Careers
Nursing BSN Salary Guide
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing changes what you earn and where you can work. Compared with an associate degree, a BSN opens more job options, more leadershi…
salary-guide
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing changes what you earn and where you can work. Compared with an associate degree, a BSN opens more job options, more leadership roles, and higher pay. About half of all RNs now hold a bachelor's degree, so for many employers it has become the baseline rather than the edge.
What you actually earn depends on specialty, work setting, and location. Outpatient and government roles often pay above the national median, while nursing homes and physicians' offices pay below it. A BSN also positions you for the certifications and advanced degrees that push earnings higher.
Median annual salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not break out pay by degree, but it does track registered nurses overall. The median RN salary was $93,600 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned under $66,030; the top 10 percent earned more than $135,320. A BSN puts you near the middle of that range and well ahead of entry-level nursing roles.
BSN salaries by specialty
Some specialties are more competitive than others, and that is where a BSN gives you an edge. A few common paths, roughly highest to lowest paying:
- Critical care and trauma nurses handle life-threatening injuries and illnesses in ICUs, trauma units, and EDs. Certifications through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses or the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing raise both pay and job prospects.
- ER nurses work fast-paced emergency settings. The Certified Emergency Nurse credential, plus subspecialties like pediatric or flight emergency nursing, expands your options.
- Nurse navigators guide patients and families through treatment for major diseases such as cancer. Certifications in case management and patient counseling support advancement.
- Case managers coordinate care in hospitals, nursing homes, and insurers. A BSN plus experience qualifies you for certification.
- Charge nurses supervise a unit for a shift on top of standard RN duties. Three to five years of clinical experience or an MSN moves you up.
- Psychiatric and behavioral health nurses care for patients with mental illness, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) supports specialization.
- NICU nurses care for critically ill newborns. Becoming a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner raises pay within the unit.
- Pediatric nurses provide primary care for patients from infancy through the late teen years. An MSN and certification lift earnings above the average.
- Public health nurses educate communities about health risks, often through government agencies. The Advanced Public Health Nurse-Board Certified credential and roles in pharmaceuticals open higher pay.
- Hospital staff nurses care for patients across units and can advance to charge or supervisory roles with added certification.
RN salary by workplace
A BSN lets you work in many settings, and pay varies widely by industry. Outpatient and government roles sit at the high end; nursing homes and physicians' offices fall below the national median.
| Industry | Share of RNs | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. state/local education and hospitals) | 5% | $106,480 |
| Hospitals (state, local, private) | 59% | $97,260 |
| Ambulatory healthcare services | 19% | $83,780 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | 6% | $81,820 |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024.
Top-paying locations
Big metro areas usually pay more than rural ones, though higher pay tracks with a higher cost of living. Geography matters more than people expect. RNs outside Alaska's largest cities can earn around $97,000, and RNs on Kauai can make upwards of $106,000 a year, according to the BLS.
How to increase your pay
If you have worked as a BSN-prepared RN for a while, an advanced degree is the clearest path to higher pay. An MSN qualifies you for roles like certified nurse-midwife or nurse practitioner, both of which can reach six figures. A doctorate leads to leadership and research positions that pay more still.
If you are happy at the BSN level, specialty certifications make you more competitive and can command higher wages on their own.
Overtime is another lever. Nurses are often in short supply, so extra hours are usually available, and most overtime is voluntary rather than mandated.
FAQ
Does it matter how I earn my BSN?
No. Pay is the same whether you complete a traditional four-year program, a bridge program, or online coursework.
Will my salary increase if I earn a BSN?
There is no guarantee, but it is likely. Employers commonly offer higher starting wages to BSN holders, and your current employer may raise your pay once you finish. The jump is largest if you start as an LPN, whose median salary the BLS puts at $62,340.