Leaving Chicago as an experienced CNA/PCT

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Hi, I'm currently living in Chicago, as I have my entire life, however my fiance and I are considering moving to either south Florida or Houston Texas. Ive had my certification as a nursing assistant for almost ten years now, but i have about six years of experience as Patient care technician; phlebotomy,ekg, dressings, catheters, casting, etc. I worked for the top hospital in Chicago for five years and now currently working at the number one children's hospital in Chicago. At the adult med hospital i was making $19.90 hourly for day shift and now at the children's hospital I'm making $18.67 hourly with a night differential. The cost of living in Chicago is astronomical. For a one bedroom apt starting off is $700 plus lights, gas,cable etc. Plus the weather here sucks too. Is there any one who can give me a little insight on either south Florida or Houston, or both, on what the starting off pay range is for an experienced cna/pct? Also a few comparisons on the cost of living. Thanks in advance for any suggestions and recommendations.

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I used to live in California and got paid good at my job as Ophthalmic Technician, but cost of living is very high in California. When I moved to Ga, they only wanted to pay me a dollar or two above minimum wage, for my ten years of experience for same job, no way. I went to work instead at a hospital as a PCT, but still don't make as much as I did in California, but Ga, Florida don't have the high costs of living like the states me and you lived in. Hopefully you will get a good paying job anyhow. Good luck.

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Holy cow! I've never heard of a tech making anywhere near that much in Chicago!! You're blessed.

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Specializes in OB.

I'm in east central Florida, and although the coat of living here is not that bad, down south is a bit higher that the rest. Also CNA's here don't get paid that well. Unless they have been at same position, same place for very long time. Hopefully your experience will count for something. Good luck!

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Specializes in OB.

Cost of living not coast, lol

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Yea it may seem like a lot but when u work in the heart of downtown Chicago, you have to consider the price of parking, which is $150 a month for me via payroll deduction, the price of gas, because I live in a Chicago suburb, it doesn't really come out as much as it sounds.

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Thanks this gives me some sort of idea of what to consider in Florida. I guess wherever I go the cost of living will always be greater then the take home pay until I'm done with nursing school. Thanks again

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