Best-Paying Jobs for RNs with BSNs
Nursing is one of the most stable and rewarding careers you can choose. Demand for healthcare is constant, making nursing a recession-proof field with strong job security. Some of the highest-paying positions prefer or require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Plus, a BSN can prepare you to earn a graduate degree in nursing.
What Is the Average Pay for Nurses?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), the median annual salary for registered nurses is $93,600. Salaries vary by state — with South Dakota ranking among the lowest, while California tops the list.
An aging population and an increasing rate of chronic illnesses nationwide means an ongoing demand for nurses.
Do Nurses With a BSN Make More?
Not surprisingly, a Medscape survey showed that RNs with a BSN earn about $5,000 more per year than ADNs. Nurses who have achieved additional certifications may earn another $7,000 per year.
Some certifications, like the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), require a BSN to qualify.
5 High-Paying Nursing Jobs
1. Pharmaceutical RN or Medical Device RN
These nurses work with pharmaceutical or medical device companies in roles such as sales, education, or research. They often focus on a particular drug, device, or condition.
These flexible roles often allow you to manage your own schedule in a telework/field-based position. They tend to be salaried, often with a bonus structure of cash, trips or stock options. Home office supplies, a car or car allowance, and continuing education may be part of the benefits package.
Average salary: $88,900, with top earners making more than $160K.
2. Legal Nurse Consultant
A legal nurse consultant serves as a medical expert on legal cases, including personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, and worker's compensation claims. Employers can include law firms, insurance companies, government agencies, hospitals, or private consulting firms.
These roles require strong analytical and advocacy skills, and many allow nurses to set their own hours.
Average salary: About $90,500, with experienced consultants earning $140K/year or more.
3. Travel Nurse
Travel nurses take on short-term contracts to fill urgent staffing needs due to factors like rural location, natural disasters, strikes, or medical leave. Contracts range from a few days to several months and can be domestic or international.
Specializing in high-demand areas like ICU, OR, oncology, or neonatal care can increase earnings.
Average salary: $101,100, with the potential to exceed $130K depending on contract length and location.
4. Flight Transport Nurse
Flight nurses provide critical care during air transport between facilities or in emergency situations. They work in high-pressure environments and often have advanced training in trauma, labor and delivery, or neonatal care.
Average salary: $85,700, with higher pay for those with specialized experience.
5. Nurse Educator
Nurse educators teach nursing students, staff nurses, or patients in healthcare organizations, nursing schools, or academic settings. If you love to teach, mentor or coach, this may be the role for you.
Average salary: Clinical educators average $105,074.
As an RN with a BSN, you have a wide array of career options.
Don’t have a BSN yet? An online RN to BSN program allows you the flexibility you need to pursue your dreams and potentially earn more pay, while continuing to build nursing experience.
Learn more about UL Lafayette's RN to BSN online program.
