In the beginning do ADN's get paid as much as BSN's?

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I am finishing up my pre-requesites and am planning my next step. ADN or BSN. I can do either in 2 years.

  • ADN at the comminity college is a 2 year program.
  • BSN at a Cal State on the quarter-system (just cost more).

Do they start off at the same pay scale after you get your RN?

Reason I ask is I will be living off my savings for 2 years and will need to get out and start making decent money to cover my mortgage which will be resetting in a year.

So would ADN-RN's salary be just as much as a BSN-RN's salary to start. And I am 50, will be 52 when I am done. I look 35 - all the kids in class think I am their age :) Just hope HR does too.

Thanks, Jag :wink2:

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Specializes in new mother/baby nurse.

I'm not sure how it is in other states, but in VA the pay isnt any different for someone with a BSN vs an associate's degree or diploma- all sit for the same test and get the same pay

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

At my hospital ADN and diploma new grads make $0.50/hr less than a BSN new grad.

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

BSNs don't get much more if anything.

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Specializes in Tele.

In Northern California, there's no pay difference between ADN & BSN at most hospitals, unless the hospital wants to attain Magnet status (then, they'll want to hire BSNs). However, if you're interested in management, a BSN will give you the advantage. Additionally (but not too much of a big deal), with a BSN, you don't have to take additional classes to get a Public Health Certificate (since public health classes are included in the curriculum).

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That's good to know - Thanks all of you who contributed. Now I know what school to focus on. I find it interesting that the two would earn just about the same out the door. I'm aiming for a hospital with an on-site campus to get the BSN and MSN done - do any of you know if it is full time?

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They are doing the same job right? Except in supervisory positions, where BSN is often require would make more. At least that is the case in CT.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

Not where I work.

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In my area the pay is the same, but BSN's are able to advance to mgt. or educator positions. Most hospitals in the area offer RN to BSN programs and even RN to MSN. You have to work full time while you take your classes, though. Often you agree to work for your facility for 2-3 years post degree (or you have to pay for your classes if you leave). So, I guess you have to weigh the cost of paying on your own but not working while you get your BSN against paying less for the ASN but taking classes while you are working full time. You would probably be going to school part time for 2-3 years in the evening with classes at your worksite. Do you want to go into management or education?

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Hi Quilter0225

Thank you for sharing. I never even thought the hospital would ask one to stay 2-3 years "after" the degree - I just thought it was 2-3 years but what you said makes perfect sense. I like the idea of continuing on my education right there on site because if those classes are anything like my bio-science classes (micro, anatomy, etc) then they are time-consuming and going to school when you work would be ideal - especially in L.A. with all the traffic conntinually grows. I was thinking of being a CRNA, SA or PA - not sure yet and I know the more time I am in school, the more I will learn about the different types of position that are out there.

Thanks Jag

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Hi Quilter0225

I was thinking of being a CRNA, SA or PA

If thats the case you should get your BSN, because if you don't you are going to have to go back to school to get it anyways before you get your masters.

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