Is my Pay Acceptable for Southern California?

Specialties Agency

Published

I know we don't usually speak of pay around here, but I just want to know the norm for southern california per diem agency pay. I just moved here from Arizona so I really don't know too much about the pay, although I have been attempting to do my research. Right now I am working for an agency that pays $32.00 per hour per diem in southern california. Is this average for agency pay per diem?

ccweisbard

39 Posts

Ummmmm, NO!!!! Not in So. Cal..... A few years ago I was make $42/hr base pay in San Fernando Valley, when I was traveling I'm not sure what it would've equated to, but prob around $60/hr.....

RuthRogers

18 Posts

Haha, Thanks! I thought so. I have been with this agency for a few months now and have been getting work but Im now questioning if its better to find a different agency... Any suggestions? Message me if you want.

ccweisbard

39 Posts

I did traveling with Emerald Health Services and as I understand they have also opened a per diem department....

RuthRogers

18 Posts

I did traveling with Emerald Health Services and as I understand they have also opened a per diem department....

Thanks! I applied this weekend so I will see how it goes. Figure I would apply to several agencies and see which one is the best. I just don't want to get into a really good paying agency but no per diem job opportunities... But I don't know if that is just my weird thinking.

morte, LPN, LVN

7,015 Posts

Thanks! I applied this weekend so I will see how it goes. Figure I would apply to several agencies and see which one is the best. I just don't want to get into a really good paying agency but no per diem job opportunities... But I don't know if that is just my weird thinking.
Exactly! i worked agency up till a year ago, when it closed. she paid sl less, but it qualified me for grp health, she paid a portion of that, and I had consistent work.

love2garden

5 Posts

First of all I would love to congratulate you for asking about compensation. I am so sick of the trolls that hijack threads and use force and aggression to keep these topics from being discussed.

First of all California is a global market and a Union foothold. It makes it a complex and unique market place for Licensed Nurses.

There are the union nurses that are based on power and collective bargaining. If a Union Nurse gets into a job funded by the tax payers like the prisons, you can make almost $200K a year. If you can squeeze into this market as an agency nurse you will score big.

I would not compare the private sector nursing jobs to this. Yes, you can make low $40s as an agency nurse but it is a more organic rate for the market place and not one created by the powerful nursing unions draining the life blood from the taxpayers.

annacat

74 Posts

By low $40s you mean low $40/hr right?

I am looking at moving back to Southern California after living and working in Maryland (the pay sucks!). I am trying to get an idea of how much I should be making in California with a BSN and 4 years of experience at the now #2 ranked hospital in the US.

I thought I would start out by being a travel RN and possible stay with that or get a permanent position if I find a place I really like.

Any advice on good resources for information on travel nursing and how to negotiate a good pay package?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

4 Articles; 7,907 Posts

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
I know we don't usually speak of pay around here, but I just want to know the norm for southern california per diem agency pay. I just moved here from Arizona so I really don't know too much about the pay, although I have been attempting to do my research. Right now I am working for an agency that pays $32.00 per hour per diem in southern california. Is this average for agency pay per diem?

For a LVN, it's a great rate. For a RN, it is rather low.

Then again, you also have to consider that the agency offers you more flexibility in your scheduling, which may be a fair trade-off for pay rates that seem low. My agency doesn't do much better in the pay department than yours, but considering that right now I'm only willing to work specific shifts and yet almost never get cancelled or denied, a lower rate doesn't bother me too much.

Specializes in Trauma/Critical Care.

Orange County, CA

$38-50... depending on the agency, hospital and your negotiation skills...

+ Add a Comment