How much money to expect as a new grad RN?

Published

Can anyone tell me how much money is normal for a new grad RN? I know it will vary by location and institution, but can someone give me a rough estimate of a salary after taxes?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

After taxes, I don't know. Depends on your state's tax rates and all. My hospital starts new grads in the low $20s/hour.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This definitely depends on state, and whether you work in a hospital or LTC. For instance, in my state in NE, new grads at a hospital start around $26/hr, but are often only hired per diem (and this is the per diem pay). LTC starts around $23 an hour. But the state five miles away from us, they easily start at $10 more an hour. (But they have state income tax, so it's not always worth it). Where my sister lives in rural IL, their new hospital grads start at $18/hr. (But she also paid significantly less for her degree than I did).

I didn't answer your after tax question...but that's impossible without knowing your tax rate. There are websites that will give you help with this if you search for "how much do I make after taxes?"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Can anyone tell me how much money is normal for a new grad RN? I know it will vary by location and institution, but can someone give me a rough estimate of a salary after taxes?

Roughly ....$40,000 to $85,000 before taxes. Location matters- a lot.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Roughly ....$40,000 to $85,000 before taxes. Location matters- a lot.
Yes, nursing wages are like real estate: it's all about location, location, location...

A new grad RN earns as little as $19/hr in rural eastern Tennessee or more than $45/hr in urbanized Oakland, California. Wages are heavily dependent on factors such as location, supply, demand, unionization and the cost of living in a certain locale.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CHF, Med/Surg, Telemetry, Cardiac Care.

Location is correct!

I started as a new grad in LTC at $22/hour in MA.

I think new grads in acute care (in CT) now start around $27-28/hour.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

High 30's/hr to low 40's/hr to ~50/hr before taxes in Northern California Non Bay Area, from LTC to Home Health to Acute (in that order) before taxes.

There's no way to estimate after taxes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Location matters a lot - so does cost of living. You are making 85 k as a new grad? Great? in San Francisco? Housing cost I believe there is no less tha 600k. Ohio - 45-60k...you can find decent housing with a mortgage at 200-250k.

Also you have to consider benefits. You want a company paying you 30-40$ an hour but you have to pay for every doc, every specialist, every med until you reach a high deductible? Or do you want a plan where mostly everything is covered ?

Many traditional students value $$/hr over benefits. But don't leave out benefits in the equation.

Also look at quality of living: are you working one straight shifr (monrings / nights) or are you required to work swing shifts (3 weeks mornings / 3 week evenings)? To me, the latter would put much more strain on your body and mental well being.

Lot of things to consider here and if it is actually worth the $$ based on your own personal goals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Houston, Texas medical center pays new grads $27.50/hr

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm in Michigan. My hospital is Union and starts new nurses at $31/hr.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There really is no "rough estimate" unless you provide your general location.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
There really is no "rough estimate" unless you provide your general location.

True, but maybe the OP is willing to move.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion