Nursing is one of the most rewarding career paths you can pursue – both personally and professionally. Nurses have the ability to make a real difference in the lives of others. They also have abundant job opportunities available, room for future growth, and high salary potential in the field. It’s no wonder why Registered Nurses (RNs) are ranked among the top 20 (out of 100!) best healthcare jobs today.

To become a nurse, there are two primary educational paths you can take. You can choose to pursue an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). An associate degree in Nursing is the standard requirement, offering a short pathway to an incredible career where demand is on the rise. A BSN degree, on the other hand, is a great way to move upwards in nursing, increase your salary, and make an impact at a larger scale. But a BSN requires a longer investment in school.

So, which nursing degree is most worth your time? When considering the value of a nursing degree, many like to think about the return on their investment, including salary outcomes and the potential room for growth, after an RN or BSN program. 

If you, too, are weighing an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in Nursing, it’s important to consider these factors and ask questions related to stability and success. In order to help, we’ve compiled the latest salary data for you—all in one place. In this guide, get answers to questions like:

• What’s the difference between an RN and BSN?
• How much do registered nurses make, on average?
• What factors influence a nurse’s salary?
• Do BSN nurses get paid more than RNs, and why?

Let’s dive in.

What’s the difference between an RN and BSN degree?

An RN degree is an informal way to describe an associate degree in Nursing (ADN). RN stands for registered nurse, a common credential in nursing that is granted through a licensing exam. However, many people say “RN degree” because an associate degree in Nursing is the standard first step to becoming a registered nurse.

However, an ADN is not the only pathway to becoming an RN. Certain types of BSN programs can also prepare aspiring nurses for RN licensure. 

At a high-level, a BSN degree is a four-year nursing degree that prepares RNs for broader and more advanced roles in patient care. Short for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BSN programs teach skills in leadership, management, advocacy, public health, and more, giving nurses the skills needed to excel even beyond the typical RN role.

And this is where the difference between an RN and BSN degree set in. RN degree programs are designed to prepare students for patient-centered careers in nursing. They typically take two to three years to complete, over which students develop fundamental skills and knowledge in nursing care.

BSN degree programs, on the other hand, are longer in length, broader in their curriculum, and aimed at giving RNs even greater opportunities in areas like management, public health, military nursing, and more. Nurses with a BSN qualify for a higher quantity of positions, and a higher-level of patient care.

There are different types of BSN programs, though. There are four-year BSN programs designed for students breaking into nursing for the first time. There are also fast-paced Accelerated BSN programs, designed for students changing careers and looking to become a nurse fast. Finally, there are RN-to-BSN programs, designed for RNs with experience and licensing, who are now looking to level-up in the field.

Compare RN vs. BSN degree options here.

How much do registered nurses make?

On average in the United States, registered nurses earn $94,480 per year (May 2023 data). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this translates to more than $45 per hour for the average RN.

However, RN salaries can range depending on their level of education, experience in the field, where they are employed, and what type of industry they are in. The top 90% of RNs earn over $132,000 per year, while those in the lowest 10% (often newcomers in the field) earn $63,720 annually.

In Connecticut, registered nurses over $101,480 annually, making CT one of the highest-paying states for RNs today. Salaries can vary, of course, depending on the state in which nurses practice.

While this encompasses all employed RNs, keep in mind that there are varying salaries depending on your level of experience and education. Which brings us to our next topic…

What factors affect the salary of registered nurses?

With registered nursing salaries ranging from $63,000 to $133,000 annually, it’s important to understand the factors that go into the figures. Education, experience, location, and industry are all at play.

• Education: In general, RNs who invest more in their education are more likely to reap the reward. PayScale estimates that nurses with a BSN degree get paid, on average, 20 percent more than an RN with an associate degree.
• Experience: Of course, one’s level of experience also plays a role. If this is your first nursing job, you can expect to see a lower salary than you would 5 or 10 years into your career.
• Location: Due to varying costs of living, certain states will pay nurses higher than others. Connecticut, for example, offers RNs a salary that’s 8% higher than the national average. Other states like California, Hawaii, and Oregon also pay very well.
• Industry: The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that certain industries are good for nurses to get into, if making money matters. Specifically, nurses in pharmaceutical manufacturing, federal and local government, as well as employment services can expect to earn a solid, six-figure salary.
• Job title: Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care. They can supervise lower-level nursing staff like LPNs, but RNs still work under the direction of doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurse managers. Some of those advanced titles (which can be obtainable with a BSN degree) promise more salary potential than the standard RN position.

The RN vs. BSN Salary Breakdown

Education is a key factor in a nurse’s salary. As with any other occupational group, nurses who invest more in their degree are likely to see a greater return. 

The latest data from PayScale, pulled in early 2025, shows that registered nurses with an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) earn between $52,000 and $99,000 annually.

Meanwhile, registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) earn between $54,000 and $104,000 annually in the United States—just a few thousand dollars more from the ADN salary totals.

However, this isn’t the only salary data available for nurses holding a BSN. PayScale also shows that BSN degree holders earn an average of $96,000 per year, across all different titles. As you may recall, BSN-educated nurses qualify for a larger number of job titles, due to their broad and versatile education. They might pursue careers as Nurse Managers, Directors of Nursing, and various practitioner positions, and these titles are inflating the BSN salary estimates with six-figure averages. 

So, the average BSN salary and RN salary are not quite apples-to-apples, as BSN degree holders have more, high-paying options within the workforce. 

Why do BSN-educated nurses get paid more than RNs?

As you can see, BSN nurses get paid slightly more than the average registered nurse with an associate degree in hand. And this salary gap makes sense. While both degrees will prepare you for an RN career, a BSN degree will position you for more advanced roles or upward mobility in the field.

And this is because of the in-depth nature of BSN programs, and extended investment in school.

Bachelor’s in Nursing programs, as well as RN-to-BSN programs, tend to cover more complex topics such as leadership, healthcare policy, nursing research, and advocacy, which are especially valued in advanced nursing positions. After earning a BSN—and honing your expertise through that program—you may find employers offering you a higher starting wage, or more opportunities to advance into higher-paying leadership positions.

Not to mention, some employers and roles require a bachelor’s education. For example, the following careers all require a BSN degree today, and promise substantial salaries as a result:

• Military/Army Nurses
• Psychiatric Nurses
• OB/GYN Nurses
• School Nurses
• Flight Nurses
• Informatics Nurses
• Case Management Nurses
• Clinical Research Nurses

To learn more about the BSN salaries, across the United States and in Connecticut, click here.

Weighing an RN vs. BSN Degree?

Both a BSN degree and RN degree (at the associate level) are great investments in your future. They offer incredible satisfaction personally, as well as strong financial reward. While BSN nurses do get paid slightly more than the average RN, both types of degrees can get you into a successful and caring career.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue an associate degree in Nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, will depend on you and your career goals. If you are after a leadership position in the field, or a role that requires a BSN degree, then your educational path is clear. If you are just starting out and have time to invest in a four-year education, a BSN degree may also be a good route for you to pursue.

However, if you wish to get your nursing career started (and start earning money!) as soon as possible, you may opt for an associate degree in Nursing. This degree can take just two to three years to complete, and will give you the foundational experience needed to get licensed and start working as an RN.

With an associate degree, keep in mind that you always have the option to pursue a BSN later on. There are flexible and fast-track RN-to-BSN programs available for already-licensed RNs. At Goodwin, for example, the RN-to-BSN degree can take less than 16 months part-time to complete. With this, you can continue to work as a nurse while taking your BSN coursework online. And, because of the fast-paced and online nature of the program, it’s more affordable too!

For more information about the differences between an RN and BSN education, or the job outcomes you will encounter after graduation, please do not hesitate to reach out. Goodwin University is an accredited nursing school in Connecticut with flexible associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in nursing. Call 800-889-3282 or visit us online to learn more.