Objective To investigate the level of career success and its association with personality traits of head nurses in tertiary hospitals in Sichuan province, and to provide reference for training and selection of head nurses. Methods A total of 1,067 head nurses from 66 tertiary hospitals in Sichuan province were surveyed by using a demographic data questionnaire, the Chinese version of Career Success Scale and Chinese-Language Big Five Personality Inventory brief version. Results Participants in this study scored 38.72±8.13 on career success. Trait agreeableness scored the highest (5.13±0.62） and trait neuroticism scored the lowest (2.72±0.97）. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that, after controlling demographic variables, personality traits of conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness together could explain 25.2% of variance in career success. Conclusion Head nurses in tertiary hospitals in Sichuan province report relatively high level of career success, which is affected by their personality traits. Positive personality traits of head nurses should be cultured from the perspective of positive psychology, thus to enhance their career success.