Hi there Histopeeps and Histonetters! Whether you’re currently traveling or thinking about getting into travel for the first time, I want to share something that most histotechs never get a clear explanation of:
Travel pay isn’t always what it seems. On paper, the hourly rate looks incredible — sometimes double what a permanent tech earns. But once you factor in the cost of temporary living, the real earnings often land much closer to perm than people expect. Here are two quick examples based on a generous $75/hr travel rate: 📍 Tampa, FL — 12‑week assignment Gross pay: $36,000 Temporary living costs: $8,000–$9,000 Real earnings: about $55–$57/hr 📍 Nashville, TN — 12‑week assignment Gross pay: $36,000 Temporary living costs: ~$8,575 Real earnings: about $57/hr Why the numbers shrink Travel pay looks higher because it includes the cost of living somewhere you don’t actually live. Once you subtract housing, utilities, parking, food inflation, and travel, the “$75/hr” illusion fades fast. This doesn’t mean travel is bad — it can be exciting, flexible, and financially rewarding in the right season of your life. But it does mean you should compare travel and perm using real earnings, not just the headline rate. And don’t forget the value of perm work Permanent roles come with benefits that don’t show up on a travel pay stub, including: PTO Health insurance Retirement match Predictable schedules No duplicate housing Long‑term stability Those benefits often add $8–$12/hr in real value. If you’re trying to decide between travel and perm — or you’re wondering what your true compensation looks like — I’m always happy to walk through the numbers with you. No pressure, no agenda. Just clarity. You deserve to make the choice that supports the life you want, not just the rate on a job posting. Curious what your real take‑home looks like? I’m happy to walk through the numbers — no pressure, just clarity. 📞 (407) 353‑5070 📧 [email protected] Warmly, Pam Thanks-Pam "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." - Mark Twain. Thank You! Pam M. Barker Pam Barker President/Senior Recruiting Specialist-Histology RELIA Solutions Specialists in Allied Healthcare Recruiting 5717 Red Bug Lake Road #330 Winter Springs, FL 32708-4969 Phone: (407)657-2027 Cell: (407)353-5070 Toll free: (866)60RELIA or (866)607-3542 E-mail: <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected] <https://www.facebook.com/RELIASolutionsforhistologyprofessionals> https://www.facebook.com/RELIASolutionsforhistologyprofessionals <http://www.linkedin.com/in/reliasolutions> www.linkedin.com/in/reliasolutions Right Time, Right Place, Right Move with RELIA! RELIA-Recruitment Excellence in Histology 📱🔬📜🔍 _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list [email protected] http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
