ADN vs. BSN Salary
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Many people choose the nursing profession because it offers a chance to help and heal people, including in their most vulnerable moments. But as with most professions, salary can be an important factor when choosing your nursing career path or degree program.
Two of the most common nursing degrees are an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). BSN salaries tend to be higher than ADN salaries. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), a BSN-prepared nurse can earn roughly $500,000 more than an ADN-prepared nurse over a 30-year nursing career.
Nurse salaries vary depending on the employer, experience level, job function, and location. Learn more about ADN vs. BSN salaries, along with the differences between ADN and BSN programs.
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ADN vs. BSN Degree Programs
An ADN degree is an undergraduate degree that typically takes 2-3 years to complete.
Generally, ADN programs are the quickest and most cost-effective way to become a registered nurse (RN). Many ADN programs are offered at community colleges, where tuition and fees are usually lower than at a four-year university.
You may also be able to earn an ADN from four-year universities, but a degree from these institutions may cost more.
Most BSN programs take four years to complete. Regardless of whether you earn an ADN or a BSN, nursing grads must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed in their state.
Employers now widely prefer to hire registered nurses with a BSN. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 70% of employers strongly prefer BSN graduates, with 25% of hospitals requiring at least a BSN degree.
That might explain why a BSN is now the nation’s most common degree level for licensed RNs (46%), according to nursing workforce trends provided by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
A BSN degree also opens additional career and educational opportunities.
A BSN is required to pursue a master of science in nursing (MSN), which enables students to become nurse practitioners (NPs), among other advanced practice nurses. Salaries for NPs and similar professionals reach six figures.
You can earn a BSN from a community college, but these programs are typically offered at four-year colleges and universities. You can also earn an ADN from a community college before applying to a BSN program at a university.
You do not need an associate degree to pursue a BSN.
| Comparison | ADN Program | BSN Program |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Complete | 2-3 years | 4 years |
| Potential Jobs | RN, critical care nurse, long-term care nurse | RN, public health nurse, nurse manager, nurse informaticist |
| Institutions Typically Providing Degree | Community colleges, four-year universities | Four-year universities |
| Average Yearly Tuition and Fees (2022-23) | $3,885 | $17,709 |
| Average Annual Salary | $78,000 | $95,000 |
ADN vs. BSN Salary
The salary you’ll earn with an associate degree vs. a bachelor’s degree is substantial across many industries, and nursing is no exception. According to Payscale data, BSN nurses earn $12,000 more on average than an ADN nurse.
ADN Nurse Salary
Nurses with an ADN earn $78,000 per year on average, according to Payscale.
Earnings vary depending on your job and experience level. Between ADN- and BSN-prepared nurses, level of education and coursework are important distinctions both in the classroom and the workplace.
While each healthcare employer has its own policies and preferences, some common positions and average salaries for ADN nurses include:
- Home health nurse:$71,530
- Emergency room nurse:$78,100
- Oncology nurse:$82,650
- Operating room nurse:$82,740
Experience in a certain specialty and working toward nursing certifications can help ADN nurses find new opportunities. Nurses can also return to school to complete a BSN degree. Many healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement benefits to nurses.
Bridge programs like RN-to-BSN bridge programs help students complete courses to obtain a BSN. Full-time nurses may qualify for tuition reimbursement through their employer.
BSN Nurse Salary
Nurses with a BSN earn $95,000 per year on average, according to Payscale.
BSN-prepared nurses can pursue various job opportunities. After gaining experience, they can pursue leadership or supervisory positions. They are also well-positioned for career paths that don’t involve direct patient care at all.
Potential positions and average salaries for BSN nurses include:
- Clinical research nurse:$77,000
- Legal nurse consultant:$88,126
- Charge nurse:$82,695
- Nurse manager:$96,130
A BSN degree can also be a solid stepping stone if you wish to continue your nursing education.
Along with being a strong prerequisite for MSN programs, the BSN is a common requirement for many advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) training programs, which prepare learners for positions including NP, nurse-midwife, and certified registered nurse anesthetist. An advanced degree in nursing also opens opportunities to become nurse managers, directors, and nurse executives
ADN vs. BSN Salary: A Side-by-Side Comparison
When deciding whether to earn an ADN vs. a BSN, it’s important to understand how your degree level impacts your earnings. The 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey found that the average RN salary increased with degree level; those with a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) earn the highest average salary.
ADN vs. BSN: Salary and Career Outlook
Nurses are in demand, no matter what degree or specialization you pursue.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that demand for RNs will grow 6% from 2023-2033. That’s faster than the 4% national average for all occupations; a trend likely driven by an ongoing national nursing shortage.
However, differences in salary and career outlook emerge between nurses with an ADN vs. BSN degree.
In addition to many employers now requiring or strongly preferring BSN-trained candidates, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a law in 2017 requiring that all RNs in the Empire State hold at least a BSN degree by 2027. In 2022, the BSN became, for the first time, the most common degree type among nurses seeking RN licensure, according to the HRSA findings.
Research shows that healthcare facilities with more BSN-trained nurses tend to have better patient outcomes. According to the AACN, an increase in BSN-educated nurses was associated with 24% better odds of survival among patients experiencing cardiac arrest.
Both the ADN and BSN degrees can lead to RN licensure, with both tracks having potential tradeoffs. Ultimately, it’s important to make the best decision for your unique needs. However, when it comes to ADN vs. BSN salary, the BSN holds a clear edge on nurse salary and professional options, even if it may take longer or cost more to complete.
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