New Grad salary in California?

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Hey gang! I was hoping to get some insight into the salaries around So Cal for new graduates (2 years and under) as well as what degree you hold.

I have a MSN, 12 years of emergency experience between being a paramedic and army medic, and I now work in a fantastic ER (as a new grad) in Los Angeles. The problem is I'm being told my pay rate is only a couple of dollars more than an ADN. Thoughts?

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Moving to the CA Nursing forum for more targeted responses.

The reality is that not every facility offers BSNs/MSNs more than they do ADNs/diplomas; if they do, the differential is usually much less than you'd hope for. In my facility, BSNs/MSNs get only 25-50 cents an hour more.

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Where I used to work in San Diego (Scripps), you got an extra $1/hr for BSN and extra $2/hr for MSN. I have a BSN and honestly, I don't expect to get paid more for that, I just expect to be considered for a job over an ADN.

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Not always true about the BSN, as a side note. I have an ADN and got a new graduate position over several BSN nurses. It really depends on your experience, volunteer work, and how you present yourself in the interview process.

As an ADN, I'm starting at $29.46 in Bakersfield. BSN nurses are given something like $0.50 more.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Regardless of you previous experience...you are a new grad RN and the reality is if you are at the bedside...you pay is pretty much the same as the ADN....give a dollar or two. Your experience got you the position over other new grads but you are still a new grad....this is one of the quirks of the nursing profession.....however you chance at advancement in position and pay from there is much greater.

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Thanks guys! The update to this is that I don't get a penny more than the ADN's at my hospital! I'm hearing that it's pretty much the norm everywhere unless I'm in a supervisor role - no thanks. Considering going back for my NP next year to be able to afford these student loans. Gotta spend money to make money! HA! Thanks again for the feedback!

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Tough to pin an average, since unemployment is usually based on your previous job's pay.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thanks guys! The update to this is that I don't get a penny more than the ADN's at my hospital! I'm hearing that it's pretty much the norm everywhere unless I'm in a supervisor role - no thanks. Considering going back for my NP next year to be able to afford these student loans. Gotta spend money to make money! HA! Thanks again for the feedback!
I am not surprised....I just wish they were more honest with students so they can make a more informed decision.
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Specializes in Telemetry.

Los Angeles: $42.50 (including the $5/hr night differential) an hour as a new grad ADN hire in my first year. Finishing my BSN in 3 weeks for which I believe I get a one time $1500 bonus.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Get your experience as a new grad, approx 2 - 3 years then move to nor cal. There really isn't a difference in pay for the MSN usually, but you will be considered above others and nor cal pay a lot more than so cal. Just a suggestion. :)

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Holy cow, just read your post, yginay! What hospital do you work at? After over a year ER experience I just got offered a VA job with my MSN, 10 years in the military, TNCC, CEN and still making less than what you did as a new grad!

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That includes night shift diff so it sounds about right

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