Best-Paying Nursing Jobs With an Associate Degree in Nursing
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
RNs with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can earn over $80,000 annually. Discover ADN nursing jobs to help you reach your professional goals, whether you’re considering enrolling in an ADN program or an RN planning your next career move.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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What Jobs Can You Get with an Associate Degree In Nursing?
As an ADN-prepared nurse, you can pursue an RN license and various nursing jobs. ADN nurses work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, outpatient care centers, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare organizations.
“ADN RNs have all the same responsibilities as a BSN RN,” said Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW. RNs take on many responsibilities in these work settings, from conducting health assessments to assisting surgeons during surgical procedures.
The best ADN programs build the nursing knowledge and clinical skills for many nursing career paths.”Any accredited ADN RN program will prepare the future nurse to work in the nursing field of their choice,” Clarke said.
For example, nurses with an ADN can specialize in many areas, including primary care, pediatrics, oncology, and acute care. They also work with patients across the lifespan. The earning potential for ADN nurses depends on their specialty area.
How Much Can Graduates of an Associate Degree in Nursing Program Earn?
$77,000
Average Annual Salary for RNs with an ADN
$33
Average Hourly Wage for RNs with an ADN
Source: Payscale (March 2024)
An ADN can pay off. RNs with an ADN report an average salary of $77,000. The earning potential for ADN nurses depends on their specialty area, experience, and certifications.
Demand for RNs is also higher than average, with 6% projected job growth from 2022-2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That translates into more than 193,000 RN job openings annually. In particular, the BLS projects strong job growth in hospital and outpatient care centers that offer same-day healthcare services and residential care facilities.
Best-Paying Nursing Jobs With an Associate Degree in Nursing
Starting salaries for ADN nurses may be considerably lower than the median salary, let alone the highest salaries ADN nurses can make.
“Most new grad RNs will have some difficulty finding a position that does not list ‘must have 1-2 years of experience in a related field.’ A nurse residency or fellowship is a great way to get a foot in the door and obtain the necessary experience to work in the nursing specialties listed,” Clarke says.
Most employers look for experienced nurses, no matter their degree. A nursing residency program can help new graduate nurses get the experience they need to qualify for high-paying nursing roles. Explore the highest-paying nursing careers for ADN nurses.
1 | RN Practice Manager
RN practice managers oversee nurses by assigning tasks, managing schedules, and monitoring quality. These managerial roles require years of experience, and ADN-trained nurses can benefit from taking nursing administration or leadership courses.
- Work Settings: Hospitals; outpatient care centers; healthcare clinics
- Certifications:Certified Nurse Manager and Leader; Nursing Case Management Certification; Nurse Executive Certification
- Career traits: Teaching and mentorship; nurse leadership; conflict resolution; decision-making
- Average Hourly Wage: $36
- Salary Range: $27-$55
2 | Oncology Nurse
Oncology nurses specialize in caring for cancer patients. They may interact with patients and physicians in surgical, acute care, hospice, or chemotherapy settings. The average oncology nurse’s salary exceeds several other specializations.
- Work Settings: Hospital oncology departments; hospice care; cancer clinics
- Certifications:Oncology Certified Nurse; Certified Breast Care Nurse; Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse
- Career traits: Empathy and compassion; patient advocacy; holistic assessment
- Average Hourly Wage: $36
- Salary Range: $28-$48
3 | Wound Care Nurse
A wound care nurse treats complex wounds, including surgical incisions. To create a care plan, they assess wound sites, burns, and other skin injuries. Wound care nurses also educate other nurses on wound care protocols.
- Work Settings: Acute care facilities; home healthcare agencies; surgical units
- Certifications:Wound Care Certified; Certified Wound Specialist
- Career traits: Communication and interpersonal skills; clinical decision-making under pressure; patient advocacy
- Average Hourly Wage: $33
- Salary Range: $24-$46
4 | Travel Nurse
Travel nurses work on temporary assignments to meet staffing needs. Some also work in remote areas with a lack of medical facilities. The travel nurse’s salary potential can be quite high, depending on the position. Travel nurses often receive a housing stipend in addition to their hourly rate.
- Work Settings: Long-term care facilities; intensive care units; medical-surgical units
- Certifications: Varies depending on the specialty
- Career traits: Flexibility and a willingness to travel; decision-making in new settings; quick learner
- Average Hourly Wage: $39
- Salary Range: $23-$57
5 | Operating Room Nurse
An operating room nurse provides pre and post-operative care while assisting surgeons during procedures. They maintain safety procedures, instruct patients on recovery, and respond to emergencies. An OR nurse’s salary can exceed $50 an hour.
- Work Settings: Hospital surgical units; surgical centers; outpatient care centers
- Certification: Certified Perioperative Nurse
- Career traits: Calm under pressure; adapts to changing circumstances; attention to detail
- Average Hourly Wage: $37
- Salary Range: $28-$51
6 | Critical Care Nurse
Critical care nurses treat acute and critical illnesses, often in an ICU. They work intensive shifts that can include monitoring patients and administering treatments. These in-demand nurses report above-average salaries.
- Work Settings: Intensive care units; step-down units; emergency departments
- Certifications:Adult Critical Care Nurse; Pediatric Critical Care Nurse; Neonatal Critical Care Nurse
- Career traits: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; attention to detail; communication
- Average Hourly Wage: $36
- Salary Range: $27-$51
7 | Occupational Health Nurse
An occupational health nurse minimizes employee health risks and addresses workplace injuries. They develop preventative health education programs, inform organizations about health and safety risks, and treat injuries that occur at work. The average occupational health nurse’s salary is higher than many nurses working in clinical settings.
- Work Settings: Government agencies; private businesses; manufacturing companies
- Certification: Certified Occupational Health Nurse
- Career traits: Knowledge of health and safety; problem-solving; communication; patient education
- Average Hourly Wage: $37
- Salary Range: $28-$49
8 | Emergency Room Nurse
Emergency room nurses assess patients with serious medical conditions and work with healthcare providers during procedures. They monitor vital signs, communicate with patients, and administer treatments. The average ER nurse’s salary exceeds many other ADN nurse specialties.
- Work Settings: Hospital emergency departments; trauma centers; urgent care clinics
- Certifications:Certified Emergency Nurse; Certified Flight Registered Nurse; Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse
- Career traits: Clinical decision-making; triage; adaptability; stamina
- Average Hourly Wage: $35
- Salary Range: $27-$50
9 | Staff Nurse
Staff nurses provide patient care in diverse settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. They conduct health assessments, maintain patient records, and administer medications. Staff nurses also communicate with patients and other healthcare providers. The average staff nurse’s salary exceeds $35 an hour.
- Work Settings: Hospital departments; outpatient care facilities; long-term care facilities
- Certifications: Varies depending on the specialty
- Career traits: Communication and interpersonal skills; decision-making; attention to detail
- Average Hourly Wage: $35
- Salary Range: $27-$49
Salary Source: Payscale (Mar. 2024)
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Page last reviewed on May 22, 2024