There is also tremendous variation within hospitals in a given area. Every group is different. Some "salaries" include all the hours you work in a week, not just a 40-hr week. That can be a HUGE difference. Which is better - $100k for a 40-hr week or $140k for a 60-hr week?
And don't forget benefits, which in many cases can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Which is a better offer? A salary of $105k with 5% pension contribution by the group or $95K with a 15% pension contribution by the group? Benefits are a huge issue.
And in the end, compensation will ALWAYS be about supply and demand. If there is plenty of supply in a given area, compensation packages and incentives will tend to be lower. Conversely, in areas where supply is low and demand is higher, the compensation will tend to be higher. BUT - you are the only one that can decide what is important to you. Do you want to accept less and be in a metropolitan area like Atlanta where there is a steady supply of AA's coming out each year - or do you want to work in a smaller town like Albany, GA and make more, but have to live with the entirely different feel and style of living of a smaller town?
Money isn't everything. It doesn't suck - but it isn't everything.
Responses « Back to index | View thread »