Underpaid. What should I do?

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2012

You'll find that most hospitals offer a base pay for each position with pay increases based on certain things like experience, certifications, and extra qualifications that are pertinent to the job description. Since you entered this position with no prior experience as a PCT, it makes sense that you would start at the bottom of the pay scale. Since having EMT basic skills is not required for your job, it's unlikely you would get extra pay based on that. Since having a bachelors of English is not relevant to performing the duties of a PCT, it's unlikely you would get extra pay because of your degree.

Also remember that hospitals have no obligation to pay you anything other than minimum wage. The hospital's primary goal is to make a profit. They don't have to pay you extra based on any certifications or experience. A PCT job requires comparably little certifications in order to be performed, which means there are many people who would be willing to take your job if you were to leave. That is something to consider when asking for a salary increase. Many people would work for the salary you are making now, which doesn't give the hospital any reason to increase wages.

Median salaries from online websites are usually not good indications of what you should be making. Those figures include both major metropolis areas (higher pay) as well as small towns (usually lower pay). They also include people who have been employed for 25 years and thus have worked their way up the pay scale. A few aides who have worked in a unionized hospital for 30 years and are making 30 dollars per hour will skew the results of the online calculator. So don't base what you should be making on those results.

I don't think, based on the information you gave, that you are being unfairly underpaid. We would all like to make more money, but that's not the reality of our positions. If you would like to discuss a raise, I suggest meeting with your manager, explaining your skills, qualifications and amount of experience and asking honestly what are your opportunities for salary increase. She may be able to point you in the right direction, offer a salary increase to HR, or tell you straight out that they don't give raises before you've been employed for a year (or whatever the policy). It can't hurt to try, just don't go in to the meeting acting offended about your current pay or thinking you are entitled to more money.

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 23, 2012

I totally agree with Ashley. You accepted the job as a tech for the wage that is typically paid to techs. Unless you are being paid lower than other techs with the same level of experience and job seniority as a tech, you have nothing to complain about. You are being paid fairly.

I have over 30 years experience as a nurse and a PhD in nursing. If I choose to get training as an electrician and get an entry-level job as an electrician's assistant, I would be paid whatever a brand-new electrician's assistant makes. My nursing experience and education would not change that.

It sounds to me like you are in a great situation. You have a "great gig" that is teaching you a lot. The pay is low, but you are getting an additional $1500 to help you with school experiences. Many people would LOVE to be in your position.

My suggestion is to set up a meeting with your Manager and tell them how much you love your job, appreciate what you have learned, etc. Then you can tell her that you are having problems living on the salary. Ask for any advice she may be able to give you advice on how you could earn more money. She may be able to help you without you having to create a tense, confrontational atmosphere. You don't want to spoil a good thing by being too demanding.

Cuddleswithpuddles · Mar 23, 2012

In addition to what the above posters have said, do not bring up the fact that you have knowledge of other employees' pay. Sometimes people blab about their paychecks, and you cannot help it if you are in earshot. But it is always dicey business to exchange that information and make it known that you know so-and-so is getting paid XYZ. You will throw yourself under the bus that way.