Salary can be a strong indicator of overall career satisfaction.
After graduation, nursing graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $78,700, while the bottom 20% make closer to $48,309. The median grad salary is $61,660.
Nursing graduate salaries over time
The typical early career salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in nursing is $46,888, and within five years of graduation, this average salary goes up to $54,507.
This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:
Wage ($USD)
Wage Range Median Wage
Years of work experience
Pro tip
Still unsure if a degree in nursing is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career
