Average Salary With a BSN

The average salary with a BSN (Bachelors in Nursing) varies with experience, employer size, region, and certification courses completed. However, one thing is certain – with this higher degree, you’ll qualify for more advanced positions, which in turn means that you can earn a higher salary, at least eventually. While most RNs with associate’s degrees and RNs with BSNs make about the same initially, because having a bachelor’s degree opens many more career doors, you have the potential to make a much higher salary.

Base Salary with a BSN

A Registered Nurse (RN) with a BSN can earn an average salary of around $55,000 annually, which is slightly higher than what an RN with only an associates degree would earn. Keep in mind that in addition to your annual salary, you’ll also typically be offered a a benefits package that includes health and dental care, a retirement plan, and more. Even just starting in this field, you can earn a fairly high salary of between $36,000 and $45,000.

Salary by Location

Location is one of the top factors that affects your salary as an RN with a BSN. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paying locations for RNs, at least in terms of states are as follows:

California: $87,480
Massachusetts: $84,990
Hawaii: $82,130
Alaska: $79,350
Maryland: $76,450

In terms of cities that are top-paying for this field, you’ll find the highest salaries in San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, Salinas, and Napa, which are all located in California. The highest salaries for non-metropolitan areas are found in East-Central Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Eastern Kentucky.

Of course, keep in mind that in cities and other places where salaries are high, you’ll also find much a much higher cost of living. So, instead of only considering jobs where you’ll find high salaries in terms of numbers, look for places with the highest demand for nurses. In these areas, you’ll fin the highest salaries in relation to cost of living.

Other Factors Affecting Salary

Your experience definitely also plays a role, with new RNs earning an average of $10,000 less than RNs with at least ten years of experience. With your BSN, you’ll also qualify for management positions, and if you choose to take on one of these leadership roles, you’ll also make more money. Type of employer makes a difference as well – nurses working for government departments, personal care services, and medical manufacturing facilities usually make the highest salaries.

The Best RN to BSN Degrees Online

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is typically the next step after someone becomes a Registered Nurse (RN). More importantly, students are almost always required to have a BSN degree in order to enroll in Masters programs. Earning your BSN degree doesn't have to be difficult nor is it impossible to get even if you are a working professional. We have listed below some of the top online BSN programs that express convenience and quality education.

RN to BSN RN to MSN	Kaplan University » The Kaplan RN to BSN program has a strong curriculum that centers on professional leadership building, the promotion of healthcare, and a capstone designed to improve the delivery of patient care. For those that desire a masters degree, the school also has an RN to MSN program.
RN to BSN	Liberty University » Liberty University's RN to BSN program features a dynamic curriculum that bridges your RN experience into a full bachelor's degree. You can select from courses including medical terminology, research in nursing, pharmacology, nursing concepts, and crisis nursing. Liberty is known for its caring, Christ centered learning model.
RN to BSN RN to BSN to MSN	Chamberlain College of Nursing » At the Chamberlin College of Nursing RN to BSN program, RN's are able to complete their bachelor's degree quickly; dedicated students can finish in three semesters. Chamberlin prides itself on a patient centered education, with a demanding yet supportive faculty. For those who desire advanced training, the school offers a RN to BSN to MSN program.
RN to BSN	University of Phoenix » The University of Phoenix RN to BSN degree program features courses in health care communication, evidence-based nursing research, health care informatics, and senior practicum: leadership and management. This program's goal is to graduate future nursing leaders that can compete in this fast growing industry.
RN to BSN	Utica College » At Utica College, registered nurses (RN) can easily transfer their knowledge and experience into an RN to BSN degree. This degree is designed for students who want to take their nursing education and careers further. The curriculum focuses on communication, organization, critical-thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
RN to BSN	Walden University » Comprised of 180 quarter credits, the Walden RN to BSN program teaches students such interesting courses as research and scholarship, public and global health, and pathopharmacology. Please note that Walden will not admit a student into this program unless they possess a current nursing license.
BS in Management for RNs	Post University » The RN to BSN program at Post University is designed to bridge the knowledge gained as an RN towards the more prestigious bachelor's degree. The curriculum focuses on decision-making, critical-thinking, communications, quantitative aptitude, analytics, and leadership. Students can apply up to 60 units of credit towards this program.
RN to BSN	Florida Hospital College of Health Science » Students at the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences RN to BSN program rave about the exciting learning environment and dynamic coursework that keeps them engaged and always looking towards the latest topics in nursing. This program is a bridge, designed to get you from your RN to a higher level of nursing, after which you can use your new skills to demand new career options.
RN to BSN	Indiana State University » The LPN to BSN degree program from Indiana State University is the only online LPN to RN/BSN training program offered by an accredited university in the United States at this time. Students of ISU's BSN program can complete upper-level nursing education entirely online and fulfill their clinical hours locally afterward.
RN to BSN	Western Governors University » As the recipient of the 2008 best practices award from the United States Distance Learning Association, Western Governors University's reputation for excellence in service to stuednts is backed by more than their faculty, career-oriented classes, and years of experience. Their BS in nursing program is created for actively working RNs who are able to devote 15-20 hours a week to study.
BS in Management for RNs	Post University » The RN to BSN program at Post University is designed to bridge the knowledge gained as an RN towards the more prestigious bachelor's degree. The curriculum focuses on decision-making, critical-thinking, communications, quantitative aptitude, analytics, and leadership. Students can apply up to 60 units of credit towards this program.
RN to BSN	South University » One of the nation's top universities, South University provides an BSN program designed with industry-driven standards and best practices in mind. Students will be able to take the education from South University and apply it to real-world situations upon graduation. The online program available at SU can help registered nurses (RN) obtain a BSN degree.
RN to BSN	University of St. Mary » At the University of St. Mary RN to BSN degree program, students benefit from the university's experienced, expert nursing professionals that impart their knowledge as professors. Three Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System hospitals in Kansas, Colorado, and Montana partner with the university as educational centers.
RN to BSN	Grand Canyon University » The Grand Canyon University RN to BSN program offers students the best of both worlds — online or on campus. Courses include professional dynamics, family-centered health promotion, health assessment, applied statistics, and ethical decision making in healthcare. Graduates of the program go onto become leaders in their respected workplace.
RN to BSN	Kent State University » At Kent State University, RN's who seek an advanced degree have the opportunity to enroll in the RN to BSN degree program. This course of study is CCNE accredited and offered online, so busy working professionals can integrate learning with their career. Graduates are competitive in regional hospitals and clinics alike.
For even more Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, click here...