BSN Salary: Average Salary of a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) Nurse - Academia Labs (2023)

By Sarah Collins

21.02.2022

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program open to new students and registered nurses with associated degrees.
• Earning a BSN helps improve the career prospects of all nurses by opening up managerial, administrative and teaching opportunities.
• BSNs can expect to earn an average of $13,000 more per year than registered nurses, subject to change by specialty, region, and medical setting.

Earning a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) is a practical choice for new students or registered nurses looking to expand their knowledge and skills as a nurse. BSN nurses earn significantly more than ASNs, and with that come better career prospects, responsibilities, and specializations.

According to Nursingprocess.org, the average BSN hourly wage is $40.50, subject to change based on several factors including location, specialty and rotation schedule.

Read on to learn more about BSNs, including how to become a BSN, average salaries, and projected salary growth.

What is a BSN?

A BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is a 4-year program open to students interested in becoming RNs and existing RNs with associate degrees interested in increasing their earning potential.

Please note that accelerated BSN programs are also only two years long. Both BSN programs include high requirement courses and clinical rotations that place nurses in health clinics or hospitals.

In short, look for a BSN if you want to maximize your earning potential.

How does a nurse become a BSN?

The route for a Registered Nurse to BSN is twofold. The first is to pursue a BSN by participating in a four-year program (or two years with an accelerated BSN).

The second option is to become a registered nurse through an associate degree program before enrolling in an RN to BSN program to complete your BSN degree.

What is the difference between an RN and a BSN?

The difference between an RN and a BSN lies in their method of accreditation.

Second, the BSN curricula are much more advanced. Therefore, expect BSN holders to have a solid background in areas that an RN with an associate degree does not have, such as: B. Research, public health and leadership.

Another difference between RNs and BSNs is their specialty and skill level. Many research studies have shown that BSNs produce better clinical outcomes and lower patient mortality rates. The difference is so great that in 2017 one state (New York) issued a mandate for all registered nurses to become BSNs within ten years of receiving their license.

Because of these differences, BSNs enjoy better career prospects with the opportunity to hold managerial, administrative, and leadership positions.

What is the BSN in 10 acts?

The BSN in 10 Act is a law that requires RNs to become BSNs within ten years of earning their degree. This mandate supports the growth of research studies showing that the work done by BSN has resulted in better patient outcomes and fewer clinical errors. Other goodies include lower chances of hospital readmission and shorter hospital stays.

Currently, New York is the only US state to have passed the law (December 2017).

What type of course can BSNs expect?

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing establishes all BSN curricula with an emphasis on foundational requirements and coursework in nursing.

The popular nursing course covers pharmacology, pathophysiology, reproductive health, statistics, anatomy and assessment, and health and disease.

What postgraduate nursing degrees can nurses with a BSN pursue?

A BSN opens the door to higher qualifications such as CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist), DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), NP (Nursing Practice) and an MSN (Master of Nursing).

What are some typical BSN program requirements?

BSN program requirements depend on many factors including state, school and program. However, there are some constants.

To be admitted to the BSN, students must have a valid high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA (typically 3.0 or higher), letters of recommendation from teachers/government, and payment of all required fees, including tuition. Enrollment.

What costs do I have to expect for a BSN degree?

The amount paid for a BSN degree depends largely on the type of school attended (e.g. state or private), in-state or out-of-state, and any scholarships or grants offered.

According to NurseJournal, participants in the four-year BSN program can expect to pay up to $105,000 in tuition plus general fees, books, insurance, lab fees, and room/board fees. It's important to realize that a single college loan can cost as much as $2,000.

One of the benefits of earning a BSN is that existing RNs with a diploma or associate degree can earn their BSN in under a year while maintaining full-time employment. Depending on the program, you may even be able to transfer RN-based coursework.

Fortunately, there are many financial aid programs available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

What are the career prospects for registered nurses?

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, one of the premier career resource guides published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual growth numbers look promising. It is estimated that RN jobs will increase by 9% from 2022 to 2030, equivalent to approximately 195,000 vacancies per year.

BSN nurses typically earn more than those with an associate degree. For starters, BSNs can expect to earn an average of $13,000 more per year than registered nurses.

Keep in mind that BSN salaries vary significantly due to differences in pay per shift. Therefore, nurses who work more intensive shifts (e.g., weekends or holidays) or are available on call can expect higher salaries and salary incentives for on-call duty.

Another factor affecting BSN salaries is the number of years of experience. The more years of experience, the higher the salary. It's not uncommon for a BSN nurse to start with an initial salary of $52,000 before rising to over $120,000 ten years on the job.

Third, the nature of the industry affects the average annual salary of BSNs. For example, a registered nurse working in a hospital or ambulatory care center earns an average annual salary of between $80,000 and $90,000. On the other hand, nurses working in home nursing or doctor's offices can make anywhere from $70,000 to $80,000, even if they both have the same number of years in the field.

Finally, the location is a crucial factor. For example, it is not uncommon for California BSNs to earn twice the median annual income of other states due to the higher cost of living and market factors.

What are the job prospects for BSNs?

BSNs have very favorable job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for registered nurses is projected to increase by 9% from 2020 to 2030. The employment growth rate for BSNs is also slightly higher than that of associate degree RNs.

How have BSN salaries evolved over time?

BSN's salary growth rate showed a favorable trend over time. According to Nursingprocess.org, wage growth between 2013 and 2017 was 12.72%. Projected salary growth should match this number due to the constant demand for quality healthcare and the need for BSN-trained RNs rather than ASNs.

As previously mentioned, BSNs are in high demand. One state, New York, even enacted a mandate in 2017 requiring all RNs with associate degrees to earn their bachelor's degree within ten years of receiving their license.

How does a BSN nurse's salary compare to similar positions?

BSN salaries are very competitive compared to other medical roles that require a four-year degree. According to the N.P. Editorial Review, a BSN earns a higher median annual salary than occupational health/safety specialists, nutritionists, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and recreational therapists.

However, average annual salaries vary significantly by specialty and location, with some states having higher living costs. For example, it's not surprising that Californian nurses earn almost twice the average annual salary of those (with the same qualifications and number of years of experience) living in South Dakota.

Is it better to have a BSN or RN?

It is highly recommended that all RNs earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. Many statistics and case studies demonstrate the value of a BSN over ASNs.

Also, many initiatives have converted as many ASNs to BSNs as possible. For example, in 2017 New York introduced the “BSN in 10” law, which requires all registered nurses to earn a BSN degree within ten years of becoming a registered nurse.

This mandate was introduced due to the increase in research showing that nurses with higher qualifications experience lower all-cause mortality rates in patients and fewer clinical errors.

What types of scholarships are available for RNs to become BSNs?

There are many scholarships available for RNs to become BSNs. Some of these scholarships include the AfterCollege/AACN $10,000 Scholarship Fund ($25,000 per quarter) and up to $7,500 Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association Career Mobility Scholarship, the Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship, and the $2,000 Mildred Nutting Scholarship.

Highest Paying States for BSN Nurses

According to ZipRecruiter, the following states are the highest paying states for BSN nurses:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median RN salary in 2020 was $80,010, which is higher than the national median salary. However, there is no universal equality in state wages or across wage categories.

Tips for maximizing your earning potential as an RN

Until you work towards your BSN degree with better career opportunities and merit on the horizon, here are our top tips for maximizing your earning potential as an RN:

Specialize

Adding certifications and specializations to your resume is a surefire way to see more opportunities. Some high-demand specialties include labor, oncology, cath lab, critical care, and CVICU expertise.

It is highly recommended to review the CCRN certification and the CNOR certification which cover critical/critical care and surgical care respectively.

Get your Bachelor of Science in Nursing

It's simple - BSNs earn more than RNs with better career opportunities and increased responsibility in any medical setting. With a few years of experience, BSNs can also assume managerial or administrative roles.

Fortunately, RNs can earn their BSNs in just two years through an accelerated program.

Enhanced Nurse Licensing Compact (eNLC)

Earning this important award allows registered nurses to operate with a multi-state license that allows them to move freely between states and provide telemedicine services. Not only does it offer more flexibility for registered nurses to work as a traveling nurse, but it also allows patients greater access to care.

BSN Salary: Conclusion

BSNs earn a generous salary, far more than nutritionists, exercise physiologists, recreational therapists, and other health professionals. The possibilities for specialization are almost unlimited.

In addition to desirable career prospects, BSN nurses have the freedom to move from state to state. For a rewarding career, becoming a BSN is a good choice.