How much call pay should a travel contract pay?
Short answer
There is no single right number. Call pay has two parts: a small hourly rate for being on call, and a much bigger rate when you actually get called in. Check both in writing, plus how many call shifts you must take.
The two kinds of call pay
On-call (or standby) pay is what you get per hour just for being ready to come in. It is usually a few dollars an hour — much lower than your normal rate.
Callback pay is what you get once you are called in and working. Many contracts pay this at time and a half, but some pay your normal rate. That difference adds up fast.
Why the call rule matters more than the rate
In the OR, call can mean many nights and weekends. A contract with a nice weekly number but heavy required call can leave you earning less per hour worked than a lower offer with light call.
Look for how many call shifts per week or month you must take, whether weekends and holidays are included, and how fast you must arrive once called.
Watch for these
No written callback rate, or 'per hospital policy' with no number.
No minimum hours when called in (some contracts guarantee 2 hours, some guarantee nothing).
Call hours that count toward your guaranteed hours — this can lower your pay without you noticing.
Ask your recruiter before you sign
- What is the on-call rate per hour, and what is the callback rate?
- How many call shifts must I take each week, and do weekends or holidays count?
- Is there a minimum number of paid hours when I'm called in?
- Do call hours count toward my guaranteed weekly hours?
- How many minutes do I have to get to the hospital?
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This is general help, not legal or tax advice. Every contract and hospital is different — always read your own contract.