How much should RNs earn?

Honestly I think I am decently compensated as a fairly new RN. I make 37/hr working nights, base pay is 32.30 approx. I live in a cheaper part of California, and bring home 2k every 2 weeks.

I think minimum RN's should start anywhere would be in the low to mid 20's ( I know cost of living is going to vary, but I think somewhere around there is a good base). And experience should always result in higher wages.

Experience is invaluable on a unit and us newer nurses often look to these nurses for advice. A nurse with 20 years experience is probably one of the most valuable assets to a hospital.

I live in an area with an extremely low cost of living, and we start our BSN prepared nurses at $17.75. While that is low IMO, it is a fairly decent wage for this area. It does bother me that 4.5 years of college that cost me nearly $45K brings the same wage as my husband, who has a 9mo tech certification in HVAC. Oh well!