According to the BLS, May 2025, Registered Nurses make a median of $97,550 annually. BLS does not segment pay according to degree. According to industry data, nurses with a BSN make $5,000 to $20,000 more a year than nurses with an ADN. Most RNs earn between $68,940 and $137,470.
A BSN is a Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing. Nurses with this degree are registered nurses. So, how much more does a BSN offer a higher salary than an associate degree (ADN)?
Here are the numbers in this guide. It also reveals the source of the BSN pay gap, what you can expect to make in your state and experience, and how to boost your salary.
Key takeaways
- The median RN salary is $97,550, or $46.90 an hour (BLS, May 2025).
- All RNs are reported as one group by BLS. It does not post pay that’s only for BSN.
- According to Nurse.org’s analysis of Payscale data, the salary difference between ADN and BSN nurses ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 more for nurses with a BSN.
- The gap is usually widened as nurses become qualified for advancement to leadership and clinical ladder opportunities with their BSN.
- Location matters most. In 13 states and D.C., the median RN wage tops $100,000.
How much do BSN nurses make on average?
The BLS categorizes “registered nurses” as one occupation. It states a bachelor’s degree as a typical level of education. However, it does not report pay by degree type.
Here is the full RN pay range from BLS (May 2025):
| Percentile | Annual wage |
| 10th | $68,940 |
| 25th | $80,330 |
| 50th (median) | $97,550 |
| 75th | $112,350 |
| 90th | $137,470 |
The national mean is $101,420. About 3.4 million RNs work in the U.S., according to BLS data.
Use these numbers as your baseline. Then add what the research says about BSN pay.
How much more does a BSN make than an ADN?
Nurse.org states that BSN nurses make anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 a year more than an ADN nurse. The range is based on Payscale data. The width of the gap will vary depending on your employer, state and job.
A few points to keep in mind:
- Beginning salaries are comparable. Some hospitals offer new grads the same base rate.
- The difference tends to increase. In some hospital systems, nurse with a BSN are eligible for higher salary bands and clinical ladder positions than an ADN, according to Nurse.org.
- Pay is not the only thing that matters: access is just as important. The number of leadership and specialty positions that require a BSN are increasing.
Think of the BSN as a door-opener. The raise often comes later, through promotions and role changes.
BSN nurse salary by state
State is the biggest factor in your pay. These are BLS median RN wages for May 2025. They apply to all RNs, including BSN nurses.
| State | Median annual wage | Median hourly wage |
| California | $140,270 | $67.44 |
| Hawaii | $136,320 | $65.54 |
| Oregon | $129,010 | $62.02 |
| Washington | $124,200 | $59.71 |
| Alaska | $109,480 | $52.64 |
| New York | $109,440 | $52.62 |
| New Jersey | $106,500 | $51.20 |
| Massachusetts | $104,550 | $50.27 |
| Nevada | $103,670 | $49.84 |
| Connecticut | $102,740 | $49.39 |
The median tops $100,000 in 13 states and D.C. The lowest average RN wage was in Alabama at $77,020 (BLS, May 2025).
Check the cost of living
Being paid a lot of money in a high cost of living state can be a quick-dry. The BLS wages were adjusted for cost of living by Becker’s Hospital Review. Oregon was the highest at $52.95 an hour. Next was Washington ($51.21), followed by California ($50.77). Hawaii dropped to $32.31.
BSN nurse salary by experience
BLS does not publish pay by years of experience for BSN nurses. Use the RN percentiles as a rough guide.
| Career stage | Typical pay range (all RNs) |
| New graduate | About $68,940 to $80,330 |
| Mid-career | Around $97,550 |
| Experienced | About $112,350 |
| Top earners | $137,470 and up |
New grads in high-pay states often start above this range. New grads in lower-pay states often start below it.
BSN nurse pay by role and specialty
Your role changes your pay. A BSN helps you reach more of these roles.
- Staff nurse. Most BSN nurses start in a hospital staff role.
- Specialty nurse. ICU, OR, NICU, and other specialties often pay more. Pay varies by state and facility.
- Travel nurse. Travel contracts commonly pay $2,400 to $3,500 or more a week in high-demand specialties. Our NICU and OR guides break down the numbers.
- Charge nurse and nurse manager. Leadership roles often prefer a BSN. Payscale reported a median near $101,760 for nurse managers as of May 2026, as cited by the University of Tulsa.
- Case manager and educator. These roles often ask for a bachelor’s degree.
Beyond the BSN: what higher degrees pay
A BSN is also the usual stepping stone to advanced practice.
- Nurse practitioner (NP). BLS lists a median wage near $132,300.
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). BLS reported a median of $236,590 in May 2025.
These paths need a graduate degree and more time. They also offer the biggest pay jumps.
Is a BSN worth it?
For many nurses, yes. But run your own numbers.
Reasons to get one:
- Access to leadership, education, and specialty roles
- Possible pay tiers and clinical ladder advancement
- A path to NP, CRNA, and other advanced roles
- Stronger job options as employers raise hiring standards
Things to weigh:
- Tuition and fees
- Time out of the workforce, if any
- Whether your employer offers tuition help
- Your state and local job market
RN to BSN programs are designed for working nurses who want to obtain their BSN degree. Numerous are online and adaptable. Be sure to ask your employer about tuition support before taking classes.
Job demand also assists. The BLS projects a 6% faster than average growth in RN jobs from 2025 to 2035. It also forecasts approximately 189,100 RN positions annually.
How to increase your pay as a BSN nurse
- Select a career in high demand. There is a wide range of pay between units.
- Earn certifications. A specialty credential can aid in receiving a promotion or a new job.
- Compare states. Consider pay and cost of living together.
- Consider travel or per diem. The hourly wage for these positions may be higher.
- Ask about differentials. Pay during the night, on the weekend and at the weekend accumulates.
- Move into leadership. The higher-paying job of charge, manager, and director.
- Consider an advanced degree. Earning potential is at its highest for NP and CRNA.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a BSN nurse make per year?
The BLS does not separate pay by educational attainment. The median for all RNs is $97,550 (May 2025). According to Nurse.org, BSN nurses make an additional $5,000 to $20,000 compared to ADN nurses.
How much does a new grad BSN nurse make?
Newly graduated nurses generally fall at the bottom of the RN salary spectrum (between $68,940 and $80,330 per year, based on the national average). States such as California, Oregon and Washington offer higher pay.
Do BSN nurses make more than ADN nurses?
Usually, yes. Estimates run about $5,000 to $20,000 more per year. Starting pay can be close. The gap often grows as BSN nurses move into leadership and clinical ladder roles.
What state pays BSN nurses the most?
California pays RNs the most, with a $140,270 median (BLS, May 2025). Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington follow. Adjusted for cost of living, Oregon leads.
Can a BSN nurse make six figures?
Yes. The median RN wage tops $100,000 in 13 states and D.C. Many nurses also reach six figures through experience, specialty pay, travel work, or leadership roles.
Is a BSN worth it?
For many nurses, yes. It opens leadership and advanced practice paths and may raise pay over time. Compare tuition, time, and your employer’s support before you decide.
Find your next nursing role
Compare real offers by state, specialty, and contract type. Browse nursing jobs on SkillGigs and see pay details before you apply.
