What do you think should be the starting salary for nurses?

Published

I've been looking at this site for a few years, and one thing that I've seen is that many of you feel that nurses are not paid enough, and others have stated that $25 to $30 per hour for a starting salary is still too low for what nurses do. I was just wondering what you all think the starting salary should be for nurses, either LPN/LVN or RN, and what the actual starting salaries are in your area. I'm still a CNA, but here in the south Jersey area, I've been told by nurses that LPNs usually start at $17 to $20 per hour, and RNs start at $23 to $25 per hour.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC/SNF, Psychiatric, Pharmaceutical.
I've been looking at this site for a few years, and one thing that I've seen is that many of you feel that nurses are not paid enough, and others have stated that $25 to $30 per hour for a starting salary is still too low for what nurses do. I was just wondering what you all think the starting salary should be for nurses, either LPN/LVN or RN, and what the actual starting salaries are in your area. I'm still a CNA, but here in the south Jersey area, I've been told by nurses that LPNs usually start at $17 to $20 per hour, and RNs start at $23 to $25 per hour.

In Oklahoma: Starting wages for LPN: $12-15/hour. RN: $17-20/hour in the Oklahoma City metro area. Yeah, definitely underpaid. It's even worse in rural areas, where $10-12 for new LPNs and $14-16 for new RNs is the norm.

When I went on vacation to New York City last year, I saw an ad announcing bus driver positions: $18/hour to start, $25 an hour after 2 years. It blew me away.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

I think it should be $1,000,000 but it will never happen. Here in OH RNs start between $18-25/hr. I think that is fairly comparable, but a little higher couldn't hurt anybody.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I think that being an RN should afford you the ability to drive a decent car (not necessarily a Lexus or BMW), live in a nice neighborhood, own a house and provide adequately for their families. So...I guess I can't give a number since it will vary by area.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
In Oklahoma: Starting wages for LPN: $12-15/hour. RN: $17-20/hour in the Oklahoma City metro area. Yeah, definitely underpaid. It's even worse in rural areas, where $10-12 for new LPNs and $14-16 for new RNs is the norm.

When I went on vacation to New York City last year, I saw an ad announcing bus driver positions: $18/hour to start, $25 an hour after 2 years. It blew me away.

$17 for an RN. lol...i make close to that amount working night as a student nurse in a hospital here in PA. I know a CNA who works in a hospital by my house and makes 19 an hour. He said that's what they paid them. I used to live in the four state area which includes KS, OK, AR, etc. and i know i wouldn't work there as a nurse - the pay is too little.

Maybe when they lose nurses, they might bump it up a bit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

$30.00 an hour isn't enough to work in an ER, or any critical care area...we need HAZARD pay! I am not sure any amount is worth our license in this litigeous society! I would say $50.00 and up.

Maisy;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have 40 years of battle fatigue and make $24.00, BS degree, Certification too

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

"I have 40 years of battle fatigue and make $24.00, BS degree, Certification too"

That is not enough! A move to NJ would assure you probably 2x as much. God bless you obviously a force beyond money drives you...

As for the others, my son made more as a kid in HS working as a certified pharmacy tech! It just isn't right....human's lives are in our hands.

Maisy;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Room.

it really depends on where you live, but i think 65k-70k a year is a nice starting salary. most nurses have to work OT to bring that home. i made over 60k my first year as a nurse. i only picked up 2 shifts per pay period and some of those shifts were bonused.

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

In So Cal where I work the starting wage for a RN is $30+....The Bay area even pays higher.

For the jobs we do and also considering the cost of living I think we should get paid at least $40- $50/hr...:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Here in Alberta Canada, the start wage is around $28 per hour, with the max being $36 after 10 years. We get good shift diff, charge and weekend diff though, sometimes as much as $7 more per shift if you work a weekend night and are charge. I think it is enough, but could do without the hassle of always being required to do more shifts and work OT when no one will come in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Psych..
Here in Alberta Canada, the start wage is around $28 per hour, with the max being $36 after 10 years. We get good shift diff, charge and weekend diff though, sometimes as much as $7 more per shift if you work a weekend night and are charge. I think it is enough, but could do without the hassle of always being required to do more shifts and work OT when no one will come in.

The one thing I did not like it there was I had to do both days, evening and nights...rotating shifts. But here in So Cal....either days, eveing or nights....is it still the same in Alberta??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion