Relocating to US

[florencenightingale, BSN, RN]

Hi all.

My EB-3 visa has finally become current, after 7 years of wait. The original sponsor has backed out though, so I am in contact with a possible employer/sponsor which is a staffing agency based in the US. According to the agent, potential hospital employers will take me as a new graduate (in terms of salary scale) despite of having 6 years of experience here in New Zealand. She also gave me an IDEA of how much my salary would be IF I would be assigned in Houston, Texas ($27) or $21 to $24 if assigned in other cities of Texas.

Can anyone please enlighten me about the current prevailing wages of registered nurses all over US, whether it is entry level or otherwise? And is it true that my experience here in New Zealand will not be considered and I will start as new grad or entry level?

Thank you very much.

[TheAverageMan]

Moving to Texas myself after the holidays most likely. Taking NCLEX RN next month.

My research shows that Texas is 20-30 an hour, but usually mid 20s. For the rural areas, which is where I'm aiming to go as a ZERO job experience RN, I am expecting a 20-25 dollar offer.

California starts 30+, usually mid 30s. My mother is a nurse here in California, and she makes 60+.

The range of how much an RN can make in the United States greatly changes based on location, population, competition, and all. Also take into account income tax for each individual State, and cost of living.

Example, even though a nurse in California makes $35, while a nurse in Texas makes $25, consider the cost of living, and income tax. All states get hit by a Federal income tax, while Texas has no State income tax, but California has it's own State income tax.

Also take into account that the cost of an apartment in rural Texas is 700-1,200 dollars, while getting an apartment in California area is like 1,500-2,000.

[florencenightingale, BSN, RN]

Thank you for your answering my questions TheAverageMan! I am hoping that I do get job in Texas instead of California. Fingers crossed! Good luck with your NCLEX exam!