Creator: Patrick Connole
Nursing Homes Not Using Sign-On Bonuses as Much: Report
New report highlights the continued decline in turnover in nursing homes and less use of sign-on bonuses to attract workers in certain positions.
In a blog post by LeadingAge, the association highlights the “2026-2027 Nursing Home Salary & Benefits Report” by HCS that shows turnover continues to decline and executive and director positions garnering the highest compensation growth.
“The positions receiving the highest percent increases included Nursing Home Administrators, CFOs, HR Directors, Directors of Staff Development, Life Enrichment Directors, Directors of Social Services, and Directors of Facility/Plant Operations,” the report said.
“This targeted wage growth underscores a deliberate effort by facility leadership to stabilize key department heads who directly influence financial strategy, employee retention, and resident quality of life, highlighting that frontline retention depends heavily on leadership quality.”
As for turnover, the report said rates continued their downward path after topping out in 2022 and noted that employers are not having to use monetary sign-on inducements as much to attract workers.
“In 2026, 54.38 percent of respondents reported utilizing sign-on bonuses, down from 55.61 percent in 2025 and 65.44 percent in 2024. While RNs, LPNs, and CNAs remain the primary recipients of these bonuses, significantly fewer facilities reported offering incentives for Medication Techs, Resident Assistants, or Dining and Kitchen staff in 2026,” the report said.
Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.
