Need Advice

[hayloftbham]

Hello!

I am excited about starting a new experience by becoming a traveler. I will be going to Southern California. I'm coming from the South and just wanted some insight about whether I was receiving a fair compensation. I will be working a 13 week ICU assignment.

My Regular rate is $22. Per Diem is $35. OT rate is time and half on the regular rate. I'm receiving $2000 a month in housing stipend. (I will be living with a friend and only pay $400 in rent)

The company is paying for all travel expenses including shipping my car and the CA license fee. I will also receive a $700 bonus.

I have not signed any contract yet so there's still room for negotiation.

Thanks in advance!

[NedRN]

Your pay sounds OK to me. But really, the only way to find out market compensation for your experience, specialty, and skills in a particular location is by talking to other agencies. Agencies quote very differently so if you want to compare offers on a level playing field, I would suggest giving PanTravelers calculator a try. Using it, most offers will come in at between $40 and $50 an hour total compensation.

On this contract, if overtime is available and desired, I would try to get the OT rate up. You may find your agency has an extra shift bonus to help compensate, but without adding up your compensation (plus I don't know what your travel pay is going to be) and on the assumption that your regular pay is at least $40 an hour total, you are actually taking a pay cut to work overtime at $33 an hour.