People always talk about agency rates and how generous the travel pay can be. So, when I left Melbourne, I was working in a public hospital with a base rate of $38 an hour, not great considering how hard we work. I remember working so many hours and looking at my pay, feeling that I couldn’t get ahead and was just living pay check to pay check – not the life I wanted to be living.
I would occasionally pick up agency shifts in the private hospitals in Melbourne when I could. The hourly rate varied from $60-$120 per hour, depending on the shift, which area you were in, the day of the week and how desperately the hospital needed staff. However, when Covid came along, agency work dried up because rules stipulated that staff were not allowed to work across multiple hospitals.
Right now, on contract my base rate is double what I was getting in Melbourne and I’m paying off debts, seeing the sights and building up my travel fund for the next overseas trip. So, what have I learnt? Agency rates are not standard. They vary across state, facility and agency. For example, on one contract I met several agency staff and we were all from different agencies and all on different pay rates.
In one instance, I had been on contract and I saw the same job posted for a higher rate, I contacted my agency and they matched the rate – this won’t always happen as you’ve already agreed to work for a certain rate. But there’s nothing to stop you completing your contract and then getting in touch with the other agency if your current one won’t match the pay rate.
Things to consider
When a job advertises agency rates, I ask what the actual dollar amount is, if accommodation is included, are there travel subsidies, the number and type of shifts I will be expected to work and the length of contract. Only you know how much you’re happy to work for. I have a minimum amount that I’m happy with and anything over that is a bonus. Obviously if you’re still paying rent or other expenses at your home base (if you have one) then you want it to be enough to cover that and still be able to live.
My advice is to get yourself a good accountant and look at upping your super insurance. Clearly, I’m not a financial expert, but this is what has worked for me.
Other housekeeping things
Set up bills to come electronically, that way you won’t miss any payments, get good insurance so if your car breaks down or your things are stolen, you’re covered. If you’ve no set home base, register as an itinerant voter with AEC (who wants a fine for missing the local council election???!!!)
There’s no shame from wanting to earn good money. Just because we are in a ‘caring’ profession doesn’t mean we deserve to earn less. And that is my 2 cents on the subject !!!