Pay rate in texas

I am a native Californian who moved to Texas about 2 years ago. In Texas, we are known as LVNs (not LPNs).

The cost of living here is cheaper, but the pay rates tend to reflect that. I have about 1.5 years of experience, and earn $19 hourly at a nursing home. Some states with higher costs-of-living will pay $25 or more, so it all balances out. In addition, living in a big house will not bring happiness if you don't like the hot weather and narrow-minded people in the new state.

I live in a "medium" sized single family home. It is about 1,900 square feet, built in 2004, and cost $100,000 back in late 2005. Those McMansions seem affordable at first, but the property taxes are outrageous here in Texas. Property taxes on a $250,000 McMansion can run about $5,000 yearly, and the electric bill easily climbs to $500 or $600 monthly during peak months.

I currently work at a Rehab Hospital in San Antonio and starting out with no experience is $13 hourly, $15 weekend differential and time and half for overtime. I really like the facility so I plan on staying there 'til I get my year then move on to another hospital and get more med-surg experience