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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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 |
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: Source: BLS 2024 OES Data Report
State
Annual Mean Wage
California
$148,330
Hawaii
$123,720
Oregon
$120,470
Washington
$115,740
Massachusetts
$112,610
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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