Triangle and NYC. The best of both worlds.

U.S.A. North Carolina

Published

Specializes in Peds.

Good Day All,

My name is CC, and I currently live and work in New York City at a municipal hospital. I've been an RN for three years working in the ER and I love it. I really wouldn't change my job for the world, except that I simply adore the Triangle. Easy living, pleasant weather and a slower pace. I am seriously considering relocating to Raleigh and have received my NC nursing license. However, I am very concerned with the salary in Raleigh-Durham. My current salary is in the mid 70's and my employer pays for my health, medical, dental and vision entirely, 100% for a family of four including $15 on prescriptions and copays. They match my retirement and provide union support and pays up to $2,500/yr in tuition reimbursement. So for the most part I take home most of my check. I've searched online at some of the benefits of local R-D hospital benefits and it seems that most institutions require employees to pay towards some of the benefits that I currently get for free. I DO mean to be nosey, and would like to know what experienced nurses in R-D actually make and what they are required to pay for from there salary and what benefits and kick-backs nurses receive from there institution. Some of the institutions I have looked into are Duke, WakeMed, UNC, and Rex. If only I can have the best of both worlds, Raleigh-Durham living with a New York City salary. Any info would help because I am so on the fence. Thanks nurses in advance for your input.

Specializes in OB, GYN, PEDS, Urgent Care.

Looking for the same info. (Thinking of) Relocating from DC suburbs to RTC. Cost of living is Very different, but still concerned with the difference in pay

I did the opposite move -- Raleigh/Durham to NYC -- and watched my pay increase from $21 to $49/hr. Eventhough NYC is clearly more expensive, it's not *that* much more expensive. My quality of life is definitely higher in Manhattan. Cost of living is cheaper in NC but when you're only making $21/hr, it's hard to get ahead. You can be diligent about saving but one or two unexpected expenses (car repair, medical bill...) can really throw you off! (Especially for new grads who are still paying off loans... they don't have much to put aside at the end of the month). On NYC wages, I have a lot more flexibility with my money and I no longer feel like I'm watching every nickel and dime.

That said, if you're looking to buy a home, you might feel differently... unlike NYC, property is pretty affordable in NC and a mortgage payment is comparable (or cheaper!) than monthly rent so owning a home is a real possibility in NC for an RN.

The costs taken out of my paycheck is comparable. I pay about $45/mo for individual insurance in both NY and NC. I've never had dependents on my insurance so, I can't comment on that.

Duke claims to have tuition reimbursement for nurses but those programs are capped and overenrolled and my friends have found it very difficult to actually access the tuition reimbursement funds. So, don't count on it. In comparison, my hospital in NYC actually reimburses $12k/year in tuition for RNs with no work commitment afterwards.

All in all, my take home pay in NYC is about $1200/week, compared with $550/week in NC.

Specializes in Cardiology.

Which hospital do you work at in NYC? Im here in Cleveland and the thought did cross

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