I'm motified with the RT pay scale in Austin, Texas

RC in Georgetown, Texas said: In the world of Respiratory Therapy, Yes. Generally when you are offered a position an estimated hourly pay is given by the dept manager. After you accept, the HR dept will contact you and issue your hourly pay in writting. Most of the time the quoted pay and the final HR pay are pretty consistent.

That seems a little... unscupulous. I've gotten hosed in the past and now make sure I get an offer written up and emailed to me. I graduate next year but hearing this is a bit bothersome.

It may sound "unscrupulous" it actually is not. The reality is the RT manager does not set the standard payscale for the dept. An official payscale list is issued by the the HR dept. This pay list is based on years of experience and specialites. Generally the manager will catorgorize a new hire at the highest level possible in order to obtain the therapist the highest pay. Next the manager submits a suggested pay to HR. The HR will follow the submission by finalizing it in writting.

In my years of experience, I have never received an offer letter by a dept. manager. At the time of interview you will be quoted an hourly pay. If you accept the position the HR dept. will issue an offer letter.

Good Luck

candice nguyen in Tacoma, Washington said: Currently working in the seattle area. I have an AS degree in resp. therapy. Was thinking about going back to school but I dont think there is a difference in pay. Not too happy about the wage I currently make. So instead of trying to go back to school. I decided to start my own home based business and work part time at the hospital to keep my skills up. If any one is interested, please contact me.

Are they still hiring in Seattle area?

SOOOOOO With all that being said...How can we increase our pay over all?

If your a new grad, I would encourage you to work for a hospital that will orientate you in one of the higher level of care areas- NICU or ICU. Therapist who specialize in NICU often make more hourly. Once you've obtained the skills of being able to work in the NICU, you will be considered highly skilled which will increase your pay overall.

RC in Texas in Georgetown, Texas said: I recently relocated to Austin, Texas from California. Before relocating, I had contacted a registry (will remain nameless) in Austin, TX. I told them I was certified with 22 years experience in all levels of respiratory care. I was quoted a hourly rate of $40/hour and was told there was high demand for RT's in Texas. Well after making the move to Texas, I was told a completly different story than from initial phone conversartion. The rep. from this registry did some back peddling and revised her quote of $40/hr to $28/hr. Then when on to say, "they haven't had a need for RT's in months." With this in mind I decided not to sign up with them. As a result, I submitted my resume to various hospitals in Austin. Within a week I received two interviews from two major hospitals. One hospital quoted me $20/hr and the other $22/hr. That's 50% less than what I was making in CA. Huge difference!

How do fellow RT's make it on such low wages? Are unions utilized in Texas healthcare?

Get used to being broke.

In Knoxville, $17 is the starting RRT pay at most of the hospitals + $3 shift diff. One hospital is union with a starting pay of $21. There are no state taxes here but the sales tax is 9.25%. I am thinking of moving to Detroit or Lansing to be close to family. Any RT's in Michigan willing to share the starting pay? Is it still hard to find a job there?

If you would like to augment your current salary, with a long term contract, visit this website.
o2TestingServices.com. I used to contract with them in Austin until I had to move to Ft. Worth. They are a great company if you are dependable.

I am planning to move to Houston next March, and was wondering what are the best hospitals to work for in that area? Do you have any tips for being hired? What is the pay in that area?

Actually I am up in Ft. Worth, so I really don't know about the pay scales in Houston. Houston itself can be a difficult place to live with the influx of so many Katrina evacuees (crowded) and the traffic is atrocious.

Texas Rt in Little Elm, Texas said: Actually I am up in Ft. Worth, so I really don't know about the pay scales in Houston. Houston itself can be a difficult place to live with the influx of so many Katrina evacuees (crowded) and the traffic is atrocious.

I am a new graduate and received the Outstanding student of the year award and graduated with honors. Our largest hospital lost 43 millions dollars, so it has created some type of ripple effect on other hospitals from hiring. Normally a lot of people would have retired but they have lost in their 401K and this has not helped new graduates at all. I do have a Texas RT license do you know the best hospitals and/ agency I should apply with. Can you and will you help me?T hanks

I know of a company in Austin, Tx. that is looking for someone to work long-term contract work. The name is O2 Testing Services.

Hi goodliferotation
What area in Texas are you wanting to relocate to? I can tell you a little bit about the hospital systems in Austin. There are basically two major hospital system in in Austin. St. David's and Seton. The pay is very comparable. From my findings it seems that St. David's is a bit more flexiable with employee needs while Seton can very regimentd- by the book and quick to temrminate an employee for the slightest wrong doing.

goodliferotation,
I forgot to mention Seton health care systems offers a sign on bonus and relocation reimbursment. As for St. David's, I'm not too sure what they are offering. You might want to call them.

Texas Rt in Little Elm, Texas said: Actually I am up in Ft. Worth, so I really don't know about the pay scales in Houston. Houston itself can be a difficult place to live with the influx of so many Katrina evacuees (crowded) and the traffic is atrocious.[

Thanks for responding.
I am wanting to relocate to the Dallas or Houston area. What agency should I use for those areas?

Texas Rt in Little Elm, Texas said: I know of a company in Austin, Tx. that is looking for someone to work long-term contract work. The name is O2 Testing Services.

Thanks for responding.
I am wanting to relocate to the Dallas or Houston area. What agency should I use for those areas?

O2 testing service requires 2 yrs of exp. They don't take people anything less than that.

How can a New Grad get pass people always asking for Exp?

I've never needed to use an agency. Simply calling hospitals, etc. in the area you are looking to move and ask if there are any openings in the RT department. They will probably have you visit their website to proceed with application process.

In my experience, many companies will look to your previous work history, and your knowledge of current and emerging trends in your specific market. Many companies will prefer experience in the field, but at the same time, have a position they need filled, so may actually overlook the experience in the field. There is really nothing to lose in trying.

Yea, i've called a few departments. Pretty much the same story, if you're a new grad they say they would normally hire you if you did your clinicals there or intern there.

I've also have friends in other careers like lawyer and he can't find a job. He just interns until a firm likes him. You think we can intern(not shadowing, cause you don't get your hands dirty to prove yourself) somewhere and be out of school? or is this a liability?

AFC in Houston, Texas said: O2 testing service requires 2 yrs of exp. They don't take people anything less than that.

How can a New Grad get pass people always asking for Exp?

You mentioned O2 testing serv if I am correct they are out of Dallas, but contract for Austin /Sa area?
If this is the same company..Stay away from them. This company has poor practices exp with their past employees. Me being one of them, and will put your license in jeopardy. They will call you will a list of clients that need to be tested/qualified for O2 for insurance and expect you to drive 100's of miles to get to them.
Its not worth the measly pay and the fact your license will be on the line with them for what you have to do to get the pt to qaulify.
Just a word of warning....

Well Mark RCP in Texas, I can't speak for your experiences with that company, but I was never required to drive excessive distances to test patients. Since I was working PRN at the hospital, for me, it was a good opportunity to get out in the sunshine a bit.

In regards to "your license will be on the line", well anytime you're treating a patient your license IS on the line, just like any trained medical staffer.

If you are skilled and focused, you have nothing to worry about.

Mark, Thank you for your advice. I will keep that in mind. I've also been applying to hospitals in the middle of no where in texas, looks like they are the only ones that are willing to give new grads PRN positions. I think the best advice i read in this forum is yours and someone saying give small towns a chance. but now i'm debating, Is it worth picking up a PRN position and they don't have enough days of work for you? is this something to think about before moving in the middle of no where? Or should i just take it?

Texas Rt in Little Elm, Texas said: Well Mark RCP in Texas, I can't speak for your experiences with that company, but I was never required to drive excessive distances to test patients. Since I was working PRN at the hospital, for me, it was a good opportunity to get out in the sunshine a bit.

In regards to "your license will be on the line", well anytime you're treating a patient your license IS on the line, just like any trained medical staffer.

If you are skilled and focused, you have nothing to worry about.

I just was wondering if that it may be the same company that I worked for several years ago. And yes this is not only my experience with that company this is comes from others who worked for them in the past. I had to if this is the same company drive 100+ miles to and from Austin to Sa and to out skirts of these cities.
And no amount of liabilty insurance would protect you from what was required of this company.And for you information I have skill, more than you know.

AFC in Houston, Texas said: Mark, Thank you for your advice. I will keep that in mind. I've also been applying to hospitals in the middle of no where in texas, looks like they are the only ones that are willing to give new grads PRN positions. I think the best advice i read in this forum is yours and someone saying give small towns a chance. but now i'm debating, Is it worth picking up a PRN position and they don't have enough days of work for you? is this something to think about before moving in the middle of no where? Or should i just take it?

You should give the smaller hospitals a chance, if they have the opening. You will learn things that probably a bigger hospital most likely will not teach you. Not sure that to many big hospitals still have RT's do Ekg's. I know I did them on most of the travel assignments that I have been on, also stress-test is something you may learn which gives you another skill.
I know I liked working the smaller places while on assignment's due to its only you sometimes so decision making is put to the test also its a smaller place where the staff is more friendly and less drama.

Yup i agree with you Mark, just got an interview at a small hospital and they seen to put RTs all over the place which is awesome (stress testing, eeg, ekg, Sleep lab, and PFT lab). But sad to say they told me sinces you're all over the place and a new grad, new grad lack the exp to think on some topics under pressure. meaning there is no one around to ask for help in times you need it.

This goes back to new grads messing up and no one helping people out. meaning no team work. This is screwing new grads over. They were hinting for me to stick to the bigger cities for a job exp. They even know that bigger cities are wanting people with exp but they are like, "well i know it's hard but stick to it." They even told me to walk into departments and hand them my resume, which i have with no luck and if it's in another city i call them.

The truth is no one wants to mentor a new grad and is it just me or life looks depressing for RTs? i also met some girl that was doing RT school online and clinical at that hospital. i mean holy smack, that's more than 10 schools in Texas and online schools? This is getting out of hand. Thanks American Dream! got a bachelor's degree cause school is cool! xD but i really love this field.

RC in Texas in Georgetown, Texas said: I'm diffinately going to have to look into Dalles. I totally agree 20-22/hr is a JOKE.

Thanks
RC

If you are RRT you will earn more and Dallas has historically paid better than most places in Texas. Texas does not let the RT's do as much and it has always been that way. If you go to a teaching hospital...well the docs are first in line to learn. If you are a CRT you may not be so lucky to find work ...especially in Houston....and that even goes for RRT....you must have completed a 2 year program. Jobs are tight here.

Thanks but no Thanks!! ... I choose not to engage in a racist enviroment.

Carol in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: Hi I am in an RT program and I was wondering if anyone had Kettering or Lindsey Jones material that they could sell me. I am in clinical right now and the boss told me that they start RT's day shift at $28hr and night shift at $31hr. I know people that work in differnt hosptials that they say they make around $3 more or $3 less. If anyone has some material for the CRT and RRT please email me carol.rios79@yahoo.com.

hey just wondering, what part of philly are talking about, what hospital gave u that pay quote.. i am from philly but went to RT school outside philly, i graduate in may and im thinking of moving back.. i wanna apply for jobs before i graduate, do u know anywhere that is hiring?

Try Ebay. I paid 60 dollars on Ebay for the full set of Kettering written study material. As for the clinical sims, I purchased those online for 35 dollars at the Kettering website. The combined cost was less 100.00 dollars and I passed!! When funds are tight this is the best way to go.

In think its time to start posting the bad and the good companys as far as Agency/Travel so that we all are aware. To get this out so the one's that are searching for agency/travel work to have a heads up.

Agency- Temps Inc (San Antonio) stay away from this company. I cant believe the stupidity that you have to deal with. Not only do they waste you time, but certain recruiter has no clue what they are doing.
Medrelief- Houston They post needs on here but in truth do not have the need, they are resume collecting.
Many companys expecially agency are only posting to collect resumes. Ask them first if there is a need before you waste your time. Its very aggrevating to go through all the paper work and find out ..Oh we havent had a need for months or weeks.
So just a friendly heads up ....

Does anyone know the average hourly rate for an RRT working night shift in northern NJ/NYC area? I have 7 yrs experience with a MPH, RRT, CPFT. Any suggestions for hospitals that pay the most?

RC in Texas in Georgetown, Texas said: You might want to check with some of the registries in the Los Angeles area (Mediscan, AHP,and Maxim Medical Staffing) these agencies generally pay between 36.00-40.00/hr. I found that most registries play favorites and will supply you with full-time work if you have a very flexible schedule and are willing to any shift any day of the week. If anything, it gives you exposure to various hospitals. Yes, the weather is truly great!!

I moved to Texas because the RT jobs in Orange County have become non-existent. And found traveling to LA from OC was a bit much due to traffic. Since I have family in Austin, I thought this is the perfect time to make the move to Texas and check out the job market. I found there are RT jobs here but the pay , as you said, is a joke. So I'm now pursuing my BS degree with the intention of landing a better paying job.

Thanks RC[/
Why didn't you do your research before moving?? It is a NO BRAINER that the wages in Texas are cheaper than CALI! The cost of living is cheaper down there. YOU SHOULD OF STAYED YOUR BUTT IN CALIFORNIA!

New Grad in Knoxville, Tennessee said: In Knoxville, $17 is the starting RRT pay at most of the hospitals + $3 shift diff. One hospital is union with a starting pay of $21. There are no state taxes here but the sales tax is 9.25%. I am thinking of moving to Detroit or Lansing to be close to family. Any RT's in Michigan willing to share the starting pay? Is it still hard to find a job there?

WARNING... DO NOT MOVE TO DETROIT! LOL That would be a dumb move!

After reading your email, it becomes evident why I left CA.

Ok here is a heads up about the Dallas/Fort Worth area...most hospitals including agencies report your employment to a company called Group One....if you are the type that likes to burn bridges..dont do it in Dallas or Fort Worth..because all compqnies check with group one and if you were fired or put on a do not re-hire list then your career is basically over in the Dallas metroplex. They will report yoyr termination to all that inquire plus the reason..so if you decide to lie and not write down your last employer..you re screwed...google the, if you dont believe me...all it takes is one pissed off director to ruin your entire career there.

Joe956 in Mission, Texas said: Ok here is a heads up about the Dallas/Fort Worth area...most hospitals including agencies report your employment to a company called Group One....if you are the type that likes to burn bridges..dont do it in Dallas or Fort Worth..because all compqnies check with group one and if you were fired or put on a do not re-hire list then your career is basically over in the Dallas metroplex. They will report yoyr termination to all that inquire plus the reason..so if you decide to lie and not write down your last employer..you re screwed...google the, if you dont believe me...all it takes is one pissed off director to ruin your entire career there.

I heard that about the DFW area, kinda like how it is in Seattle area. They all use shiftwise for all the job orders. But pretty much agency in all places in texas are being squeezed out for overall costs.I am overall done with the SA area for its low end pay and behind the times with progression of Respiratory skill and advancement in overall patient care. Alot of hospitals still use taping for securing ET-tubes and no one except 1 or 2 have the new V60 bipap which I used in WA state last year. But what makes me upset is the low pay..21 hr for prn is sad. I think its time for a union to come in and demand better pay, cause I know for myself I cannot survive on 21 or 23 if FT. Now wonder we all have to work 2 jobs to get by.

Mark RCP in Texas said: I heard that about the DFW area, kinda like how it is in Seattle area. They all use shiftwise for all the job orders. But pretty much agency in all places in texas are being squeezed out for overall costs.I am overall done with the SA area for its low end pay and behind the times with progression of Respiratory skill and advancement in overall patient care. Alot of hospitals still use taping for securing ET-tubes and no one except 1 or 2 have the new V60 bipap which I used in WA state last year. But what makes me upset is the low pay..21 hr for prn is sad. I think its time for a union to come in and demand better pay, cause I know for myself I cannot survive on 21 or 23 if FT. Now wonder we all have to work 2 jobs to get by.

Holly crap..i just applied for some jobs in Austin...i hope to make at least $25 as a crt with ACLS with 16 yrs experience...I'm going baxk to school to finish my RRT...I graduated in 1996...but I think the "STUPID" NBRC is going to make me retest my CRT...even though I thought I was grandfathered into the system that said I could just challenge the RRT exam..

I think I'll just keep PRN positons to make a little more..I'll just get insurance thru my wifes employer..she doesnt work in health care.

what is the concept of shiftwise?

Mark:
It looks the SA area is at the same pay scale as Austin. Generally the pay ranges from 21-22 for CRTT and about 23-24 for RRT. I hear you loud and clear and also feel 21-22 is at the low end of the scale for survival for Central Texas. Twenty two dollars an hour doesn't get you far if you have kids and a mortagae.

Hi im from the Rio Grande Valley and persuing an education in RT does anyone know the demand down here and the pay? I have been recognized with honors and im a member of one of the largest organization of Phi Theta Kappa, I also speak spanish and sign language do you think i have a chance? Otherwise, I would like to change my major to something else...any suggestions?

Hello Karen, to answer your question, jobs are pretty scarce to come by in the summer time for RTs, we're almost like migrant workers, in that, the demand for our services goes up, in the winter months usually from late Oct thru April, when pediatrics numbers begin to climb due to rsv and bronchiolitis admissions. The upper valley hospitals tend to pay the most, but I have noticed that pay scales have declined a bit in the past 3 yrs. The lower valley salaries tend to be about $5/$10 less than the Mcallen/Edingburg area. Yes, I have checked into jobs in San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston thinking I would like to relocate but in reality the pay scales are really low. It was very discouraging to learn this from post from other fellow RTs in forums like these. Plus those upper state places usually want you to have at least 2 yrs of experience as an RRT in acute care settings, especialy NICU. Most places (in RGV) will begin to float you into these areas once you go thru adult floors and maybe adult ICU. Get some experience in the RGV and then try to apply. I have worked at Mcallen Medical Center, Knapp, Valley Regional Medical Center, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, Valley Baptist Medical Center, Brownsville Medical Center, Edingburg Childrens Hospital, Edingburg Regional Medical Center, Harlingen Medical Center, Dolly Vinsant Hospital, Mcallen Heart Hospital, and currently at a Corpus Christi hospital. So as you can see I have been around for 16 yrs to know what I am talking about, some of the places I mentioned I worked for were as a prn or agency employee. The current agency pay down here is $34 an hr in case you were wondering. I hope this helps.

Oh yeah , another sure way to land a job is to be willing to work nights...make sure to put that in your application. If you plan to continue going to school. You might not want to mention that fact...employers want someone they think they'll be able to rely on and not have to worry about working with thier school schedules...this stuff usually gets your application over looked when they review the apps. Good luck to all. Just get you foot in the door and get yourself hired.

RC in Texas in Georgetown, Texas said: I recently relocated to Austin, Texas from California. Before relocating, I had contacted a registry (will remain nameless) in Austin, TX. I told them I was certified with 22 years experience in all levels of respiratory care. I was quoted a hourly rate of $40/hour and was told there was high demand for RT's in Texas. Well after making the move to Texas, I was told a completly different story than from initial phone conversartion. The rep. from this registry did some back peddling and revised her quote of $40/hr to $28/hr. Then when on to say, "they haven't had a need for RT's in months." With this in mind I decided not to sign up with them. As a result, I submitted my resume to various hospitals in Austin. Within a week I received two interviews from two major hospitals. One hospital quoted me $20/hr and the other $22/hr. That's 50% less than what I was making in CA. Huge difference!

How do fellow RT's make it on such low wages? Are unions utilized in Texas healthcare?

I just can't believe you whining about your payscale as I am sure your cost of living being less such as homes being five hundred thousand and a government that is so lost.

WHen you move you should considet other actors beside your salary, I would develop a budget and compare the costo of living-Government Hospitals in small communities still pay going rate but you hawe lower class of living and if your job offere tuition assisstance, insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, you are luck. Respiratory THerapists have always been one of the loweer paying jobs but home health is an option and going into medical coding is a great business and is not long progran but can done as consultant. WE all come to making the decisions of what is there after the years of working. BJ

Another point I have two Masters also a officer in the reserve when i got gere to do case mamagement with severly disbled and handicapped kids,You have to be bi lingual and Speak Spanish to have the job. It kind of corked me as living all over the word, people who were seeking assistance had to learn English but this has turned around and we have to throw our language aside to learn another instead others learning English which regular citizernhip
classes required them to speak , learn to read and write the English language and become American, not the opposite. This is were different hiring practices have occured. I would try a VA hospital as least they have a promotion system and that is what I liked about it.

RC in Texas in Georgetown, Texas said: I'm diffinately going to have to look into Dalles. I totally agree 20-22/hr is a JOKE.

Thanks
RC

YOU HAVE TO REALIZE that most hospitals especially in Dallss, Parkland, baylor PREBsreterian all right here , will give you a forty hour weekend
and you work from fris afternoon until monday am and then went to my activey duty tour and tokcall.

The south is not known for unions and to seek a job with them you need to check the VA hospitals that have promotion systems and set wages when you move aroung, i.e. your job wage in CA would be the one you would be offered if they wanted you.

Jobs also offer you under forty hours so they do not have to pay for benefits. I had military benifits so I never had to worry about that but you are going have to see if Resp Therapist is all you want to be as with home heatlth the changed Memos that patients do no have to be checked monthly so home health agency quit hiring so many. Good Luck.