new grad salary Question

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2010

It depends on several factors.

Are you currently employed? If not, I would definitely wait for an offer to be made because nurses are a dime a dozen in certain areas. If you won't accept whatever they are offering, several applicants might be waiting in the wings who will accept any pay rate.

2011NursingStudent · Dec 10, 2010

I think asking for the salary range beforehand is very reasonable for that reason. Although nursing is a little different than some other fields where you could probably ballpark the salary range without asking anyway - lots of stats online for city/nursing specialty starting salary.

diane227, LPN, RN · Dec 10, 2010

Some facilities post a minimum salary range on their sites, especially if it is a government job. Don't talk salary yet. But don't forget to ask about relocation allowance. What part of your move will they pay for. Do this in advance of accepting employment because if you don't, you probably won't get it.

emille · Dec 10, 2010

thank you all for taking time to reply to my question. I'm looking for an experience more than anything at this point but I have to consider my family as well and they want me to ask this Question so we can decide if it is worth travelling even for the interview.

@diane227 :They haven't quoted any salary but it is a federally qualified place.

It isn't in the city.Does anyone know what the general salary for a new grad in upstate NY is like?

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 10, 2010

We post a salary range online for our positions. I see no reason not to ask what is the range.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2010

I don't see why it's inappropriate to ask for the salary range. I wouldn't ask about relocation assistance though- for a new grad job, I would be surprised if they offer it. Depending on where in upstate you are looking the COL is very low so wages will likely be lower too, but may not drop quite at the same rate as cost of living.

Places I've interviewed at and places my classmates have interviewed at have all offered that information front ("starting salary for new grads is X.") so they should be willing to tell you.

SnowStar4 · Dec 10, 2010

What if you call the HR person as an anonymous person and ask what their salary range is for a person with x years of experience. They might be honest with you. Just say you noticed that this hospital did not post salary ranges for positions and that you were curious. That way you don't have to deal with whether or not it is appropriate to bring it up.

Other than that I do not think it is appropriate to ask about money before hand. But that's just me.

sunnycalifRN · Dec 10, 2010

There's nothing wrong with asking. However, realize that you will be quoted a wide range, for instance, $45-60K . . the reason for the range is that your starting salary will depend on your prior experience, your education and additional certifications, your interview, and the cost of living where the hospital is located.

Owensaunt · Dec 10, 2010

You have the right to ask the salary range. They will usually give the lowest of the range and the midpoint. Your take home pay will be 2/3 of this range. All of your expenses are tax deductible for job search/interviews. Gas, hotel, tolls, etc. Keep all of your receipts. 300 miles isn't that bad- make it a weekend trip. Make an appointment for an interview on Monday. Drive there Sat and use Sunday as a dry run day. Find the hospital, parking and check out the apartments in the area. Make sure you get a Sunday paper because there may be updates to positions at the facility.

If I am hired, it would be more than a job but relocation to consider. So, do you think it is ok to ask what my salary range will be before I travel > 300 miles for the final interview or is that considered a 'no no'until an offer is made?