeking Licensure: Health Services Executive

National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards, State Licensure Requirements

National Institute on Aging, Long-Term Care Facilities: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Other Residential Care

National Institute on Aging, What Is Long-Term Care?