Can RNs really make this much?

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Ok, so I started a CNA program this week as I want to work as a CNA while completing my direct-entry MSN program. My instructor last night whom's a RN/CNS and administrator at Kaiser, said that she has RNs on her floor making over $50/hour after their first year. I know nursing can be lucrative, but I was surprised at this type of earning potential after a year. I'm in Los Angeles so I know Cali can make more than other states, but this really shocked me. No wonder programs are impacted everywhere. I know (at least I hope) most people get into the profession for reasons other than money (although this helps and shouldn't be ignored), but I can see how it could attract those looking to make an excellent salary.

Look at Salary.com and see what they say:

http://www.salary.com/salary/index.asp

I never look at Salary.com - those figures are never accurate. In my current position, I make $22,000 more than what it states on salary.com for my years of experience and location. So while I think the site is an ok starting place, salaries are really subjective, as we can see with nursing. In the workshop I attended for the program I want to start in the fall, the director of the program said that most of their graduates were making between $37-$41/hour, starting.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I am working with a nurse that communes from S.F. She said I could get $50/hr with my few months experience and that experienced nurses get up to $60-90/hr. Regardless of how accurate this is you could never pay me enough to work in the Bay Area.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
yeah, the average I've always heard out here is $35-$40/hour starting. Yet, when I hear of the huge differences in salary amongst states, it perplexes me. $22/$23 is such a huge difference compared to $35/$40+. Yes, cost of living is a factor, but when the work is the same, the pay should be the same, regardless.

*then i pinch and remind myself that life isn't fair, so why should salaries be......right?* SMH :rolleyes:

I am sorry but I do not agree. My cousin just bought a house in Michigan and her mortgage is less than my rent (she pays just under $500). Average rent in S.F. is well over 2,000. My SIL&BIL use to live in Pasadena and they paid $2,000/ month for a 1 bedroom apartment on lease (even more if you did not sign a lease). When you have a cost of living difference that much people need to be paid more...

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Specializes in L&D,postpartum,acute rehab/medsurg.

To add to my previous post, even though I work in the Bay Area and make around 100K/yr, I cannot afford a house here. Right now, I am the breadwinner (hubby is going to college) so this may change once he is working. I think that nurses should be paid well enough to buy a home for themselves but in this area you need to make a lot of money to afford not only a home but property taxes. It is nice to live here but maybe a little overrated...maybe someday we will move.

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I am sorry but I do not agree. My cousin just bought a house in Michigan and her mortgage is less than my rent (she pays just under $500). Average rent in S.F. is well over 2,000. My SIL&BIL use to live in Pasadena and they paid $2,000/ month for a 1 bedroom apartment on lease (even more if you did not sign a lease). When you have a cost of living difference that much people need to be paid more...

I agree. I just understand the frustration that some folk have over the differences in salaries based on regions (even when cost of living is not particularly low). For instance, I have a friend in NY and her ex is an officer with NYPD. He makes decent, only because he supplements his income with moonlighting jobs, overtime and has been the force for a few years. But the starting salary for NYPD is under $35K, and here in Los Angeles, it's closer to $50K - which baffles me because it's really expensive in NYC.

But you are absolutely right, cost of living should be a factor.

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I am just in nursing school but here in Ohio I hear the same about $25/hour.... is it sad that that excites me? Actually, just being done with school and doing something I love excites me, haha.

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I am just in nursing school but here in Ohio I hear the same about $25/hour.... is it sad that that excites me? Actually, just being done with school and doing something I love excites me, haha.

That's the way it should be! There are a lot of people making 6-figures who do not have this type of excitement - and to me, that is what's sad!

Good luck in school!

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My mom makes 90,000 dollars a year. She works pool during the week and a weekend plan, so that's two jobs technically. I don't know how much that is hourly though

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wow sf bay pays really well..but i see in many post that it doesnt add up to housing cost. i lived in vista california (30-40 away san diego) and i heard RNs complaining about pay. in nursing you will never get paid what you are worth

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A float pool nurse showed me her paycheck stub one time. She works every weekend, and she actually makes $50/hr.

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The starting rate in the Bay Area is high because the cost of living here is high too... if a new grad can find a job. Seems to be a hiring freeze. :down:

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

When I was a clinical instructor at a midsize state university in a community of around 45,000, I made less money than I did as a staff nurse working LTC in a rural facility. However, I was salaried as a clinical instructor while I was paid hourly in LTC and that was less than $24/hour.

ETA: The cost of living was low in both places, albeit much lower in the rural area.

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