No matter if you’re on your first travel assignment or your fifteenth, comprehending how traveler pay rates work can be overwhelming. However, understanding exactly how your pay package breaks down is crucial for making informed decisions about assignments. Ventura MedStaff’s Head of Sales and Training, Brian, sheds light on the essential details travelers need to grasp when discussing pay rates with recruiters, and how to make the most of compensation packages below.
What Every Traveler Should Know About Traveler Pay Rates
“Pay for travel healthcare professionals is more complex than simply an hourly wage,” Brian explains. “There are multiple components, and it’s important to understand how they all fit together.” When you receive a pay quote from a recruiter, it will usually include an hourly rate as well as stipends—particularly for housing, meals, and incidentals. These stipends are often non-taxable, following the General Services Administration (GSA) guidelines, varying by city, state, and season.
“The gross pay you hear from your recruiter includes both your hourly wages and these stipends,” Brian adds. “But if you’re more interested in what’s going to be hitting your bank account, you’ll want to get your net pay presented. This is your gross pay minus estimated taxes, which apply to the hourly rate but not the stipends.”
To avoid confusion, travelers should engage in transparent discussions with their recruiters. “You need to have all the details on the table before you get to the submittal stage,” Brian says. This means knowing how the recruiter presents your pay and understanding how much of your compensation is taxable versus non-taxable. Asking detailed questions up front about traveler pay rates helps avoid surprises later.
Are There Ways to Maximize Your Pay?
According to Brian, one of the most effective ways to increase earnings is to take full advantage of bonuses and other opportunities that agencies provide. “Referral bonuses are something every traveler should ask about,” he notes. Many agencies offer these bonuses if you refer a friend or colleague to the company and they work there for a certain amount of time. Ventura MedStaff, for example, offers a $750 referral bonus. Another thing to bring up to your recruiter would be the possibility of an extension increase.
“An extension can sometimes come with an increased pay rate, depending on if you have no more additional compliance requirements or all of your hours become billable,” Brian explains. Knowing the GSA rates for your area can also be a useful tool for maximizing stipends, as the cost of living fluctuates significantly between regions. “It always pays to educate yourself and maintain open communication with your recruiter. They should be able to walk you through how these opportunities can help you maximize your earnings.”
Comparing Pay Packages from Different Agencies
Pay is a critical factor when deciding between offers, but Brian emphasizes that travelers shouldn’t focus on salary alone. “It’s not just about the dollar amount,” he says. “The resources and support your agency provides can sometimes be worth taking a slightly lower pay rate.”
When evaluating different pay packages, it’s essential to consider what else is included beyond the paycheck. “Ask yourself: Is it worth it to me to take a little less pay for a great recruiter, robust clinical resources, a dedicated compliance team, or superior benefits?” Brian suggests. “We do this in our everyday lives—think about how you’re willing to pay more for a clean restaurant with good food and friendly service compared to a cheaper, lower-quality option. It’s the same idea with travel nursing. The resources available to you could make a significant difference in your experience.”
Some agencies may offer the same hourly rate but differ in what additional support or services they provide. “Get everything laid out clearly when comparing offers,” Brian advises. “You want to know exactly what you’re getting, not just in terms of pay, but in terms of resources, support, and benefits.”
Benefits Beyond Pay
While pay is often top of mind, Brian encourages travelers to dig deeper into the benefits that agencies offer. “More and more, agencies are offering benefits that rival those of permanent jobs,” he says. These can include health and dental insurance, 401(k) plans, and even Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which provide mental health resources and support.
“A lot of travelers miss out on additional perks because they don’t realize what’s available to them,” Brian explains. “Ask about things like discounts on car rentals, gym memberships, or even products and services you may not have heard of before. Ventura MedStaff works with Healthcare Bluebook to offer healthcare cost transparency so you can shop around for medical services and get the best price. These extras can add significant value to your overall package and make life on the road easier.”
Travel with Ventura MedStaff
Navigating the complexities of traveler pay rates can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding the nuances can make a big difference in how much you take home and how satisfied you are with your assignment.
“It all comes down to open communication and education,” Brian concludes. “As a traveler, you should feel empowered to ask your recruiter questions and get clarity on every aspect of your pay package. After all, you’re not just looking for a paycheck—you’re seeking the best overall experience for yourself, both professionally and personally.”
Ready to find your next assignment? We’d love to help! Get in contact with a recruiter today to start the adventure.
