realistically what compensation can a new grad expect?

missjennmb · Nov 25, 2008

It depends on what state you are in, and what environment you are going into, and what nursing degree you are getting.

An RN at my hospital starts out around $21 p/hr if I remember correctly. An LPN locally makes between $14 p/hr and $20 p/hr according to Salary.com, and I've heard starting pays are around $16 p/hr or so.

That all being said, I live in the South, and housing etc is all pretty inexpensive here compared to the NE states and out west, plus its a pretty poor state over all.

vashtee, RN · Nov 25, 2008

I'm in California. I just accepted a job that pays $27.50/hr during my 8 week orientation, and then moves to $30/hr afterwards. Plus, the union contract is due to expire around the time I start, and they are expecting wages to go up, although I am not sure by how much.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2008

This really depends on the state in which you're practicing.

An RN in rural Mississippi could be earning as little as $17 per hour, while the RN in San Francisco could be earning over $40 per hour. It all depends on where you are in the country. High cost-of-living areas tend to offer higher pay rates than low cost-of-living places.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2008

I'm in a very rural part of NYS. LPN's start at $14.50, RN's around $18.

RhodyGirl, RN · Nov 25, 2008

RI: new grads $25-$28/hour plus differentials. It is very expensive to live here, though. I know of someone who was offered a new grad position at a hospital close by to me for $39/hour, plus an additional $18/hour for per diem work (2 12's per week). No bene's with per diem, though.