is this too good to be true?

I don't know a whole lot about CA, but rumor has it that staff makes in the mid-30's/hr. You have to factor in the cost of living out there. I think to buy a midsized starter home you have to spend in the high 200's.

80K here in KS would make me look like a millionaire, LOL.

It's a bit on the high side, but perfectly feasible. She is working night shift, probably always weekend nights as well, on a specialty unit, and overtime pay per hour would be VERY high. I'd not be the one to call her a liar.

I'm not a night person myself, but those who are are usually paid for it.

My last job in California paid $40 to $75 per visit and $100 to 200 per admission, plus mileage reimbursement and bonuses.. on the other hand, I think my friend works at St. Mary's and not Torrance Memorial.. I got the two confused... Night shift pays more and of course the diff is higher on nights and weekends.. don't we wish we could see their pay scale before applying so we can also shop around.. :)

I think you mean Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance. I just heard that San Pedro Hospital (which is owned by LCM) and is unionized has in their purposed union contact at rate of $40/hr with benefits. But this is just purposed and doubtful the hospital will go for it. $80K is possible (with OT, diffs, and extra shifts) at most hospitals in the larger cities in CA as the cost of living would match the rate.

You'd be lucky if you could find a mid size starter home in the San Fransisco Bay area for the high $200,000. I live in the South Bay in a nice area but not considered the affluent area in the South Bay and the cheapest home on the MLS is $469,000 for a 1400 sq ft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath 50 yr old home.

So though the hourly rate may be high and thus the annual pay, the cost of living is higher.

IT WOULD BE NICE IF WE CAN FIND A JOB THAT WOULD GIVE COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE BESIDES NIGHT DIFFERENTIAL.. JUST LIKE THE GOVERNMENT, THEY GIVE NIGHT DIFF, COLA, AND OTHER BONUSES SO YOU WOULD WANT TO WORK OVERTIME.. IF MY JOB OFFERS UNION, I'M JUMPING ON IT.. MAYBE WE'LL HAVE BENEFITS OTHER JOBS HAVE.. :)

Originally posted by batmik

I live in the South Bay in a nice area but not considered the affluent area in the South Bay and the cheapest home on the MLS is $469,000 for a 1400 sq ft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath 50 yr old home.

So though the hourly rate may be high and thus the annual pay, the cost of living is higher.

No kidding! This is why I live in the Southern California desert.

$150,000 for 1600 sq ft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 20 year old home with a swimming pool sitting on two thirds of an acre, completely fenced and landscaped.

The area kinda sucks, but it's a boom town. Lots of building going on. Hopefully will get better.

Of course, LA, Orange County and San Diego are much more expensive. Prices are similar to what you decribed.

Still love San Fran and South Bay though! (Used to live there)