If you are considering a career in nursing you may be wondering what the typical Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) salary is. An associates degree is the first step to becoming a registered nurse (RN), a career with above average projected growth over the next ten years. Salaries can vary depending on your location and the number of years you have worked. The type of facility you work in and your health care specialization will also affect your pay. While pay can vary, earning an ADN will likely increase your earning potential.
Entry level salaries for nurses with an ADN degree average $53,000 annually. The average Associates Degree in Nursing Salary for all nurses with an ADN is $73,000. Nurses with a BSN degree only earn slightly more than nurses with an DSN with an average salary of $75,000. These averages reflect salaries across the country. Nurses in areas with high demand for health care workers may earn significantly more, it pays to do your research about Associates Degree in Nursing Salary ranges.
Details about Associates Degree in Nursing Salary Ranges
The United States is projected to need more than one million nurses by 2016. As demand increases, the average Associate Degree in Nursing salary is also expected to climb. Here are the top ten highest paying states for nurses and their average annual salaries:
- Massachusetts: $91,000
- California: $86,000
- Connecticut: $85,000
- New Jersey: $84,000
- Maryland: $80,000
- Delaware: $75,000
- Nevada: 75,000
- Oregon: $73,000
- Alaska: $66,000
- Hawaii: $58, 000
Nursing is a profession that provides flexibility for part-time workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, part-time nurses can expect to make $21.62 to $46.46 dollars per hour with an average wage of $33.23. These salaries can vary depending on location. Part-time workers in states with high demand, like California, will likely receive higher wages.
Nurses specializing in certain areas can make over $100,000 per year. Some of the highest paid specialties include:
- Neonatal Nurse
- Gerontological Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Certified Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Practitioner
- Orthopedic Nurse
- Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Psychiatric Nurse
- Nurse Researcher
- Certified Nurse Anesthetist
How to Maximize Your Associates Degree in Nursing Salary Potential
1. Sign on for success: If you are looking for a first job, look for employers offering a sign on bonus. Hospitals and nursing facilities often have to offer more than high salaries. A sign on bonus is a great way to increase your earnings before you’ve even begun to work.
2. Look towards the future: The highest paid nurses are those who have chosen to continue their education and receive additional education in high demand specializations. Set goals for yourself and let your superiors know what you hope to achieve. Employers will often help pay for continuing education opportunities.
3. Pick the unpopular shift: If you can, be flexible about the shift you work. Working night and weekend shifts can increase Associates Degree in Nursing salary; in some cases, you can expect an increase in your hourly pay up to $10 per hour.
Understanding the market and your earning potential is the first step in making your nursing career rewarding both personally and financially. By choosing the right location and specialization, your Associates Degree in Nursing salary can exceed your expectations.
Additional Resource: What Is An Associates Degree in Nursing?
