RN pay rate on experience vs education

I don't know if this topic has been asked or discussed, but I'm curious what your thoughts are.

Should a RN with an associate degree & more years experience be paid more than a RN with a bachelor's degree and less experience? Your thoughts....
Quote from finallyRN7I don't know if this topic has been asked or discussed, but I'm curious what your thoughts are.

Compensation formulas of large organizations are rarely "either - or".In the case of cinical staff nurses, the formulas often include years of experience as a licensed nurse, education, and sometimes specialty area and individual negotiation.

Most pay formulas I've seen start based on years of experience as a RN (some count LPN time, some don't). Then from there, they add a set amount for a higher degree (BSN, MSN) and a set amount for certifications (CCRN, etc). Most places only allow one pay boost for certifications (meaning if you have more than one, you don't get more money). I think this works well overall.

Experience and competency should always be paid more than having a degree. It's very sad to me when people equate a degree with intelligence and competency.

Quote from erocExperience and competency should always be paid more than having a degree. It's very sad to me when people equate a degree with intelligence and competency.

Quote from erocExperience and competency should always be paid more than having a degree. It's very sad to me when people equate a degree with intelligence and competency.

Quote from GrnTeaIt makes me sad to have people associate a degree with incompetence, too. If I had a dime for every snarky, "I knew an MSN who didn't know where to put the rectal thermometer!" I could have retired a looooong time ago.

In the city I work in, good luck finding a job in other than sub-acute or nursing home environments if you don't have your BSN. It isn't even a matter of pay difference anymore, it's a matter of finding a job you like.