The survey found that nurses with an associate's degree averaged $65,698 per year, while those with a bachelor's degree reported an average of $63,580 per year.Ns working in specialty hospitals also reported higher than average earnings, about $74,310 per year. Those employed at physician's offices and outpatient clinics averaged between $72,000 and $73,000 per year, while general hospitals -- the largest employer of registered nurses -- paid an average of $69,810 a year.