Best-Paying Nursing Jobs With an Associate Degree in Nursing

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
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Updated on July 3, 2024
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Earning your ADN can pay off. Discover the highest-paying associate degree in nursing jobs to advance your career.
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RNs with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can earn over $80,000 annually. Discover ADN nursing jobs to help you reach your professional goals, whether you’re considering enrolling in an ADN program or an RN planning your next career move.

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What Jobs Can You Get with an Associate Degree In Nursing?

As an ADN-prepared nurse, you can pursue an RN license and various nursing jobs. ADN nurses work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, outpatient care centers, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare organizations.

“ADN RNs have all the same responsibilities as a BSN RN,” said Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW. RNs take on many responsibilities in these work settings, from conducting health assessments to assisting surgeons during surgical procedures.

The best ADN programs build the nursing knowledge and clinical skills for many nursing career paths.”Any accredited ADN RN program will prepare the future nurse to work in the nursing field of their choice,” Clarke said.

“Any accredited ADN RN program will prepare the future nurse to work in the nursing field of their choice.”Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

For example, nurses with an ADN can specialize in many areas, including primary care, pediatrics, oncology, and acute care. They also work with patients across the lifespan. The earning potential for ADN nurses depends on their specialty area.

How Much Can Graduates of an Associate Degree in Nursing Program Earn?

$77,000
Average Annual Salary for RNs with an ADN

$33
Average Hourly Wage for RNs with an ADN

Source: Payscale (March 2024)

An ADN can pay off. RNs with an ADN report an average salary of $77,000. The earning potential for ADN nurses depends on their specialty area, experience, and certifications.

Demand for RNs is also higher than average, with 6% projected job growth from 2022-2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That translates into more than 193,000 RN job openings annually. In particular, the BLS projects strong job growth in hospital and outpatient care centers that offer same-day healthcare services and residential care facilities.

Best-Paying Nursing Jobs With an Associate Degree in Nursing

Starting salaries for ADN nurses may be considerably lower than the median salary, let alone the highest salaries ADN nurses can make.

“Most new grad RNs will have some difficulty finding a position that does not list ‘must have 1-2 years of experience in a related field.’ A nurse residency or fellowship is a great way to get a foot in the door and obtain the necessary experience to work in the nursing specialties listed,” Clarke says.

“A nurse residency or fellowship is a great way to get a foot in the door and obtain the necessary experience to work in the nursing specialties listed.”Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Most employers look for experienced nurses, no matter their degree. A nursing residency program can help new graduate nurses get the experience they need to qualify for high-paying nursing roles. Explore the highest-paying nursing careers for ADN nurses.

1 | RN Practice Manager

RN practice managers oversee nurses by assigning tasks, managing schedules, and monitoring quality. These managerial roles require years of experience, and ADN-trained nurses can benefit from taking nursing administration or leadership courses.

2 | Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses specialize in caring for cancer patients. They may interact with patients and physicians in surgical, acute care, hospice, or chemotherapy settings. The average oncology nurse’s salary exceeds several other specializations.

3 | Wound Care Nurse

A wound care nurse treats complex wounds, including surgical incisions. To create a care plan, they assess wound sites, burns, and other skin injuries. Wound care nurses also educate other nurses on wound care protocols.

  • Work Settings: Acute care facilities; home healthcare agencies; surgical units
  • Certifications:Wound Care Certified; Certified Wound Specialist
  • Career traits: Communication and interpersonal skills; clinical decision-making under pressure; patient advocacy
  • Average Hourly Wage: $33
  • Salary Range: $24-$46

4 | Travel Nurse

Travel nurses work on temporary assignments to meet staffing needs. Some also work in remote areas with a lack of medical facilities. The travel nurse’s salary potential can be quite high, depending on the position. Travel nurses often receive a housing stipend in addition to their hourly rate.

  • Work Settings: Long-term care facilities; intensive care units; medical-surgical units
  • Certifications: Varies depending on the specialty
  • Career traits: Flexibility and a willingness to travel; decision-making in new settings; quick learner
  • Average Hourly Wage: $39
  • Salary Range: $23-$57

5 | Operating Room Nurse

An operating room nurse provides pre and post-operative care while assisting surgeons during procedures. They maintain safety procedures, instruct patients on recovery, and respond to emergencies. An OR nurse’s salary can exceed $50 an hour.

  • Work Settings: Hospital surgical units; surgical centers; outpatient care centers
  • Certification: Certified Perioperative Nurse
  • Career traits: Calm under pressure; adapts to changing circumstances; attention to detail
  • Average Hourly Wage: $37
  • Salary Range: $28-$51

6 | Critical Care Nurse

Critical care nurses treat acute and critical illnesses, often in an ICU. They work intensive shifts that can include monitoring patients and administering treatments. These in-demand nurses report above-average salaries.

7 | Occupational Health Nurse

An occupational health nurse minimizes employee health risks and addresses workplace injuries. They develop preventative health education programs, inform organizations about health and safety risks, and treat injuries that occur at work. The average occupational health nurse’s salary is higher than many nurses working in clinical settings.

  • Work Settings: Government agencies; private businesses; manufacturing companies
  • Certification: Certified Occupational Health Nurse
  • Career traits: Knowledge of health and safety; problem-solving; communication; patient education
  • Average Hourly Wage: $37
  • Salary Range: $28-$49

8 | Emergency Room Nurse

Emergency room nurses assess patients with serious medical conditions and work with healthcare providers during procedures. They monitor vital signs, communicate with patients, and administer treatments. The average ER nurse’s salary exceeds many other ADN nurse specialties.

9 | Staff Nurse

Staff nurses provide patient care in diverse settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. They conduct health assessments, maintain patient records, and administer medications. Staff nurses also communicate with patients and other healthcare providers. The average staff nurse’s salary exceeds $35 an hour.

  • Work Settings: Hospital departments; outpatient care facilities; long-term care facilities
  • Certifications: Varies depending on the specialty
  • Career traits: Communication and interpersonal skills; decision-making; attention to detail
  • Average Hourly Wage: $35
  • Salary Range: $27-$49

Salary Source: Payscale (Mar. 2024)


Page last reviewed on May 22, 2024