What is best state for RNs to work at? Where you all from?

AprilRNhere · Oct 15, 2007

With cost of living adjustment...pay is best in TX, Wisconsin, and MN. Of course..it's up to you to decide what you want for weather etc...

HM2VikingRN, RN · Oct 16, 2007

MN is better than Wi for pay...QOL is the same. The weather isn't really that bad most of the year. (of course I grew up here so I may be delusional...)

MikeyJ, RN · Oct 16, 2007

With decreasing housing costs and increasing wages, Southern Nevada is becoming a great place to work as a nurse. Nurses make pretty darn high wages here, but the patient:nurse ratios is out of control at some hospitals.

But you won't be escaping the desert heat moving here.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 16, 2007

I've worked as a nurse in Las Vegas (too hot and too crowded), Indianapolis (good schools in the burbs and decent cost of living) and Peoria, IL (currently employed here - four seasons, good cost of living, schools in the country burbs are excellent).

I've also lived in Delta Junction, Alaska - very cold, isolated, great outdoor activities and excellent schools.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2007

California ranks #1 in RN salaries before cost of living adjustments are made.

Texas ranks #1 in RN salaries after the cost of living adjustments are made.

Click on the link below...

http://www.ga.unc.edu/NCCN/research/quickfacts/Salary%20Adjustment%20Table.htm

sabrn2006 · Oct 16, 2007

California ranks #1 in RN salaries before cost of living adjustments are made.
Texas ranks #1 in RN salaries after the cost of living adjustments are made.
Click on the link below...
http://www.ga.unc.edu/NCCN/research/quickfacts/Salary%20Adjustment%20Table.htm

That is interesting to see. Thanks for posting the link.

John123 · Oct 16, 2007

Thank you for your input.

You guys proved again Texas is the best.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Oct 16, 2007

Median-Hourly-Rate-by-State-or-Province---Job-Registered-Nurse-RN-United-States_USD_20071010120854.jpg

HM2VikingRN, RN · Oct 16, 2007

Occupation: Registered Nurses (SOC code 291111)

Period: May 2006

Area name Hourly mean wage

California 36.12

Florida 27.26

Minnesota 30.83

New York 31.92

Pennsylvania 27.42

Texas 27.49

Washington 31.20

Wisconsin 27.59

SOC code: Standard Occupational Classification code -- see http://www.bls.gov/soc/home.htm

Data extracted on October 16, 2007

Very interesting data. BLS has the most accurate salary data available.

loricatus · Oct 16, 2007

Occupation: Registered Nurses (SOC code 291111)
Period: May 2006
Area name Hourly mean wage
California 36.12
Florida 27.26
Minnesota 30.83
New York 31.92
Pennsylvania 27.42
Texas 27.49
Washington 31.20
Wisconsin 27.59
SOC code: Standard Occupational Classification code -- see http://www.bls.gov/soc/home.htm
Data extracted on October 16, 2007
Very interesting data. BLS has the most accurate salary data available.

I kinda hard to base things on mean wages. For instance, NY (a large state) will have southern tier hourly wages in the mid to upper 30's/hour

and for the upstate region in the mid 20's per hour. I think there is a discrepancy in the reported Texas mean wage-it must only have included those with over 10 years experience &/or working per diem (or cost of employee supplied benefits were padding the reported figures).

Curious to see if those in other states are finding the same flaws with reported mean wages and cost of living adjustments to income that I have seen in the 2 states mentioned. I think we could really get an accurate picture of things through responses commenting on the accuracy of your list.

cmo421 · Oct 16, 2007

Just curious. If Texas is one of the best places to work,how come all the threads re poor nurse to pt ratio, black listing ,mandation,etc,,,,lots of union issues there also. I have no clue,just going from what I have read on here.