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. 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.
The specific numbers aren't important. But, to answer your question, yes, one can make a comfortable living working in nursing. You'll work hard to earn the income, however.
I have 1 year of experience as a med-surge nurse. Base pay is 23.39 hr. I work 2nd shift so this brings up the hourly rate to 27.39 and a little bit more on weekends. I usually take home about 1500-1600 biweekly. I live in the northeast. This is alot better than the 600 I would bring home biweekly making ten dollars an hour.
It all depends on where you live. You will be able to make a comfortable living once you are able to get in. Hardest part is coming out of school with no experience and trying to land a hospital job.
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.
NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN
3,959 Posts
Im a new grad lpn. when working fulltime i brought home 1200-1400 bi weekly after taxes. i make 22.50 an hr, and 33.75 an hr when working in overtime.