2023 Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) Salary + Employment Outlook

An associate degree in nursing, or ADN, is an excellent first step toward a fulfilling career as a registered nurse. The average ADN salary is one of the primary benefits associated with this career choice, so if you are considering an ADN program, learning more about your expected salary and the factors that influence it can help you make a better decision. Here, you will learn more about your starting and average salary, expected salary growth, and what you can do to earn more money as you take further steps along your career path.


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Roughly What Percentage of the Registered Nursing Population Holds an ADN Degree?

A registered nurse can have a diploma, an associate degree (ADN), a bachelor’s degree (BSN), a master’s degree (MSN), and in some cases, even a doctorate degree. Of all the RNs across the country, approximately 33% have an ADN.

What is the Starting Salary of a Newly Graduated RN with ADN?

The expected associates degree in nursing salary for new graduates who are just entering the workforce is roughly $51,280 a year, which equals $24.65 an hour or $4,270 a month for full-time RNs. This is an excellent starting salary, and when compared to other career choices that require only an associate degree for entry-level positions, it is also among the highest.

What Is the Average Salary of an RN with ADN?

The average RN with associate’s degree in nursing salary is $70,820 a year, which is equal to $34.05 an hour or $5,900 a month for RNs working full-time. This salary is the average for all ADN-educated RNs regardless of experience, location, employer, and specialization. You can expect a lower salary when you first enter the workforce, but this will grow with time as you gain more experience. You will also earn a bigger salary in highly-populated metro areas as compared to more rural locations. Finally, RNs with ADNs who work for state or government-owned hospitals tend to earn higher salaries than those working for private.

Past 5 Years Salary Growth for RNs with ADN (2013-2017)

Over the last five years, the average salary for ADN-educated RNs has grown fairly steadily with increases ranging from 1.28% to 1.91% in any given year. Over the entire five years, salaries increased by $5,410 on average, or 8.27%.

Future Salary Growth for RNs with ADN (2018-2022)

In the next five years, the average salaries for RNs who have ADN degrees will grow even more. The total growth throughout this period is expected to be 9.71%, or an increase of $6,880. The primary factor driving this growth is the desire to fill RN positions in one of the numerous areas affected by nursing shortages. As the population grows, particularly in metro areas, the nursing shortage is expected to worsen, leading employers to offer higher, more attractive salaries.

ADN Salary vs Similar Healthcare Occupations Which Require a Two-Year Associate Degree Program

Among other healthcare occupations requiring a two-year associate degree, registered nursing ranks fourth with an average salary of $70,820. Only diagnostic medical Sonographers ($73,200), dental hygienists ($74,680) and radiation therapists ($85,190) have the potential to earn higher salaries.

Employment & Salary of RNs with ADN in Various Healthcare Settings

The setting in which you choose to work will also play a role in your salary as an RN with an ADN degree. RNs in federal government earn the most with an average salary of $84,180. ADN-educated RNs working for elementary and secondary schools tend to earn the least at $57,150, on average.

State Wise Salary of RNs with ADN – Highest to Lowest

The state or US-owned territory in which you work will also impact your average salary. California ranks first with an average annual salary of $100,990; Puerto Rico comes in last with an average annual salary of just $32,950.

City Wise Salary of RNs with ADN

Even your city of employment can affect your salary as an RN with an ADN. Populated cities like Boston ($89,170) and Los Angeles ($90,730) pay far more than employers in rural parts of the country or in less-populated cities.

ADN Graduates Past Employment Growth (2013- 2017)

Employment growth for ADN graduates has climbed steadily since 2013, with growth for any individual year ranging from 0.96% to 4.05%. Overall, in the last five years, some 90,050 RNs with ADNs have joined the workforce, representing growth of 10.36%.

ADN Graduates Future Employment Growth (2018- 2022)

Predicted employment growth for ADN graduates in the next five years is quite a bit slower, but much more stable from one year to the next. Growth in any given year will range from 1.15% to 1.19% for a total of 6.03% and the addition of 57,840 new ADN-educated RNs to the workforce. Like in years past, this growth will be driven by the growing population and increased access to affordable healthcare, both of which require the expertise of skilled registered nurses.

Growth is expected to be slower in this five-year span than in the one before because employers are rapidly shifting toward hiring BSN-educated RNs. A groundbreaking study proved a link between baccalaureate-educated RNs and significantly better overall patient outcomes, and in 2010, the Institute of Medicine challenged healthcare providers across the country to ensure 80% of the RN workforce was educated at the BSN level by 2020. As a result, ADN-educated RN employment will continue to grow, but it will grow far more slowly than in years past.

Annual Job Vacancies for ADN Graduates

In 2018, there were 64,260 new and replacement jobs for ADN graduates, and that number is continuing to rise each year. Predictions estimate that by 2022, there will be 78,210 new and replacement positions available. Most of these vacancies will be the result of ADN graduates retiring or going back to school; the rest will come from the increased demand for healthcare providers across the country.

RNs with ADN - State Wise Employment Outlook

The employment outlook for RNs with ADN degrees is very good, though this growth is expected to be higher in some states than in others. Between 2017 and 2027, employment growth of over 30% is expected in Kentucky compared to just over 2% in Connecticut.

Is My Future Secure With an ADN?

If you are considering a career as a registered nurse, pursuing an ADN may seem like an excellent option. You can earn your ADN for a fraction of the cost of a standard four-year baccalaureate degree, and you can complete the program in two years or less and enter the workforce immediately thereafter. However, thanks to the Institute of Medicine’s push to have 80% of all RNs across the country educated at the BSN level by 2020, employers are starting to shift away from hiring RNs with ADNs, which can make things difficult for you – especially when it comes to finding an entry-level job.

Looking for the best ADN program in your area is an excellent first step, but in order to truly get the most out of your career, it is ideal to apply for an RN to BSN program toward the end of your ADN program. The RN to BSN is a bridge program that makes it easier and less expensive to obtain your baccalaureate education, and there are many benefits to doing so. The BSN salary is far higher, the job outlook is much better, and you will have access to numerous career options in leadership, management, research, and more.

In conclusion, though your future as an RN with an ADN may be secure, your future with a BSN will undoubtedly be even brighter. It offers a higher RN average salary, more (and better) job opportunities, and a solid framework for future education, whether you choose to push for a master’s or even a doctorate degree later down the road.