What make you practicing nursing in Dallas area?

Pay would be anywhere from $22.00-$25.00 per hour without shift differentials. Haven't found cert. or BSN differentials being paid in the area, yet.

Actually, I know of RNs with 4 years of experience earning in the middle to high 20s per hour ($24 to $27), although these pay rates are still lower than what the OP is accustomed to. He lives in Arizona, which is a higher-paying state for RNs.

He could earn $30+ hourly if he were willing to work at a LTAC hospital such as Kindred or Lifecare.

I'm so tired of people's perception of low pay here in the DFW area. Yes, if you are a new grad you will have to suffer with the troops and bring home right at 50K. But if you are a somewhat experienced RN you can push 60-70K no problem. And you can buy a home for 100-200K which is unheard of in different areas of the country.

I think pay here in DFW is awesome, especially when you consider the cost of living. I have a friend making $40 and hour but she does work in the ICU. Some of the agencies are paying in the mid to high 40's with a few even in the 50's but those in the 50's are w/out benefits.

My annual salary is right around $70K, but my total compensation from my employer tops $90K.

(Not bad for a salaried, Mon-Fri, 8ish-5, no weekends, no holidays, no call position.)

Hey BuddyKen. What about doing per diem work in DFW - Either that or contract. I have a friend that has the same amount of experience as you (she works tele) that is making about $37 an hour in Dallas. I know she works with a couple of agencies but I think the one she is with now is Quest Group (sp?) - I think they are out of Dallas so maybe they would be good to get in touch with??? Oh, and the other poster above is right - the cost of living here is good.... Good luck!

Buddyken - you can call Marisa Clark if you want, she helped my friend relocate to Dallas and my friend's making like $37 an hour too. She's at that agency I was telling you about - it's called "the quest group" - look it up if you want! I agree, Texans are nice! )