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August 7, 2024

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 $86,070 as of May 2023. 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. 

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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 nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.

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BSN Salary: How Much Do BSN Nurses Make?

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) most recent 2022 report found that the number of BSN-prepared nurses is at an all-time high of 71.7% of all RNs. Most nurses, roughly 51.5%, now enter the workforce with a BSN or entry-level master’s degree.  According to a 2022 survey by Medscape, there was a pretty big difference in pay between RNs who had their Bachelor’s degrees and those who did not. 

RN vs BSN Salary

  • RNs with Bachelors: $85K per year
  • RNs with Associate: $84K per year
  • RNs with Diplomas:  $82K per year

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 - $84,610

Nurse Informaticists earn an average salary of $84,610. In this role, RNs analyze and work with electronic medical records systems.  

Nurse Case Managers - $79,601

Nurse case managers earn an average salary of $79,601. 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 - $96,538

The average salary for nurse administrators varies according to payscale but can be anywhere from $64,000 to $135,000 per year but the average annual salary is reported as $96,538. 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, RNs of all types earn the most in the following areas. Average annual salaries for top-paying industries for RNs include, 

  • Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers: $103,940

  • Pharmaceutical industry: $108,640

  • Employment Services: $110,230

  • Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods: $103,940

  • Outpatient care centers: $102,640

  • Government: $114,860

In most of the aforementioned sectors, there is only a very small percentage of employed RNs. For example, according to the BLS, only 4.5% of RNs work for the government. 

 

Increase Your BSN Salary Potential With Advanced Certifications

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 type of specialty certification will increase your earning potential, this includes 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,

  • California: $137,690

  • Hawaii: $119,710

  • Oregon: $113,440

  • Washington: $111,030

  • Alaska: $109,210

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 Salary
Alabama $71,370
Alaska $109,210
Arizona $91,430
Arkansas $72,900
California $137,690
Colorado $91,730
Connecticut $101,840
Delaware $94,670
District of Columbia $106,850
Florida $84,760
Georgia $90,000
Guam -
Hawaii $119,710
Idaho $83,090
Illinois $87,650
Indiana $82,700
Iowa $74,610
Kansas $76,240
Kentucky $81,770
Louisiana $80,760
Maine $84,340
Maryland $92,090
Massachusetts $108,850
Michigan $86,210
Minnesota $94,830
Mississippi $75,510
Missouri $77,590
Montana $82,950
Nebraska $79,780
Nevada $97,700
New Hampshire $89,410
New Jersey $101,960
New Mexico $92,140
New York $106,620
North Carolina $82,530
North Dakota $79,190
Ohio $84,430
Oklahoma $82,110
Oregon $113,440
Pennsylvania $87,530
Rhode Island $95,070
South Carolina $81,390
South Dakota $69,030
Tennessee $78,240
Texas $90,210
Utah $83,100
Vermont $88,380
Virginia $88,350
Washington $111,030
West Virginia $75,990
Wisconsin 87220
Wyoming 83990

(Source: BLS)

>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Is a BSN Degree Worth It?

If you’re trying to decide if you should pursue your BSN or stick with an associate’s program, there is no one right answer for everyone--maybe you have a family and need to get your RN as quickly as possible to begin working, or maybe you’re limited on time or funds right now. 

What we can say, however, is that getting your BSN, whether you choose a BSN program right from the get-go or work towards it over time, opens up more opportunities for your career, including the ability to earn more money. Considering the fact that, in some cases, getting your RN with an associate’s can take almost the same time as a BSN (depending on waitlists, prerequisites and program length), it may be worth you looking into getting your BSN right away. 

If that’s not an option for you, however, advancing your education with a BSN is almost always worth it, and will open more doors for you to pursue your passions as a nurse, better serve your patients, and earn more money with your degree.       

Find Nursing Programs

Up next: 

RN to BSN Guide

BSN Education Guide

Top Accelerated BSN Programs

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