Salary to expect as a new grad nurse

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Feb 28, 2005

NC However, the cost of living here is cheap ($600 a NICE two bedroom apt),

Where? When I lived in NC (7 1/2 years ago) it was $600 for a townhouse really close to Cape Fear Valley Medical Systems - but I've heard cost of living has gone way up. This was in Fayetteville. They seem to like to raise cost of living for us military. Lucky us - even when the pay is WAY low in that area. We would love to move back to NC someday soon, where is the cost of living so low?

Thanks!

sun1shine1 · Mar 1, 2005

I'm hearing around the $20/hr range here in south Louisiana. Check salary.com. I was trying to figure this out earlier tonight too!!

Aneroo, LPN · Mar 1, 2005

Where? When I lived in NC (7 1/2 years ago) it was $600 for a townhouse really close to Cape Fear Valley Medical Systems - but I've heard cost of living has gone way up. This was in Fayetteville. They seem to like to raise cost of living for us military. Lucky us - even when the pay is WAY low in that area. We would love to move back to NC someday soon, where is the cost of living so low?
Thanks!

I'm in Greenville (near ECU). Even near the medical center, it runs 600-800 for nice places. However, Raleigh is EXPENSIVE! I lived in Havelock for a while (USMC Air Base Cherry Point), but my ex-dh and I lived on base. I think down there it was more expensive because of the closeness to the beach. Fayetteville and Jacksonville, I would not doubt it's very expensive. Thank God for BAH! -Andrea

manna, BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2005

Mississippi - new grads around here start about $19.50/h, plus $2-3 shift diff for evenings or graves.

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Mar 6, 2005

Ours is ~$20/hour until you pass the boards and goes up ~$1.00 after boards are passed. +$1-2 hour more for shift diffential.

krmkl0921 · Mar 6, 2005

Here in Boise, Idaho they offered 18.95 for ADN and 19.95 for BSN

smile123 · Mar 7, 2005

In N. California, new grads are offered $33.48/hr. The cost of living is high around here, so that's the reason for the higher rate than some of the other posts listed.

Smile123

MsLpn02 · Mar 8, 2005

Mississippi - new grads around here start about $19.50/h, plus $2-3 shift diff for evenings or graves.

In southern Mississippi, a new grad's starting salary is $17/hr plus $2-3 shift diff for evenings or nights. An LPN working in LTC makes about that much. I work with one that makes over $20/hr. Where in Mississippi do you live? Maybe I need to move :chuckle

Mrs.Yost · Mar 8, 2005

I'm in Chicago (somewhat high cost of living, but not really higher paying).

Day shift $22/hr.

Afternoon differential 2.50

Nights differential 3.25

Weekend differential 2.00

LilRedRN1973 · Mar 10, 2005

I just signed my contract for my job in the ICU once I graduate....starting pay $26.35/hour. There is a hospital closer to my house (about 5 min away as opposed to the one I will be working that is 30 min away) that will pay $28.00/hr for the same shift (nights) I will be working, but it's a smaller, private hospital that I have NO interest in working at.

Melanie = )

smile123 · Mar 10, 2005

I just signed my contract for my job in the ICU once I graduate....starting pay $26.35/hour. There is a hospital closer to my house (about 5 min away as opposed to the one I will be working that is 30 min away) that will pay $28.00/hr for the same shift (nights) I will be working, but it's a smaller, private hospital that I have NO interest in working at.
Melanie = )

Melanie brings up a really good point. Money is one thing, but consider WHERE you will be working. I would rather take a place that I feel comfortable at and will fit my long term career goals for less money than to be in a situation that would not make me happy in the long run.

Smile123

alleycat · Mar 10, 2005

WOW! I guess after reading many of the post I should be satsified wage wise after all. I am a LVN, now an RN IP, taking my NCLEX this month. I was having a difficult time accepting that I am now only making $1.25/hr more as an RN v.s. an LVN because of my length of time as a LVN my wages were considered good for where I live rural Northern California. I've been an LVN for 18 years, but only 2 years at the hospital I currently work at. My position as an LVN was eliminated and converted over to my new role. I have to agree that money isn't everything though, it is working and being happy with the job you do and where you are. I worked long hours and made TONS of overtime/double time at another hospital and wouldn't trade it for where I am now. I work on a wonderful Neuroscience unit w/17 beds. I tell people that when I came to work there, it was like dying and going to heaven. It truly is a wonderful job. Now that I will have my RN and being able to do everything MYSELF and not be "just an LVN!!" I am so much happier (other LVN"s don't be offended....many make that comment of "just an LVN" and it has driven myself and my other classmates that were LVN's NUTS!!) ....