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Nursing salaries vary broadly across the country, often based on the employee's nursing experience, training, and on-the-job expertise. Is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing salary higher than one paid to a registered nurse who holds only an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or diploma? While entry level nursing salaries may be similar, one thing is certain: a professional holding a BSN may enjoy wider opportunities for service and advancement to higher paying supervisory roles.

Another powerful factor influencing salaries and hiring is that more and more health care recruiters favor the BSN over the ADN. Many state boards of nursing require new hires to hold a four-year degree.

Regions that Pay a Premium Bachelor of Science in Nursing Salary

The BLS reports a 2009 national average registered nursing salary of $63,750 ($30.65 per hour). The top salaries were found in states along the East and West Coast (per year and per hour):

• California: $85,080/$40.90
• Massachusetts: $81,780/$39.32
• Hawaii: $80,020/$38.47
• Maryland: $76,330/$36.70
• New Jersey: $74,990/$36.05

The five highest nursing salaries in metropolitan areas were all in California:

• Visalia-Porterville, CA: $111,030
• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $110,080
• San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA: $98,900
• Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA: $97,280
• Sacramento-Arden Arcade-Roseville, CA: $89,770

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Salary: A Closer Look

Nursing salaries fluctuate across the nation, indicating that regional cost of living, experience, nursing specialty and college degree have a direct impact on wages. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that many RNs return to college to complete a BSN to expand their career options--and earnings potential.