The difference between a BSN salary and an ADN salary is significant. A 4-year nursing degree, or BSN, holder‘s salary averages around $71,730 per year in the United States, while a 2-year nursing degree, or ADN, holder‘s salary averages around a $40,250 per year in the United States. ADN holders can become registered nurses, but they are likely to receive lower salaries than BSN holders due to their limited ability to perform nursing tasks. On the other hand, BSN holders have more opportunities for career advancement and can perform more complex medical procedures, resulting in higher salaries. Overall, BSN holders have a greater earning potential compared to ADN holders.