Take-home pay

Published

Hi all! I'm just wondering if nurses are actually making a good living with their net pay. Right now, I make a whopping 7.50 an hour (yes that's a quater more than minimun wage) and 20+ an hour sounds very nice to me.:D But I have been on these boards for a while now, and it just seems like so many nurses are going through such hard times, and I know its the economy, but also I was wondering with taxes, insurance and the like, can a nursing salary really help me achieve my financial goals in life, which is simply to be comfortable, not worry too much about bills, and retire without going (back, lol) to the poor house.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.

1700 after taxes for a two week period at 31.50 hourly. State Taxes high here in Oregon lessen a better standard of living for me! 90 a month for water and a 4000 annual tax on my house, ouch. But I'll admit the libraries around here are tops, any book I want is at my doorstep in no time! So my taxes go for perks everyone enjoys and I wouldn't trade the clean air for where I came from.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in trauma, critical care.

Often, these on-line discussions are populated by people who simply, for whatever reason, need to vent. Therefore, it seems that opinions here tend to shift toward the negative.

I will tell you that I make approximately $39.00/hr. not including shift or weekend differentials. I take home about $2,000-2,500 bi-weekly (depending on overtime, call-offs, etc.). I have worked as a staff R.N. in several different states (TX, GA, MN, CA, to name a few) and as a traveler. I can tell you that, while I haven't always made as much as I would like, I have never failed to make a more than comfortable wage -- even as a new graduate.

I have a lot of sympathy for those who make a poor wage as a nurse. I believe their stories because, when I was traveling, I met them. Usually, nurses who make very low salaries (

Whether by choice or circumstance, the nurses who tolerate these conditions cannot re-locate. They are, or at least, they feel stuck.

But, let me shine a little light on this situation for you. If you are mobile/willing to re-locate or live near a large metropolitan area, you will be payed a comfortable wage with excellent benefits.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU,MB,Lact.Consultant, L/D.

In Florida - at the same facility for 14 years now (wow doesn't seem that long). My take home ranges from $1700-1800/2weeks on average. Difference depends on meetings to go to, classes etc. My record (when OT was common) is $3200/2weeks. Ah for those days.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

For others who answer, could you please also include benefits received, such as paid time off (PTO), health insurance, and whether there is a tax-deferred retirement plan and/or pension plan available? Even if you don't participate in a tax-deferred retirement plan, please note if there is one available. Thank you! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU,MB,Lact.Consultant, L/D.

Yes, all of that is available. Also Clinical Rewards program and tuition reimbursement. Most of those are "routine" benefits for part/full time employment. We also have AFLAC and other insurance options

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S.

I think when you ask this question you have to remember the areas people work in and what they are making per hour. My situation is so different from others, most will think I am stretching the truth. This last pay period I netted just a tick under $5000 for two weeks. My healthcare is paid for, I get PTO and I can put 15% towards my retirement. Now, remember I have 33 years at this and took a very long time to get where I am at and also have worked for the same corporation for 32 years. I am a staff nurse in the OR and get my fair share, if not more, of OT. So you can see there are many variables to this, not that you are an RN and deserve alot of money. Hard work gets you where you need to be and location doesn't hurt.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Tele, Med-Surg, MICU.

1200-1300 bi-weekly with health insurance, tuition reimbursement. Midwest, day shift. No overtime, 36 hours/week.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peri-Op.

Lifetime and shadobe are right on. I'm in the OR and take home anywhere from $3500-(my record)$5400 in a 2 week period. I've worked in surgery for 14 years and with the same hospital 10.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU Level III.

I take HOME about 32/hr. I work weekends and have the most expensive insurance plan my hospital offers and also put 8% into retirement.I think I actually make 43/hr, but my base pay is 27/hr or something like that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I think when you ask this question you have to remember the areas people work in and what they are making per hour. My situation is so different from others, most will think I am stretching the truth. This last pay period I netted just a tick under $5000 for two weeks. My healthcare is paid for, I get PTO and I can put 15% towards my retirement. Now, remember I have 33 years at this and took a very long time to get where I am at and also have worked for the same corporation for 32 years. I am a staff nurse in the OR and get my fair share, if not more, of OT. So you can see there are many variables to this, not that you are an RN and deserve alot of money. Hard work gets you where you need to be and location doesn't hurt.

I think I'll give my 2 weeks notice at Starbucks tomorrow:yeah:.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Disease Management, smoking Cessati.

1800 bi-weekly after insurance and taxes, no overtime, upper mid west, days same employer for 8 years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion