LPN/LVN New Grad pay in So. Cal?!!

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I just graduated LPN school here in MI, && waiting to take my NCLEX. I've been seriously thinking about making the move to So. Cal. && Apartments and cost of living are more expensive out there, so im curious what the average pay rate is out there..

if you dont mind sharing, id love to know.. :D

Thanks!!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Some people are going to disagree with me, so feel free.

Please save yourself and DO NOT come to southern California as a new grad LVN. The area is flooded with too many unemployed LVNs and not enough work to go around for everyone who needs a job. Since the area is inundated with unemployed nurses, the pay rates have actually dropped over the past couple of years, with some new LVNs earning in the $16 to $19 hourly range.

The nursing job market is absolutely horrid here. Even experienced LVNs and RNs are having extreme difficulty finding jobs.

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I've heard the pay rates have dropped, but i dont really know since im not out there, but thanks, I may have some rethinking to do..

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

All of the links below are to the California Nurses forum. Read about other LVNs in California and the struggles that they have been enduring in their local job markets.

New LVN Grad can't find job in LA. Well, how about Sacramento? - Nursing for Nurses

Graduated 2 yrs ago and trouble finding job in ca - Nursing for Nurses

Hard to find a job in L.A. as a new LVN - Nursing for Nurses

Im living in the Lancaster CA area and I need a job as an LVN!!!!! - Nursing for Nurses

hello i just graduated as an lvn but cant seem to find work!!! - Nursing for Nurses

Why I Became an LVN

Cant find LVN job

I got my license in May and still cannot find a job

New LVN needs a job in Southern CA

New LVN grad...can't get hired!

Are LVN jobs still in demand in Los Angeles?

Problem getting job for new grad LVN

LVN JOB HUNTERS

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Specializes in LTC, AL, Corrections, Home health.

Wow... that's rediculously low pay considering the very high cost of living. I make more than that living in a moderate sized midwest city and could probably have a house for the cost of a tiny crappy apt in LA

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I am also in Los Angeles and was thinking to start the LVN classes but due to the current unemployment situation out here and very expensive for the program. I will be moving to DC in August for the LPN/LVN. I hope its better out there in the east from what I heard and also not so expensive compare to LA private schools

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Pay rates for LVNs have dropped in SoCal and there are few, if any, jobs at any rate of pay. If you decide to come out here anyway, better make certain you have an extensive bankroll to live off while you search for work.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Also, the quoted rate-- if on the high side-- no benefits. Be careful out there.

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Right now ( I'm in San Diego ) the starting pay for a new grad LVN is around $21hr.

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Save yourself the grief...ive lived here for 11 years and not only is the cost of living outrageous...there are zero jobs for LVNS, im so disgusted, im about ready to give up and work at Target. Ive been a LVN for 15 years and have experience in all areas of nursing. I havent been able to find full time employment in almost 2 years now. I was contacted by a home care agency today that wanted to pay me 13 a hour!!

Ive been working towards a BSN degree for the past 2 years and now im even rethinking that...im hearing from RNs that are having problems finding work here as well.

Dont mean to scare you but, i would not recommend coming to Southern California at all.

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Medical Surgical, Sub-Acute, Geriatric,.

I work as a LVN, in San diego. I started off at $22. I think it just depends on where you work. I know that if you work in a nursing home you might get paid more than if you worked for a hospital. I work for a nursing home, but in there Sub-acute unit. Its up to you, and where you want to work, and what you looking for in a job. GOOD PAY or GOOD Benefits !

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Save yourself the grief...ive lived here for 11 years and not only is the cost of living outrageous...there are zero jobs for LVNS, im so disgusted, im about ready to give up and work at Target. Ive been a LVN for 15 years and have experience in all areas of nursing. I havent been able to find full time employment in almost 2 years now. I was contacted by a home care agency today that wanted to pay me 13 a hour!!

Ive been working towards a BSN degree for the past 2 years and now im even rethinking that...im hearing from RNs that are having problems finding work here as well.

Dont mean to scare you but, i would not recommend coming to Southern California at all.

Best of luck to you!

Thirteen dollars an hour is a new low for LVNs in SoCal. Last good one I saw was $14 an hour. Employers know how desperate LVNs are to find any kind of work. Steady work at Target does look good.

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