[mombabyrn]

I worked in the Chicago area in L&D for almost 8 years. We moved to central Illinois and I'm job hunting now. I have an offer in hand, but the pay seems quite low. I realize that I won't be making the same amount as I would in Chicago, but I am wondering how drastic the difference is. I've looked on several websites for salary comps, and it seems to be only a few dollars difference. This offer is very close to what I made when I graduated 10 years ago. Is the difference that huge away from the city?

[us3Rbent]

The starting salary for RN here is $22/hr. It's about 60 miles west of Chicago. Don't forget to look at the whole pic..ie, benefits & OT pay. Nothing wrong with asking for higher rate from your potential employer.
Good luck!

[mombabyrn]

Well the offer I have is less than that, us3Rbent! With no benefits to boot! The research I did puts this offer way below the average for the area, especially for someone in a specialty with a good deal of experience. I just wanted to hear first hand from someone. Thank you!

[newRN09]

Yikes! Is the hospital you have an offer at a large one?

[traumaRUs]

I live near Peoria and worked at the level one trauma center in Peoria for 10 years. I think the starting salary for a new grad is about $18.00/hour in this area. If you work further out in the boonies, its going to be less unfortunately.

[mombabyrn]

traumaRUs~ I know the hospital you worked at, it is the tertiary for most hosptials around here, including the one at which I interviewed. I did see a listing for new grad positions with a start pay around there. I just figured, like everywhere else, your pay goes up as your experience grows!

nicumom75~ No, it's a small hospital. I'm not sure how many beds the entire hospital has, but the OB unit only had 14 beds I think, or maybe 10. I'm sure that makes a difference in pay, but like I said, this difference seems very drastic and far less than competitive.

Thanks, everyone, for the replies!

[NICU_babyRN]

That's just TOOO low!!!
I would ask them for at least $25.00/hr given your experience. You should try to find out how much a nurse in this unit with as much experience as you have is making....that's how much you should get minus a dollar or so.