Do you hear whispers of the going rates for locum sonographers in the tea room? Do you wonder how it is that these rates can vary so much? Allow us to give this conversation some context…
Let’s Get Our Bearings
It’s important to clarify that we are talking about locum sonographer rates when you locum with an agency.
Sonography pay rates can vary massively depending on whether you are looking at a permanent contract (with leave benefits etc), a casual contract, locuming via an agency or locuming with your own ABN (see our blog on LOCUMING BASICS if you want more info on the differences).
When locuming with an ABN, the rate negotiated will include your superannuation (as opposed to an agency hourly rate, which will have that in addition) and the cost of your time to do the negotiations, invoicing and subsequent admin.
For the purpose of this article we are specifically referring to locuming as a sonographer with an agency.
One of the key reasons a songrapher might prefer to locum through an agency as opposed to independently is so they can leave the pay rate/conditions conversations to the agency…. Let’s face it; negotiating can take time to perfect and it’s not always easy to advocate for yourself!
We thought it would be useful to break down and dispel the common myth that rates are randomly generated without much regard or consideration and that they are driven by the agency. Negotiator skills are certainly important, however there are many more ingredients used to determine the hourly rate for a sonographer locum.
Let’s break it down and put them under the microscope!
Sonographer-Based Reasons
Sonographer Experience – We are not just refering to the number of years since graduation.
We are considering what types of pathologies you’re familiar and comfortable with.
What your professional background is generally (and will this bring transferable skills into the locum role)
Your experience in locuming.
At Sonos For Sonos, we like to consider attitude at this stage in the game, as well.
Dual radiographer/sonographer vs sonographer.
This one’s pretty simple…duals are a rather sought after bunch! As is confidence and competence in both modalities in a sole practitioner role.
A dual radriographer/sonographer in certain locations is going to be worth a lot more to the site than a single modality trained clinician (sonographer).
Sonographers’s skills list (inclusions/exclusions)
For whatever reason, be it lack of exposure, injury or simply burnout, some sonographers have limitations or preferences regarding scans they can or will perform.
This is always carefully noted, communicated and considered when negotiating with any site for a locum placement and will, at times, impact the rate negotiation.
The sonographer dates/availability
Do they fit exactly with the site’s needs? Will the sono be there long enough to make it financially viable for the site.
Work Ethic
Equally as important is a sonographer’s work ethic and attitude towards the team environment they will be entering. Ultrasound is not solely about technical skill, bed side manner and being an enthusiastic, willing team player is essential and is also considered when negotiating sonographer locum rates.
Site-Based Reasons
Obviously there is no #locumlife without sites in need, so they are inevitably part two to the key ingredients for this rate recipe! The nitty gritty that they are considering when entering rate negotiations include:
Type of site
Government hospital vs private clinic and their billing system.
Some sites have EBAs which set the rate across the board for any locum entering their facilities, while others may have slightly more wiggle room and ability to be flexible on the budget front.
Staffing levels and specific skill coverage
Specific to period of the locum and therefore actual need for an additional sono.
If a site is looking at potentially having no cover whatsoever, they may be inclined to consider a higher rate than if they can manage without a locum for a period of time.
Time of year
Budgets for a locum can swell and dwindle depending on the time of year.
Priorities and values of the site.
Sounds token but the way a site runs their business can make a big difference.
Additional costs of engaging a locum sono.
When you calculate accommodation, travel and potentially a hire car, this can sometimes add up to a rather substantial bill (!!) which can subsequently affect what the site can afford as an hourly rate.
On that note, it must also be acknowledged that any business that looks at their numbers (most!) is always going to be considering the alternative (namely closing a scanning room, rather than engaging a locum) and will know specific dollar values on how much they will be willing to spend on a locum before it becomes more sensible to consider an alternative.
Site’s state location.
Yep. We said it. And we’re looking at you WA with your ridiculously high paid competing mining roles and geographical challenges 😏
The Bottom Line
Sonographer skills, experience and work ethic as well as specific site-based needs and perspective, results in locum rates varying widely from sonographer to sonographer and placement to placement.
Interested to know more? – GET IN TOUCH and we’ll be able to answer your questions, break things down further and give you an estimate!
Rest assured, we are passionate about what we do and work hard to provide fair and competitive rates to all our locum sonographers!
