USPHS Pay Rates/Scales

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to my question, but some confirmation would be great. Regardless of where you are assigned, the pay rate/scale is the same, right? So, if you find two positions, one in an expensive urban area and another in a less expensive city, that you equally like, it makes more sense to take the one in the less expensive city, right? The only difference is the amount of the housing allowance. If you receive $1,000 per month for rent, but only spend $500, you get to keep the rest, right? I hate to ask my recruiter such things (because he'll think less of me), BUT one DOES have to think about these things. Hmmm... Decisions, decisions!

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

Yes correct, USPHS uses the same pay scale as .... the 'military' services.

check out a calculator - here is an official one from mypay

http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/bah.html

the zip code is not where you live, but rather the duty station - the rank (if you are a new nurse is 01) and if you have a spouse or kids that means with dependents. you get all of the above regardless of whether you need more or less for your bah..... of course i do accept contributions and can provide you with carbon offsets.

v/r

[AWanderingMinstral]

I figured this was the case, BUT I thought I'd ask. I have submitted everything, was considered "fit" for commissioning, and I now need to find a suitable position.

[Cursed Irishman]

JC:

How about an explanation of COLA for the folks out there?

[NursePamela]

COLA means Cost Of Living Allowance and is given to a few select areas that have a high cost of living. There are a few stateside assignments that get them (one is Alaska) and several overseas areas. I am not exactly sure what stateside places get them it is not as many as you would think.

Hope that helps.

Pam

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

Yup, good post. OP can find all the COLA rates here as well:

http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/

[CorrectionalNP]

Sure. That's correct. But, you need to look at the job.

If you can get a job in lower Manhattan, you will get the maximum housing allowance. On the other hand, if you get a job in rural Arizona, the housing allowance will be near the low end.

There are only two jobs usually available in Manhattan (DIHS, and BOP). In rural Arizona (or Montana) there are usually more than two.

I've been in USPHS for 21 years. I can answer most questions you have.

[AWanderingMinstral]

Thanks, CorrectionalNP! You are correct. For me, it's more about quality of life. I would be MISERABLE in a remote rural location. Therefore, I have applied for positions that seem like a good match in large cities.

[CorrectionalNP]

What is your specialty, may I ask? What type of initial assignment are you hoping to get?

[Skeletor]

If you receive $1,000 per month for rent, but only spend $500, you get to keep the rest, right? I hate to ask my recruiter such things (because he'll think less of me), BUT one DOES have to think about these things

How could he/she; who works for free in this economy? I'd ask the same question.:lol2:

Good luck:up:

[athena55, BSN, RN]

If you receive $1,000 per month for rent, but only spend $500, you get to keep the rest, right?

Yes, you are correct. My BAH is $908 (around there) and my rent is only $550....The rest stays in my pocket.....But of course you must consider your other bills: electric, water, telephone etc. I could have, for the same BAH, rented a home (~$1,000) and just pay the rest out-of-pocket (remainder of the rental fee, and other bills as stated above)

[saykingRN]

I am level II NICU RN for 5 years and ready to do more than bedside nursing. I am interesting in joining USPHS. Being apart of emergency/disaster team is a plus. Are the only two jobs availabe for nurses are the BOP and IHS? I would rather work for the FDA and CDC (any other than hospital and prison setting). What would be the basline line pay for someone like me?

Posted by: CorrectionalNP

Original Content:

Sure. That's correct. But, you need to look at the job.

If you can get a job in lower Manhattan, you will get the maximum housing allowance. On the other hand, if you get a job in rural Arizona, the housing allowance will be near the low end.

There are only two jobs usually available in Manhattan (DIHS, and BOP). In rural Arizona (or Montana) there are usually more than two.

I've been in USPHS for 21 years. I can answer most questions you have.