Higher paying facilities in CO

[foggnm]

I've been in CO about 6 months but am likely leaving as wage here aren't anywhere near commensurate with the cost of living. I was averaging over $40/hr previously in a place that is about 35% less expensive to live. I'd like to stay in CO, but also want to build a good financial base in my 40s so I can have more freedom/options and not still be grinding out so many hours a week. Most jobs (from multiple employers) have wanted to start me around $28/hr. I have 6+ years ER/ICU experience, CCRN, Master's degree and two bachelors. So suffice to say the last time I made that kind of money was many many years ago. Any suggestions on higher-paying facilities? Perhaps Colorado is the kind of place you come to live AFTER you've made good money?

[klone, MSN, RN]

Denver Health and the VA are the best-paying facilities. With your experience, you can probably expect to make low $30s/hour. Colorado is low-paying, compared to neighboring states. I think I took a $4/hour paycut when we moved here 5 years ago.

[foggnm]

Denver Health and the VA are the best-paying facilities. With your experience, you can probably expect to make low $30s/hour. Colorado is low-paying, compared to neighboring states. I think I took a $4/hour paycut when we moved here 5 years ago.

That sounds about what I've experienced ($28-31/hr). Which with no overtime or differential is only about 55K per year. I made 55k/year 16 years ago when I finished grad school. It seems a ridiculous wage for someplace like Denver where a decent 2bed condo is going to cost 250-350k. More than half your income goes to housing at that rate of pay. I make $34/hr and that's just not in line with costs here.