Questionable hourly rates for travel nurse

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Hi Guys, okay, so a friend texted me stating she received an offer for a travel assignment in Torrance CA. I was excited for her until she stated the recruiter quoted her $16.50 per hour and stipends that total about $1050.00 per week. I told her do not let recruiter submit you, as that is way too low for an RN with 8 years experience. I rained on her parade, but I am concerned she is being taken advantage of. What are some insights, suggestions or comments, as I feel sort of guilty now. Thanks in advance.

Hi All, so, my girlfriend has traveled before, and this would be her 3rd or 4th assignment. She said she hasn't traveled in about 4 years and is so anxious to go-anywhere. I told her I still think $16.50 per hour with $1000.00 weekly stipends is too low, for Torrance CA. She and I are looking into other assignments that pay better than that. I personally think she can do better than $650.00 taxable per week.

$650 taxable wages plus $1000 weekly stipends comes out to $41 an hour for 40 hour work week, or $46 an hour for a 36 hour work week. (the average nurse in CA makes $36/hour. Plus, she doesn't have to pay taxes on her "non taxable" income, which means even more in-pocket than the average nurse making $46/hr with all her income taxable. Unless your friend expects a lot more per-hour pay than that, I would say it's a pretty fair trade, especially with the added bonus of getting to travel for free. Am I missing something here?

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$650 taxable wages plus $1000 weekly stipends comes out to $41 an hour for 40 hour work week, or $46 an hour for a 36 hour work week. (the average nurse in CA makes $36/hour. Plus, she doesn't have to pay taxes on her "non taxable" income, which means even more in-pocket than the average nurse making $46/hr with all her income taxable. Unless your friend expects a lot more per-hour pay than that, I would say it's a pretty fair trade, especially with the added bonus of getting to travel for free. Am I missing something here?

Anyone can certainly live on such pay (absent insane student debt or mortgage). However, most people prefer "fair" pay, or somewhere around market rate. The only way to determine that is by surveying other agencies.

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Thanks everyone, we found a better travel assignment in Los Angeles. The weekly pay is $905.00 taxable, stipends total $1120.00. My friend will have take home pay of around $1775.00 to $1800.00 weekly. Now I am really happy for her. You guys were right, call other agencies to get a broad choice of assignment packages-Thank You.

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