BSN Salary: How Much Does a BSN Nurse Make for 2025?

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Nursing is considered the largest healthcare profession in the United States, with over 4 million in the workforce. Most of these professionals have a bachelor's degree and are well-trained in various practice areas. So, why do many people pursue nursing? One primary reason is compensation.

This guide navigates the average BSN salary and if it is sufficient to cover one's living and education costs. It also navigates the US states and industries that pay the highest wages to registered nurses (RNs) and the job outlook for nursing graduates.

Key Things You Should Know About BSN Salary

The starting wage of nurses with a BSN degree ranges from $61,152 to $80,321.
The average annual BSN salary is $96,000.
There are around 3,175,390 registered nurses in the United States.
The US states that offer the highest average annual salaries to registered nurses are California ($137,690), Hawaii ($119,710), Oregon ($113,440), Washington ($111,030), and Alaska ($109,210).
The industries that furnish the highest average annual salary to registered nurses in the United States are the US government ($114,860), employment services ($110,230), pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing ($108,640), navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instrument manufacturing ($106,470), and merchant wholesalers and nondurable goods ($103,940).
The US states that hire the most registered nurses are California (332,560), Texas (251,840), Florida (207,910), New York (188,060), and Pennsylvania (144,100).

What is the starting BSN salary?
What is the average BSN salary?
How many registered nurses are there in the United States?
What are the best certifications to increase a BSN salary?
What are the highest-paying states for RNs?
What are the lowest-paying states for RNs?
What advanced education opportunities can further propel a BSN nurse’s career?
How Can BSN Nurses Effectively Negotiate Their Salaries?
What Factors Influence BSN Salary Variations?
Can a 12-month FNP program online accelerate my career transition?
How Do PMHNP Salaries Compare Across States?
What are the highest-paying industries for RNs?
What is the job outlook of BSN nurses?
What is the Return on Investment (ROI) of a BSN Degree?
Which states hire the most RNs?
Which industries hire the most RNs?
How Can I Identify the Right BSN Program for My Career Goals?
Can a DNP Degree Accelerate Career Advancement for BSN Nurses?
Other Things You Need to Know About BSN Salaries

What is the starting BSN salary?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual entry-level BSN salary is $80,321. On the other hand, Indeed.com puts it at a more modest $61,152. This means the starting wage of nurses with a BSN degree ranges from $61,152 to $80,321, considerably higher than the collective median annual salary of all jobs in the United States, which is $48,060.

If the starting salary is any indication, nurses in the US are highly paid. They receive a salary boost as they gain experience and get to earn even more should they pursue a Master of Science in Nursing to become licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). MSN salary is dependent on an APRN's specialization.

What is the average BSN salary?

According to Payscale, the average annual BSN salary, which accounts for the wages of graduates of fast track RN to BSN online programs, is $96,000. This is slightly higher than the average annual and median annual salaries of RNs, which, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), are $94,480 and $86,070, respectively. BSN graduates earn more than ADN graduates, who typically take home a salary of $79,000 according to Payscale. This makes BSN the undergraduate nursing degree with the highest earning potential.

As such, the degree, including online RN to BSN programs without clinicals, is the most popular among RNs. Data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing shows that 71.7% of RNs earned a BSN or higher degree. Advancing one's education to pursue a nurse practitioner (NP) license is a good idea, since NPs receive even higher salaries than BSN graduates.

How many registered nurses are there in the United States?

According to the HRSA, there are around 3,175,390 registered nurses in the United States. The BLS, on the other hand, places the number at about 3,300,100. As such, RNs make up the vast majority of the nursing workforce in the United States at 76.69%. Certain US states and industries hire particularly large numbers of RNs, so graduates looking for employment opportunities should take note of them.

Meanwhile, nurse practitioners might only account for around 6.77% of the US nursing workforce, but their employment in 2023 grew by an impressive 35.5% year-over-year. So, RNs who want a considerable salary boost are advised to advance their studies and careers.

What are the best certifications to increase a BSN salary?

Earning a certification, upon graduating from some of the best and easiest online RN to BSN programs, leads to a boost in knowledge and practices, thus raising a nurse's earning potential. Here are some of the ideal certifications to obtain to increase one's salary:

CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse): The CCRN certification validates expertise in caring for critically ill patients within intensive care units, often translating to higher salaries and enhanced career prospects in critical care settings.
CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse): Designed for emergency department nurses, the CEN credentials advanced knowledge and skills essential for managing acute and emergency situations, potentially leading to increased compensation and access to leadership roles.
OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse): The OCN demonstrates specialized skills in providing comprehensive care to cancer patients, enabling nurses to secure higher-paying positions within oncology units and cancer treatment centers.
CNOR (Certified Perioperative Nurse): Tailored for perioperative nurses, the CNOR certification emphasizes patient safety and quality of care within surgical settings, frequently resulting in salary increases and opportunities for leadership within surgical departments.
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support): This certification signifies proficiency in pediatric advanced life support techniques, a crucial skill for nurses working in pediatric and emergency care units and potentially contributing to higher earnings in these specialized areas.
NE-BC/NEA-BC (Nurse Executive Certification): These credentials demonstrate advanced expertise in nursing management and administration, empowering BSN-prepared nurses to pursue higher-paying leadership positions within healthcare organizations.
CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist): The CDCES designation signifies expertise in diabetes management and patient education, often leading to improved compensation in clinical settings and chronic disease management programs.
CNE (Certified Nurse Educator): This certification prepares BSN nurses for roles in teaching and mentoring future nurses, providing pathways to higher salaries within academic institutions or staff education departments of healthcare organizations.
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support): Essential for nurses working in critical care and emergency settings, ACLS certification demonstrates competency in performing life-saving procedures, potentially increasing earning potential in acute care environments.
NC-BC (Board-Certified Nurse Coach): The NC-BC certification focuses on holistic nursing practices and patient wellness coaching, creating opportunities for BSN nurses to earn higher salaries in private practices, wellness clinics, or patient advocacy roles.

What are the highest-paying states for RNs?

The US states that offer the highest average annual salaries to registered nurses are California ($137,690), Hawaii ($119,710), Oregon ($113,440), Washington ($111,030), and Alaska ($109,210). California also has the highest RN employment level in the country, making it an ideal destination for aspirants and nursing graduates.

However, this does not mean that all the best work opportunities are concentrated in these areas. In fact, graduates can find high-paying roles in any state, provided that they have the qualifications for them. As such, it is advisable for RNs to advance their studies and pursue certifications to have better access to prestigious nursing roles. For example, you can look into how to become a nurse practitioner to advance into a more specialized role and increase your earning potential.

What are the lowest-paying states for RNs?

The US states with the lowest average annual salaries are South Dakota ($69,030), Alabama ($71,370), Arkansas ($72,900), Iowa ($74,610), Mississippi ($75,510), and West Virginia ($75,990). Even though the nursing jobs in these states are generally lower than in other parts of the country, they feature remarkable growth potential. Moreover, nurses can find lucrative opportunities in high-demand sectors like outpatient centers and government offices.

For instance, South Dakota may have the lowest average BSN salary, but nurses have the potential to eventually take home $79,450-$85,400 when they gain experience and pursue senior roles. Besides finding opportunities in other states, they can advance their studies by taking online direct entry MSN programs and become nurse practitioners, who take home significantly higher salaries than RNs.

What advanced education opportunities can further propel a BSN nurse’s career?

BSN nurses seeking long-term career growth can explore advanced educational pathways that lead to specialized or leadership roles. Pursuing a master’s degree or targeted certifications can open doors to positions in nursing management, research, and advanced clinical practice. Integrating clinical expertise with academic credentials, many opt for accelerated bridge programs that shorten the transition to higher roles. For instance, exploring RN to NP programs can provide a streamlined route to becoming a nurse practitioner, delivering enhanced clinical responsibility and increased earning potential. When considering advanced education, evaluate program accreditation, curriculum relevance, and practicum opportunities to ensure alignment with career objectives.

How Can BSN Nurses Effectively Negotiate Their Salaries?

BSN nurses can enhance their earning potential by approaching salary negotiations strategically. Begin by researching localized market benchmarks and compiling data on comparable roles to establish a solid basis for your request. Highlight relevant achievements, specialized training, and unique clinical experiences during discussions. Demonstrating competency in leadership, advanced certification, or specialized medicine can further support your case. In addition, consider exploring educational pathways like accelerated nurse practitioner programs to strengthen your professional profile, which can provide additional leverage when negotiating compensation packages.

What Factors Influence BSN Salary Variations?

Several key factors contribute to the variations in BSN salaries. Regional economic differences and local healthcare demand can lead to significant discrepancies in pay levels even within similar roles. Additionally, the type of employer—be it government institutions, private healthcare providers, or specialized medical manufacturing—plays a pivotal role in determining compensation. Experience, advanced certifications, and specialized clinical skills also impact earning potential, as nurses with niche expertise or added qualifications typically command higher wages. Moreover, interdisciplinary credentials, such as a pharmacy online degree, can provide added leverage by expanding career opportunities in complementary healthcare sectors.

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Many BSN-qualified nurses seeking a swift transition into advanced practice roles consider accelerated nurse practitioner programs as a strategic option. These programs provide intensive curricula that blend advanced clinical training with real-world skill development, enabling experienced nurses to meet both academic and licensure requirements in a condensed timeframe. Evaluating program quality—including accreditation status, clinical placement opportunities, and state licensure exam pass rates—is essential for a successful transition. For those aiming for a rapid progression into family nurse practitioner roles, exploring options like the 12-month FNP program online can offer a focused pathway while maintaining professional responsibilities.

How Do PMHNP Salaries Compare Across States?

For nurses considering specialization in psychiatric care, state-specific salary trends provide valuable insights for career planning. Variations in PMHNP compensation are often driven by local demand for mental health services, regional cost-of-living differences, and the healthcare infrastructure in place. Clinicians who invest in psychiatric mental health expertise may experience competitive packages that differ significantly from the broader BSN salary landscape. For detailed, region-specific data on psychiatric nurse practitioner earnings, refer to the comprehensive PMHNP salary by state resource.

What are the highest-paying industries for RNs?

The industries that furnish the highest average annual salary to registered nurses in the United States are the US government ($114,860), employment services ($110,230), pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing ($108,640), navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instrument manufacturing ($106,470), and merchant wholesalers and nondurable goods ($103,940).

Traditional healthcare industries, while providing slightly lower salaries, are also worthwhile options since the wages are still high and they offer plenty of employment opportunities, including to graduates of the most affordable accredited online RN to BSN programs.

What is the job outlook of BSN nurses?

According to 2024 data from the BSN, the employment of registered nurses is projected to increase by 6% from 2023 to 2033. This is slightly faster than the collective growth rate of all jobs in the same period, which is 4%. BSN graduates will find plenty of employment opportunities, as an average of around 194,500 openings will be present around the country each year.

Graduates of MSN and accelerated DNP programs are also looking at a promising outlook. After all, the employment of nurse practitioners is set to grow by an impressive 46% over the same period.

Non-nursing professionals even have a way to become nurse practitioners without pursuing a separate BSN degree separately. They can look into the best NP direct entry programs and earn a BSN and a master's degree in nursing in just one go.

What is the Return on Investment (ROI) of a BSN Degree?

Evaluating the ROI of a BSN degree involves comparing the program’s costs against the long-term benefits of higher earnings and advanced career opportunities. BSN graduates typically start with a salary premium over ADN holders and see further increases as they gain certifications or pursue advanced practice roles. Key considerations include tuition expenses, licensure costs, and the availability of supportive financial aid options. Prospective students should analyze both immediate salary boosts and longer-term benefits such as accelerated promotion pathways and enhanced job security. For those looking to optimize educational investment, research options like affordable BSN to DNP programs online to potentially fast-track advancement while maintaining cost efficiency.

Which states hire the most RNs?

According to data from the BLS, the states that hire the most registered nurses are California (332,560), Texas (251,840), Florida (207,910), New York (188,060), and Pennsylvania (144,100). These states offer employment opportunities across various healthcare settings, including care facilities, hospitals, and clinics.

Besides employing a remarkable number of RNs, California and New York typically offer six-figure salaries to these professionals. This makes both ideal working destinations for aspirants and nursing graduates.

More and more healthcare settings in various states are also adopting a preference for BSN nurses than those who only have an associate's degree. So if you have an ADN, upgrade your education level by pursuing a BSN degree. You can enroll in a 6-month RN to BSN program to earn your bachelor's quicker.

Which industries hire the most RNs?

The industries that hire the most registered nurses in the United States are general medical and surgical hospitals (1,749,320), doctor's offices (220,070), home healthcare services (179,530), outpatient care centers (163,630), and employment services (130,890). Plenty of professional opportunities can be found in sectors like ambulatory healthcare services, government offices, and schools.

RNs should pursue advanced certifications relevant to their specialties, such as CCRN for critical care or CEN for emergency nursing, to increase employability. Gaining experience in high-demand fields like telehealth, home healthcare, or geriatrics can also broaden opportunities. Additionally, soft skills like communication, adaptability, and cultural competence are increasingly valued by employers.

How Can I Identify the Right BSN Program for My Career Goals?

When selecting a BSN program, consider factors that directly impact your long-term professional objectives. Evaluate program accreditation, clinical placement opportunities, and curriculum focus to ensure the education aligns with both licensure requirements and targeted certifications. Investigate support services, cost structure, and scheduling flexibility to promote a balanced transition into the workforce. Additionally, explore our guide on easy nursing schools to get into for insights into programs with accessible entry requirements and proven success rates.

Can a DNP Degree Accelerate Career Advancement for BSN Nurses?

BSN nurses seeking to elevate their clinical expertise and leadership capabilities can explore a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A DNP degree emphasizes evidence-based practice and strategic management skills, positioning graduates for advanced roles that influence patient outcomes and healthcare policy. Evaluating affordable online DNP programs can provide a practical, cost-effective pathway for busy professionals aiming to integrate advanced clinical practice with real-world applications. This transitional step is designed to enhance marketability and long-term salary potential in an increasingly competitive healthcare environment.

Other Things You Need to Know About BSN Salaries

What type of BSN nurse gets paid the most?

According to Nighttingale College, the nursing positions for BSN graduates with the highest average annual salaries are oncology nurses ($145,762), informatics nurses ($134,219), cardiac care unit nurses ($130,349), operating room nurses ($129,922), and ICU nurses ($121,335).

What is the highest position in nursing?

The highest position in nursing is typically a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Chief Nurse Executive (CNE). This role involves overseeing all nursing operations within a healthcare organization, including strategic planning, staff management, and patient care standards. CNOs are key decision-makers, ensuring that nursing practices align with organizational goals and healthcare regulations.

What is the difference between BSN and RN?

"RN" (Registered Nurse) is a licensure that allows someone to practice nursing, while "BSN" (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is an academic degree. One can become an RN through various educational paths (including an Associate's Degree in Nursing), but a BSN is a four-year bachelor's degree that is increasingly preferred by employers and often required for advancement. Essentially, all BSN graduates are RNs (after passing the NCLEX exam), but not all RNs hold a BSN.

How many credits are in a BSN?

A BSN program typically requires around 120 to 130 credit hours to complete, depending on the institution and curriculum. These credits include general education courses, nursing core classes, and clinical practice hours. If entering with an associate degree or as part of an RN-to-BSN program, the credit requirements may be reduced.

References:

BLS (2024, April 3). 29-1141 Registered Nurses. BLS
BLS (2024, August 29). Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. BLS
BLS (2024, August 29). Registered Nurses. BLS
Health Resources and Services Administration (2024, November). State of the U.S. Health Care Workforce, 2024. HRSA
Nighttingale College (2024, September 11). Highest Paying BSN Jobs: How Can a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Impact Your Earnings. Nighttingale College
Payscale (2024). Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Jobs by Salary. Payscale
Payscale (2024). Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Jobs by Salary. Payscale
ZipRecruiter (2024, December 12). Entry Level Bsn Nurse Salary. ZipRecruiter