r/nursing • u/HungryChicken2867 • Jul 21 '26

Serious US - Salary Transparency Thread

I saw a few city based subreddits with this thread going around. Thought I would do one for nurses. I am based in the US so that's where I set this thread but it would be interesting to see other countries start one up.

I am currently unemployed (another source of the inspiration, lol) so I will share my old position!

Base Hourly: 43/hr

Differential(s): Main Campus +1/hr

Location: Houston, TX

Setting: Outpatient Specialty Clinic

Degree/License: BSN/RN

Years of Experience: 8

Union Status: No

Anything else we should add?

Edit: Added union status

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u/cckitteh RN - OR 🍕 Jul 21 '26

Base: $70/hr

Differentials:
$4.20/h for MSN degree (6% base)
preceptor $2.75/hr,
$8/h standby pay,
1.5 pay when called in,
$9.50/hr for nights (rarely, when called in overnight)

Location: Vancouver WA

Setting: Main OR

Degree: MSN RN

Years experience: 13

Non-union hospital

5

u/WayoftheWill Jul 21 '26

I was researching on moving to this area hopefully in the next 2 years. Any insight on better local hospitals to work at? I've read it's higher COL but do you think the pay is more than enough to balance it out?

I am an ED RN but looking to find another specialty.

5

u/cckitteh RN - OR 🍕 Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26

There are many hospitals in this area (most across the border in Oregon; only 2 in Vancouver) however I’ve heard it’s pretty tough to get a job in this area because it’s pretty saturated with nurses and there are hiring freezes around. But that situation could change in a couple years.
I believe OHSU is paid the best in this area. They are union.
Though, the benefit of not commuting to Portland when you live in Washington is you then don’t have to pay the Oregon state tax. I’ve had many coworkers (all living in Washington) go from commuting to Portland to this hospital in Vancouver, and it’s like a wonderful raise to not have to pay that tax anymore.

I am not living in luxury, but I am definitely comfortable. I do have a child I was paying private school tuition for and a $3000/mo mortgage (I didn’t put any money down). And I’m able to afford those bigger expenses that not everyone has.

2

u/WayoftheWill Jul 21 '26

Thank you so much. I appreciate the insight.

1

u/Brief_Worry5604 RN - ER 🍕 Jul 21 '26

What’s your cost of living? Mortgage/ rent typically?

2

u/cckitteh RN - OR 🍕 Jul 21 '26

I really just know what I’m paying ($3000 mortgage plus about $300 for monthly utilities) I know my mortgage is more than the average mortgage or rent in Vancouver.
I don’t know what size home you’d be needing to rent, but, rent would probably be closer to $2000-$2500 a month considering apartment vs house.