Question about fair travel pay rates

[nursejxn]

Hi! I'm new to travel nursing (hoping to start in Sept) and am trying to figure out what a fair hourly rate is to start out at. I have been a nurse for 3 years, all spent in a surgical/trauma ICU at a level I trauma center. I am trying to travel to the New England area. I plan on taking the agency-provided housing. I was given an estimate by an agency of what I could expect to make (the example they gave me was for a hospital in Connecticut). The sample contract offered $21.50/hr with $9/day per diem pay. They estimated that after taxes the take home pay would be $600/week. This sounds low to me, but I would appreciate opinions from people with more travel experience. Does this sound reasonable for the area, my experience (all ICU, no traveling), and specialty? Any experience/advice would help!

[LuvaBSNRN, BSN, RN]

Definitely keep shopping around since those rates sound really low...especially the per diem - good luck with everything and HAPPY TRAVELS :)

[HollywoodDiva]

Let me guess you spoke with AMN or American Mobile? That is absolutely insulting unless you are working in a 3rd world country! Trust me low balling you means your recruiter gets to pocket the rest of that money for themselves. Find a different company and recruiter.

[AWanderingMinstral]

I agree with previous posts. You are definitely being offered less than you're worth. I am currently working in Upstate New York and I'm clearing $1,500 a week. Please keep in mind that I've found my own housing. The ONLY way to make "a lot" of money as a traveler is to take their housing stipend and find your own housing via Craigslist, etc. In addition, work with more than one agency. I'm with four agencies and that helps with location and pay. Good luck!