Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) is among the most rewarding and in-demand careers today. Whether you’re just starting to think about nursing or already have your sights set on an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), it’s essential to know what kind of salary you can expect. This guide will walk you through the earning potential for ADN RNs, plus some tips on how location, experience, and specialization can impact your paycheck.
What is an ADN?
Let’s start with the basics. An Associate Degree in Nursing is a two to three-year program that prepares graduates to become Registered Nurses. The best part? It’s a quicker and more affordable way to get into the nursing field compared to a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
ADN programs cover all the basics. From anatomy and physiology to hands-on clinical experience, these programs give you the skills to start working in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and more. Once you complete the program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you can jump into your career as a licensed RN.
While many nurses with an ADN eventually go on to get their BSN, an ADN is still a fantastic way to enter the nursing profession and start earning a solid salary right away.
Career opportunities with an ADN
So, what can you do with an ADN? Plenty! Graduates with an ADN can work in many exciting healthcare settings, from hospitals and outpatient clinics to nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Whether you’re passionate about bedside care, working with elderly patients, or helping people recover from surgery, there are many opportunities available for ADN nurses.
The demand for nurses is also growing rapidly. In fact, according to the, the job market for RNs is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031. As an ADN RN, you’ll enter the field with job stability and plenty of room for growth.
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How much do registered nurses make with an ADN?
Here’s the good news. If you have an ADN, you can earn a competitive salary right from the start.
Starting salary
As a new graduate with an ADN, your RN salary will start between $55,000 and $65,000 yearly, depending on where you live and work. It’s a great starting point with only a two-year degree. And here’s the thing: Your salary doesn’t stay the same forever. As you gain experience and grow in your career, your earning potential and opportunities only increase.
Salary by location
Where you live greatly affects how much you’ll make as a registered nurse. RN salaries vary widely depending on the state and even the city where you work. For example, RNs in California tend to make the highest salaries in the country, with an average of about $124,000 per year. On the other hand, RNs in some Midwestern or Southern states might earn closer to $60,000 to $75,000 annually.
It’s important to remember that salaries are often higher in urban areas with a higher cost of living. But if you live in a rural area, your paycheck will stretch further, even if the salary is slightly lower.
Salary growth potential
Another factor that can boost your salary is experience. The more years you work as an RN, the more you’ll earn. For example, an RN with five to ten years of experience could earn anywhere from $65,000 to $80,000 yearly. Nurses with over 20 years of experience earn upwards of $90,000 annually. So, as you build your career, your income potential grows along with it!
Factors that affect ADN salary
When it comes to determining your salary as an ADN RN, there are several factors at play:
- Location: As mentioned, where you live can significantly affect your salary.
- Experience: Entry-level nurses will naturally earn less than experienced RNs, but potential for salary growth is high.
- Specialization and Role: If you choose to specialize in a specific area of nursing, you could see a bump in your pay. Specialized roles often have higher salaries because they require additional skills and certifications.
Grow your career
One of the best things about being an RN is the room for growth. You’re not locked into a single role or salary forever. Here’s how you can boost your earning potential as you progress in your career:
Further education
If you decide to go back to school and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or even a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), you’ll likely see a nice jump in your salary. RNs with a BSN tend to earn $10,000 to $15,000 more per year than those with just an ADN. Plus, higher degrees open up leadership roles and specialized positions that come with even higher pay.
Specialization and certification
Becoming certified in a specific area of nursing can also lead to salary increases. Whether it’s critical care, geriatrics, or emergency nursing, certifications show employers that you’ve mastered specialized skills and are ready to take on more responsibility.
Becoming a leader
If you’re interested in moving up the ladder, many RNs become nurse managers, clinical supervisors, or directors of nursing. These leadership roles come with increased responsibility and bigger paychecks. Nurse managers, for example, can earn over $100,000 annually in some areas.
Discover our ADN program
RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing can start their careers with a substantial salary and plenty of room to grow. As you gain experience, specialize in a particular area, or pursue further education, opportunities for more pay are plentiful. The nursing field is constantly evolving, and as an RN, the possibilities for advancement are endless.
If you’re ready to start your journey to becoming a registered nurse, learn more about University of Bridgeport’s ADN program today.