Which state pays best for new RN grads??

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Hello. I'm graduating this year and was wondering if anyone knew which state or area offers the best starting salaries for new grads? And also anyone know of any openings in these states or areas? Take care!

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

Its not the dollar amount as much as the wages and cost of living in the area ratio.

My hospital hires new grads (NM).

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I'm not sure you'll find an objective source for this info on new-nurse wages.

The Dept of Labor has info on nursing wages per state however. But like the previous poster wrote, you'll have to take into account costs of living as well.

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

Not Florida that is for sure. Even with the cost of living, its weak!

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Not Florida that is for sure. Even with the cost of living, its weak!

I have a friend who fell into a weekend nights (FR/SA/SU) schedule in Florida 3 months out of school for $31.70/hr. You could do a lot worse.

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.
I have a friend who fell into a weekend nights (FR/SA/SU) schedule in Florida 3 months out of school for $31.70/hr. You could do a lot worse.

I wanna work there!

Normally for a new grad its $19 an hour for day shift. Nights and weekends here where I work only adds $8. (It depends on the area too. I suppose)

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It's amazing how smart our founding fathers were! Never read that one before. Thanks!!

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ive heard that nurses working in southern FL get paid more than northern FL. Not sure if its true tho. However, i did check out the pay in jacksonville, FL. like chicookie said, it was VERY low.. :(

Like others have said.. remember to take into account the cost of living :)

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I hear new grads make close to $28/hr in Philadephia and they definitely have a shortage there. There is not a shortage in alot of cities, but Philly has one.

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Seems like in the same town you can make anywhere from $18 to $38 an hour with varying working conditions, hours etc. Weekend night float pool is the best combo from what I read since their are premiums for weekends, nights, and floating, but those positions often don't include benefits. Everyone always wants to know where to go to make the best money but it's funny to see people making far more in the same vicinity because they went to the right place.

Just my opinion but from what I've read here LTC seems to pay the least for the most responsibility (ratio wise) for the worst working conditions and the most liability. With the economy as it is though take what you can find get experience and move when you get the requisite experience and can find something better.

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Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

New York City hospitals pay well, but rent is very high there. You probably would have to commute.

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I just got offered a job in the Orlando, FL area. Days at $20.85/hr for ADN, I know they pay a little more for a BSN. Weekend shift diff is $3.20.

I should also add that there's no shortage of nurses here. A lot of new grads are not even able to get interviews.

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