Right now, even as an advocate for always trying to squeeze more money out of a job, I'd take what I can get. If the company who says their pay is lower can get you a job, take it. If another company can get you a job for more, I'd take that one. You've been out of work a few months, the market is competitive (more available therapists than jobs), I'd take whatever job you can get.... might the company be playing you on saying facilities are paying less? Yes. But you need work and they know it - hopefully another agency paying more can find you a job - don't be afraid to shop around a little bit.
The other question about pay going up over the course of many assignments is a more complicated one. My thoughts that follow may be a bit fractured, but I think they all connect for a coherent message.
The only place in travel where I really see big increases in pay is coming from an immediate new grad into having some experience. I believe the reason for those increases is from new grads getting hosed on pay and having room to gain more pay. Otherwise, there really isn't much of an increase over a career in travel PT.
There are, however, opportunities to increase your pay.
-If you extend a contract (sign on for 3 months beyond the first 3 months, or similar), I would ask for a little raise - maybe you only get a dollar an hour, but it's something.
-Ask for more money at the start of a new contract with the same agency, the worst the can say is no, but in my experience, they'll throw you a bone and give you a little bit, if only <$1/hr.
-Just always ask for a little more, this may bump your pay up in small increments over time, but honestly, I have not found that more experience equals more pay in travel.
The one place that there is an advantage in having your experience is in taking your experiences into every interview. The more (good) experience you have and the longer you have worked, the more desirable an employee you are. You should be able to get jobs easier as time goes on. With that increased ease, I would expect you could pursue more jobs in the settings you want, more jobs in the locations you want, and, if you feel so compelled, seek out those really high paying jobs that are out there in strange, desolate places.(I once got offered a ridiculously high paying job in Roswell, NM - I passed on it, but often wonder what could have been).
I hope this helps!
JamesStatistics: Posted by Hobohealth — Tue Jun 16, 2020 8:25 pm
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