Hi everyone. I am considering accepting my first travel assignment and I need advice on how to determine whether the package they are offering me is above avg, fair, or low?

I have spent time on glass door, etc but it seems its difficult to compare apples to apples.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Also I guess its normal to be equally excited and nervous accepting the first assignment? I plan on looking through all of the threads about taking the first assignment and tips and pointers. Are there any particular threads you would recommend?

Thanks!

Anne

You really have to shop around to determine if you are getting market rate for your experience in a particular location. Even then, the numbers usually can't be readily compared without a lot of math. PanTravelers has a nifty calculator that will help you compare quotes on a level playing field. Most travel assignment pay between $50 and $65 an hour total pay per that calculator. See if you are in that range for this assignment.

Honestly, pay is not so important for this first assignment. What matters is a successful first assignment on your work history, ideally at a friendly hospital where you can learn the ropes without too much stress. Then, as a proven success, you will be more competitive going forward and at some point you can start chasing money. However, for the first year, you will have much more fun simply going to interesting locations. Higher pay, especially with your limited travel experience, often means more difficult assignments.

Do get your own written references at each assignment, as early as you can, and as many as you can (from your current or just departed staff job as well). This will make you much more valuable as a free agent and will help speed up getting desirable assignments at new agencies. PanTravelers also has some reference/evaluation forms available for download (requires free membership).