May 12, 2025

The Highest Paying Jobs For Nurses With a BSN

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a registered nurse is $93,600 per year, $45.00 per hour as of May 2024. Although the BLS does not differentiate between salaries for RNs who also have their Bachelor’s and those who have an associate’s or become nurses through a diploma program, in most cases, there is more earning potential for BSN-prepared nurses. 

But just how much can you expect to make if you have a BSN as a nurse? Let’s find out. 

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Chamberlain University

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Arizona State University - Online

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Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. 

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Walden University

Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.

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BSN Salary: How Much Do BSN Nurses Make?

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing's (NCSBN) most recent 2024 workforce report found that the number of BSN-prepared nurses is at an all-time high of 73% of all RNs. Most nurses, roughly 51.5%, now enter the workforce with a BSN or entry-level master’s degree.  

RN vs BSN Salary

Your education level can affect your salary as your career progresses. ADN nurses have fewer lucrative advancement opportunities, earning a lower average annual salary than their BSN-prepared counterparts. PayScale reports different annual salaries for nurses with undergraduate degrees and diplomas:

  • RN Diploma: $74,000
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: $79,000
  • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing: $97,000

In general, if you’re an RN who also holds a BSN, you can expect to make more as a staff nurse. This isn’t always the case, of course, and it varies by facility, but because many hospitals and healthcare facilities are prioritizing hiring BSN-prepared nurses, they may offer higher salaries and/or sign-on bonuses and incentives for new employees. 

>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Which BSN Job Makes the Most?

Not all jobs for nurses with a BSN are created equal. Some of the highest-paying BSN jobs include:

Pharmaceutical RN - $88,916

Pharmaceutical RNs earn an average salary of $88,916. This might include positions such as pharmaceutical reps, consultants, or nurses working on the development of new medications. 

Nurse Informatics - $86,844

Nurse Informaticists earn an average salary of $86,844. In this role, RNs analyze and work with electronic medical records systems. 

>> Related: Top 10 Nursing Informatics Programs in 2025

Nurse Case Managers - $81,546

Nurse case managers earn an average salary of $81,546. In this role, RNs are responsible for coordinating many aspects of patient care, such as coordinating services and supplies they may need upon discharge and follow-up appointments. 

Nurse Administrators - $84,334

According to ZipRecruiter, nurse administrators earn $84,334 annually. Nurse administration covers a range of positions, and the average annual income varies from $68,000 to $99,000 or more. Nurse administrators oversee and supervise specific areas of a hospital. In some cases, you may need to earn your master’s for this role.

>> Related: Nurse Administrator Career Guide

Factors that Affect BSN Salary

There are many factors that can affect how much you will make as a BSN-prepared nurse, from what state you work in to what specialty area you choose. According to the BLS, the median annual salaries for top-paying industries for RNs are as follows: 

Industry Median Salary
Computer Systems Design and Related Services $120,120
Federal Executive Branch $116,790
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing $116,230
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing $109,360
Facilities Support Services $106,270
Most of these high-paying sectors only employ a very small percentage of RNs. For example, according to the BLS, only 6% of RNs work for the government. 

Advanced Certifications May Increase BSN Salary

As an RN with a BSN degree, you also have the opportunity to pursue advanced certification in specialty fields that you work in, which can drive up your salary even higher.

For example, if you’re a NICU nurse, you could earn your American Association of Critical-Care Nurses CCRN-Neonatal certification, or if you are a wound care nurse, you can earn your Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Certification. Any specialty certification may increase your earning potential, including advancing your education. 

>>Related: Top 5 Affordable and Fast Online RN to BSN Programs

Highest Paying States for Nurses with a BSN

Lastly, what state you work in will affect your salary. The BLS lists the following states as paying the highest salaries to RNs,

According to the BLS, these are the highest-paying states for registered nurses per the latest report:

State Annual Mean Wage
California $148,330
Hawaii $123,720
Oregon $120,470
Washington $115,740
Massachusetts $112,610

Source: BLS 2024 OES Data Report

The BLS also does not track salaries of self-employed nurses who hold their BSN, so there may be many other fields you could explore with your BSN as an entrepreneur as well, from consulting to medical writing to supplementing with a side job, like resume writing for other healthcare professionals.

>> Related: Registered Nurse Salary in Texas

BSN Salaries In Each State

State Hourly Median Wage Annual Median Wage
Alabama  $34.16 $71,040
Alaska  $53.22 $110,690
Arizona  $46.58 $96,890
Arkansas  $37.08 $77,130
California  $67.47 $140,330
Connecticut  $48.84 $101,590
Delaware  $44.53 $92,610
District of Columbia  $50.27 $104,550
Florida  $39.83 $82,850
Georgia  $41.61 $86,560
Hawaii  $65.54 $136,320
Idaho  $41.39 $86,100
Illinois  $41.54 $86,410
Indiana  $38.82 $80,740
Iowa  $37.00 $76,960
Kansas  $37.53 $78,060
Kentucky  $38.42 $79,910
Louisiana  $37.92 $78,880
Maine  $39.84 $82,860
Maryland  $46.55 $96,830
Massachusetts  $49.03 $101,970
Michigan  $41.19 $85,670
Minnesota  $48.50 $100,870
Mississippi  $35.80 $74,470
Missouri  $38.35 $79,770
Montana  $39.21 $81,560
Nebraska  $38.95 $81,020
Nevada  $49.03 $101,990
New Hampshire  $46.55 $96,830
New Jersey  $49.39 $102,730
New Mexico  $42.43 $88,260
New York  $50.77 $105,600
North Carolina  $39.36 $81,860
North Dakota  $37.62 $78,260
Ohio  $39.06 $81,250
Oklahoma  $39.02 $81,160
Oregon  $59.61 $123,990
Pennsylvania  $42.12 $87,610
Puerto Rico  $18.17 $37,780
Rhode Island  $48.06 $99,960
South Carolina  $38.41 $79,900
South Dakota  $33.42 $69,510
Tennessee  $38.00 $79,030
Texas  $43.27 $90,010
Utah  $39.55 $82,270
Vermont  $40.94 $85,150
Virgin Islands  $35.53 $73,890
Virginia  $42.70 $88,820
Washington  $53.93 $112,180
West Virginia  $38.46 $79,990
Wisconsin  $41.38 $86,070
Wyoming  $39.32 $81,790

(Source: BLS)

>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Is a BSN Degree Worth It?

Yes, a BSN degree is worth pursuing in many cases. While an RN diploma or ADN program will prepare your for the NCLEX examination and RN licensure, there are several benefits to earning a BSN first, including:

  • Higher Income: As explored throughout this article, earning a BSN can improve your leverage during salary negotiations and better prepare you for higher-income advancement opportunities.
  • Hiring Preference: The BSN is the gold standard in nursing education, and employers know it! Many seek out and prefer hiring BSN-educated nurses.
  • Educational Advancement: Make no mistake, you can pursue advanced education with an ADN. However, it may be harder to find a program that suits your needs. Conversely, traditional MSN and DNP programs are designed with BSN-RNs in mind.

Ultimately, there is no singular "correct" answer for everyone. While the BSN has many benefits, it may not be ideal for you. A bachelor's program takes longer and costs more than an associate's. Weigh the benefit-to-investment ratio of pursuing this degree against your personal needs and career goals to discover your ideal path.

Ready to go after your BSN? Check out these helpful guides:

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