Obtaining an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can enable you to start your career as a registered nurse. As an ADN registered nurse (ADN-RN), you work in a variety of medical settings and with a diverse range of patients, and you may also find that many of these facilities offer a substantial income. In addition to salary benefits, you might also find opportunities for continuing your education and career advancements while working as an ADN-RN.
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In this article, we explore what it means to be an ADN, the qualifications required of ADN-RNs, and the average ADN salary in the United States, as well as some of the highest-paying states.
What is an ADN?
An ADN is a designation meaning an associate degree in nursing and refers to a health care professional who has earned their ADN and works as a registered nurse (RN) to provide medical care and treatment to patients. Often, some refer to this as an ADN-RN, and it signifies the ADN graduate has obtained certification as an RN. ADN-RNs can work in a wide variety of medical facilities and in different roles.
Some specialties ADN-RNs may work in can include intensive and critical care nursing, pediatric and neonatal nursing, and geriatric nursing. Even though an ADN-RN enables nursing professionals to practice in the medical field, many ADNs choose to pursue higher degrees like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or a doctorate in nursing.
Average salary for ADN registered nurses
An ADN may work as a registered nurse (ADN-RN) and has the potential to earn a national average salary of $91,444 per year, according to the national average salary data for registered nurses. Nurses in this position may also receive benefits, bonuses, and overtime, with an average of $12,000 per year in overtime payments. Your exact earnings can vary according to your location, experience, certifications, specializations, and hours.
For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link provided.
ADN average salary by state
There are many states with salary averages that can be substantially more than the national average salary that an RN with an ADN may expect to earn. It’s also important to note that even though many states offer hourly wages when assuming a 40-hour work week, this amount can sometimes exceed the national average for the average ADN salary. Here are nine states that offer high-paying ADN-RN salaries. For the most up-to-date salary information, visit indeed.com/salaries.
1. Arizona
Arizona offers a substantial salary for ADNs who work as registered nurses. The state’s average salary is $89,951 per year. Some Arizona cities that have the highest salaries include Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Chandler.
2. Oregon
Oregon’s average salary for ADN-RNs is comparable to the national average salary at $90,797 per year, with some cities in the state averaging a little above or below the state average depending on the employers, job demand, and population. Some Oregon cities that have higher salary averages include Portland, Beaverton, and Salem.
3. Colorado
Registered nurses with an associate degree may make an average salary of $93,312 per year when working in Colorado. Some of the higher-paying cities in Colorado include Denver, Boulder, Englewood, Lakewood, and Aurora. Cities with a larger population tend to have more job opportunities and higher average salaries.
4. Connecticut
Connecticut can offer ADN-RNs an average salary of $93,390 per year, depending on where they work in the state. Some of Connecticut’s highest-paying cities can include Hartford, Manchester, New Haven, and Stamford.
5. Maryland
Maryland hovers in the middle of this list with an average salary of $93,589 per year for ADNs. This number offers a sizeable increase compared to the national average. Some of the highest-paying ADN jobs are in cities like Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Springs, and Baltimore.
6. New Jersey
New Jersey’s average salary for ADNs is higher than the national average, with the state presenting an average salary of $94,085 per year. Some cities in New Jersey that pay the highest may include Jersey City, Summit, Newark, and Morristown. Nurses and ADNs in the state of New Jersey also earn an average of $12,500 per year in overtime pay.
7. Washington
Washington is also another state where the salary average for ADNs is just above the national average. ADNs in Washington can expect an average salary of $95,262 per year, with some cities in the state paying higher. Some of these cities may include Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Everett, and Tacoma.
8. Massachusetts
ADNs working in Massachusetts might enjoy a substantial salary average of $96,525 per year. In some cities, the average salary can rise or fall below this weekly income amount. Some Massachusetts cities that can pay the highest include Bedford, Brighton, Charlestown, Nantucket, and West Roxbury.
9. California
ADNs working in California may see an average salary of $97,414 per year, making this state an attractive income opportunity for ADN-RNs. Some California cities where ADNs can earn a substantial salary include Anaheim, Burbank, Palo Alto, Pomona, and La Mesa.
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ADN qualifications
Registered nurses who work in hospitals, private practices, home health care, and other medical settings may require specific credentials and qualifications. Often, an RN’s required qualifications can vary by medical facility and sometimes the state. Commonly, though, ADNs may require several key qualifications to work in the field.
Required Education
An ADN-RN’s education specifically focuses on the principles and practices of nursing and other prerequisite coursework like anatomy physiology and biological processes. Completing this education and obtaining an associate degree in nursing (ADN) is a qualification that all candidates for RN certification must have to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN).
Registered nursing certification exam
Once a nursing student obtains their ADN, they can apply to take their NCLEX-RN. This certification further qualifies the nursing student to enter the medical field and begin practice. Similarly, the NCLEX-RN can be a qualification that can lead to certification in specialty areas like critical care nursing.
ADN-RN certification
The ADN-RN certification is obtained after passing the NCLEX-RN. This certification can allow RNs to enter a wide variety of fields, as well as take advantage of continuing education opportunities. Often, hospitals and other healthcare facilities may offer tuition reimbursement or financial aid to ADNs who elect to continue their education and obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Specialty licenses
ADN-RNs may also be able to pursue additional certifications or licenses in addition to their RN certification. For instance, critical care nursing is one such specialty. ADNs can take and pass the critical care nursing (CCRN) exam to receive this certification.
3 related careers
There are many opportunities for ADN-RNs to advance their careers and several specialties that they can be qualified for. Critical care nursing, pediatric nursing, or elderly care can be common specialties among ADN-RNs. Additionally, if you’re considering a career in nursing, you might explore the three following related careers. For the most up-to-date salary information, visit indeed.com/salaries.
1. Licensed practical nurse
National average salary: $56,188 per year
Primary duties: Similar to tasks an RN may perform, the responsibilities of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) may include managing and educating patients on treatment plans, administering medications, preparing and administering IVs, assisting RNs and physicians, evaluating and treating wounds, and monitoring patient vital signs. LPNs can also work in a variety of healthcare settings like hospitals, private practices, and home health and rehab.
2. Licensed vocational nurse
National average salary: $84,346 per year
Primary duties: Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) may typically be responsible for providing basic medical care to patients. Common tasks LVNs may perform on a day-to-day basis can vary by medical setting, though LVNs work with patients to ensure comfort during exams and procedures, assist patients with moving, cleaning, and dressing, check vital signs, and file patient medical records. LVNs often work in hospitals, nursing homes, private practices, and home health care under the guidance and supervision of RNs, doctors, and physician assistants.
3. Critical care nurse
National average salary: $129,572 per year
Primary duties: Critical care nurses (CCNs or CCRNs) provide medical care and treatment to patients with critical or life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Often, CCNs are responsible for providing treatment, managing care plans, and administering medications to patients in intensive care units (ICU) and other critical care environments. CCNs may also work with high-risk surgery patients as well as patients with acute illness or disease.
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