NICU Pay

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Hi! I am currently applying to a variety of NICU positions as a new grad. I know NICU positions are hard to get as a new grad which is why I'm applying to positions all over the country and willing to move wherever. On the applications, it asks me to list expected pay. I'm not sure what to put because I don't want to put too low and be offered that but I'm worried if I put too high of a number I won't be called in for an interview. I was wondering if anyone wouldn't mind sharing the city they work in and the pay they get? I know the pay is going to vary depending on the location and cost of living. I just want to know what to expect in different locations. I did try googling it and a bunch of sites say expect $54 an hour as the national average but that seems high. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

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Specializes in Nursery.

In NC where I live, about an hour away from Charlotte, new grad pay is $28 an hour..

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Los Angeles - $50/hr on the higher end 

Surrounding LA Areas - $30-40/hr on average 

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Specializes in NICU.
On 4/6/2022 at 7:39 PM, Hopefulstudent333 said:

I'm not sure what to put because I don't want to put too low and be offered that but I'm worried if I put too high of a number I won't be called in for an interview.

Hospitals have a set starting pay for New Grad nurses. If you put $25/hr as Expected Pay and they have a starting rate of $30/hr, you are going to get $30/hr. There is no negotiating pay as a new grad. After you have gotten experience and apply for a position at a different hospital, "Expected Pay" becomes more of a factor.

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Specializes in NICU.
On 4/6/2022 at 7:39 PM, Hopefulstudent333 said:

I'm not sure what to put because I don't want to put too low and be offered that but I'm worried if I put too high of a number I won't be called in for an interview.

You leave that as salary "open",do not put a number,they will not negotiate with you anyway,what the recruiter is offering you should give you a good idea of pay and benefits,know it well.If there is a union contract then it goes by that,get it all in writing ,the pay might be good but time off  or rotation a real hassle.Focus on a superior orientation of good duration and a good working  environment rather that the salary. Remember if there is an opening you don't know why?What is the turnover rate etc?Good luck

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