Travel Pay in Torrance CA

[pinktiara, BSN]

This will be my first time doing travel nursing. I received my first pay package offer from one agency. To me, it seems really low. But I was wondering if maybe anyone out there who's experienced will travel nursing can take a look at the package and see if it is low. I'm planning to contact another agency to compare packages as well.

I was offered $18/hr (1.5 aster 8hours=$21/hr) I think the aster was a typo in the email. Not sure what that means though. Gross pay /week =$1831 but only taxed on $756/week.

I tried using pantravelers but not really sure how to fill that out. haha.

Anyone able to kind of eyeball the numbers and see if it is a low pay contract?

Thanks so much!

[NedRN]

The only way to find out if you have received a fair market quote for your specialty, experience and a give location at a particular time is to shop other agencies. In this case though, count on about half of your gross pay going towards housing. If you are happy with what's left, go for it. One other piece of advice, don't worry too much about pay on your first assignment. What you want is a successful first assignment. Nothing else matters as much. That is what will bring you a better second assignment with that on your work history and not discourage you from continuing to travel.

Any red flags from a less than forthright recruiter who doesn't appear to care about a good fitting assignment, or from the manager interview (ask about how new travelers are treated on the unit), don't take it. Recruiters you communicate well with are the most important part of a successful career as a traveler so seek them out.