Average Salary

Nurses General Nursing

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I am 39 yrs old and have a full time job. I am considering going back to school for nursing. I'm wondering what the average nursing job out of school pays. Please don't think I'm in it for the wrong reasons - I have a mortgage to pay as well as other expenses. I would love to become a nurse but was told by an advisor that the average salary of an RN in a hospital is 60k out of school. Is that accurate?? Thanks!

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Specializes in ICU.

Yes, for a new grad that sounds about right. But what you haven't considered is the amount you have the potential to make. Six years out of nursing school and I am making six figures. That's working 4, twelve hour shifts a week.

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I live in Connecticut. I love the growth potential and the options available but it would mean a substantial paycut to start out

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60K for a new grad in CT sounds about right.

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Magsulfate - That's fantastic!

You're right - I didn't realize the earning potential. Do you work overtime? That's more than 40 hours per week.

Do you mind if I ask whether you have a BSN or an Associates Degree? I'm trying to figure out which one would be best. I already have a BA in political science and some of my credits will transfer. Thanks!

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Specializes in SRNA.

It largely depends on the area of the country that you live in. An average of 60k is probably right, but that means there are many salaries higher and many lower.

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Specializes in ICU.
Magsulfate - That's fantastic!

You're right - I didn't realize the earning potential. Do you work overtime? That's more than 40 hours per week.

Do you mind if I ask whether you have a BSN or an Associates Degree? I'm trying to figure out which one would be best. I already have a BA in political science and some of my credits will transfer. Thanks!

That is eight hours overtime a week. Four 12 hr shifts a week. Not too bad. . Sometimes I'll do three shifts one week and five the next.. and overtime is even more with that paycheck. I do have a BSN, but the ADN nurses working with me make about the same. It all depends on your experience.

Starting out it is not going to be the best,, but after about four years, you will see your going rate go up significantly.

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Specializes in Home Infusion/IV Therapy & Blood Svcs..

I would say definitely to do it! (Especially if you're going into it for the love of the job & the money is just a bonus). I am an LPN in GA & I only make half of that salary per yr., but I love my job & can't imagine doing anything else that would make me this happy. I would love to get my RN, but can't afford it right now, & since I work for a private home infusion company, tuition reimbursement is not an option available to me. When I started this journey in nursing, I chose LPN school only because the waiting list was shorter & I went through an accelerated program in 1 yr. I know there are bridge programs online, but I don't know what the best choices are. (If anyone has any advice, I'd love to hear it)! amie1169, I say GO FOR IT, especially since you already have some transferrable college credits! Best of luck to you in whatever you decide! :)

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Gosh I am 17yrs out of school live in Phx and earn less than 70K for 3 X 12 shifts

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I noticed Magsulfate works in ICU - perhaps thoses RN's make more?

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

No it goes on yrs of employment and experience

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Specializes in ICU, APHERESIS, IV THERAPY, ONCOLOGY, BC.
Gosh I am 17yrs out of school live in Phx and earn less than 70K for 3 X 12 shifts

Reading the posts on salaries across the USA is interesting but the figures being mentioned don't clarify if we are looking at gross or net salary? 70,000 per annum is great, what's left after deductions?- on average

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