Travel NP starting hourly rates

Nacki, MSN, NP · Apr 3, 2015

Yes that's low! I was offered $71 an hour to work an employee health 13 wk assignment.

rnkaytee · Apr 3, 2015

I don't know about NP travel rates but I make $50/hour as a per diem RN with 15 years experience. I think you should definitely ask for more, depending on rest of the perks.

harmonizer · Apr 3, 2015

I am in a different specialty but that's too low. If they pay for miles and lodging, I would shoot for min of $75 (W-2), and $85/hr (1099). You are in a specialty area. It is negotiable. You can always counteroffer. They usually starts low first.

Jules A, MSN · Apr 3, 2015

It sounds like that is the rate the OP asked for so I'm not sure how it would fly to come back and ask for more. When I do contractual work my min is $90 an hour but I prefer $100.

f14chris · Apr 4, 2015

Thanks for the reply guys. I'm just very new to travel assignments so I didn't really know where to start and did not know other NPs that do travel work.

I will talk with my recruiter if I can counteroffer. If not, at least I'll know for next time, good thing it's a 3 month assignment. I'll ask for min of 70 or 80/hr next time.

sauce · Apr 4, 2015

nurses make 50. i woudlnt do it for less than at least 70. i didint get a masters to not make good money

Cwoods · May 22, 2016

It sounds like that is the rate the OP asked for so I'm not sure how it would fly to come back and ask for more. When I do contractual work my min is $90 an hour but I prefer $100.

Hey Jules,

1st, thanks for your feedback. Your posts are always too legit to quit.

2nd, how did you land a gig at >$90???

Do you know any FNPs/ACNPs making that kinda of cash? I am in a dual FNP/ACNP program. Thanks!!!

Jules A, MSN · May 22, 2016

Hey Jules,
1st, thanks for your feedback. Your posts are always too legit to quit.
2nd, how did you land a gig at >$90???
Do you know any FNPs/ACNPs making that kinda of cash? I am in a dual FNP/ACNP program. Thanks!!!

FNPs in my area make significantly less than psych right now usually $100,000-$125,000 year and no clue about ACNPs although based on the acuity they deal with I'd hope they are making serious bank! They are rock stars working as hospitalists, I love it, and hopefully they know how to negotiate an acceptable rate.

As for my rate the $90 an hour was a year ago, I make that at my benefitted job now and my part-time/prn rate, W-2 not 1099, is $115 an hour. They way I got $90 was to ask for it. It really isn't that difficult, especially if the market is strong and one knows their value. Most of the places who approach me for jobs do it because someone recommended me. I have several psychiatrists who are friends and I know how much they make. Paying me well as a NP is peanuts compared to what the Docs make so anytime an employer tries to be cheap its actually kind of humorous and never flies.

I work several part-time and PRN jobs so every time I talk to someone about starting a new one I inch my salary up and then if I take the job I share this information with my other employers who will match the rate. I usually throw my rate out fairly quickly in the process as I don't want to waste anyone's time. One of the keys is that I absolutely refuse to negotiate, "XYZ is my rate" and if they want my services they will pay it. No biggie, not contentious at all, I simply express my appreciation for their time and consideration and end the conversation. With my present employers when I ask for an increase I am always willing to walk if they won't match my rate which so far has not happened. I don't recommend bluffing or back pedaling if someone balks at your stated rate, it ruins credibility, imo. Good luck.

nomadcrna, DNP, CRNA, NP · May 23, 2016

I get 75-90/hr for solo ER coverage. Many jobs out there like this.

jawijrn · Jun 17, 2016

I know this is a little off topic, but do you mind sharing what agency you found the week on/week off schedule? Something like that sounds glorious

Pheebz777, BSN, RN · Jun 18, 2016

I would negotiate a better salary. My base pay including ICU differential, night differential and $2/hr for CCRN certification all add up to $48/hr. At my other seasonal Job they were offering $62/hr.