MT Chat: MT wages/compensation

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#94443 - 04/01/08 02:45 AM MT wages/compensation
Neneski Neneski Junior Member Registered: 07/03/03 Posts: 30 Loc: North Hollywood, CA	I hope this isn't too indelicate, but I did notice that most folks don't like to talk about the big "pay" issue too much, but here it goes: I have only recently been applying for jobs and looking at job boards as I haven't had to look for anyting in more than 5 years, I just hit it lucky with a great company at the time. Times are a changin' and I must find a part time/weekend gig to supplement my income. A lot of the jobs that do post their compensation info have been offering around 8 to 9 cpl (with 5+ years experience!). And horror of horrors there was one today offering 6 cpl for oncology, yikes. Am I going crazy? Is this a new norm that I have been blissfully unaware of? Please say it ain't so. I really love what I do, I mean it, I can't stand office environments and commuting in LA. This career has made me a happy camper. Am I a spoiled brat? I have to admit up until a year ago I was making a really good rate, but the account I was on switched to an overseas company. Is this low cpl a new norm? Is this a temporary thing? Are there hidden tips to share that can help me negotiate a better rate? Thanks guys and gals!
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#94446 - 04/01/08 08:20 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: Neneski]
BizzeeMT BizzeeMT Member Registered: 07/23/01 Posts: 1205 Loc: Midwest	I've come to believe that yep, it's pretty close to the norm at this point. The thing is, if it's not blatant (offering 6 cpl), then it's hidden in the definition of a "line" (VBC versus 65 chars w/spaces) or it's hidden in the process of day-to-day work (the platform, ASR, etc.) IMO, decent wages as an MT are quickly becoming a thing of the past. I'm still trying to figure out how I've managed to go from making nearly $40 an hour (own service) to just over minimum wage (as employee) in the span of 2-1/2 years. Sumpin's not right !!! Edited by BizzeeMT (04/01/08 08:21 AM) _________________________ For I am a Bear of Very Little Brain, and long words bother me." — Winnie the Pooh
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#94610 - 04/03/08 07:01 PM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: BizzeeMT]
Neneski Neneski Junior Member Registered: 07/03/03 Posts: 30 Loc: North Hollywood, CA	Yikes! I can only assume that the lack of replies and/or comments on what I said means that most of the peeps that have looked at my post are quite happy with their wages? I know I took a risk when I posted, as it is not something that is openly discussed. Or are we all just resigned that this is the way it's going to be and that's that? Should I just conclude that I am really, really spoiled for being shocked that 6, 8, 9 cpl is the norm and nothing I can say or do will change things? I am off to sign up for more classes at college now. Yay, at 37 I have to go back to school again! The end is near.
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#94614 - 04/03/08 07:17 PM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: Neneski]
Endiqua Endiqua Member Registered: 04/28/05 Posts: 3451 Loc: At the computer - where else?	Well, I can't say I'd assume that people are HAPPY with the wages they're getting or being offered these days, but 8-9 cpl sounds pretty good, comparatively speaking. (Of course, that also depends on the counting method.) I've seen 5-6 cpl being offered for experienced MTs. (And then there's the cpl for SR editing which is even lower...) I think your question about people just being resigned that this is the way it's going to be pretty much covers it. It comes up now and again here, and there's just not too much to say beyond "it's the way it is." Sorry you didn't get a larger response, Neneski. $\:\)$
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#94622 - 04/03/08 08:35 PM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: Endiqua]
WhitherMT WhitherMT New Member Registered: 04/03/08 Posts: 10	Neneski: I'm sure you know that you can make more money if you work directly for a small medical practice or two or for a small agency with lower overhead. I haven't seen an experienced MT offered 5-6 cents a line since 1983, when I was making 6.5 cents for a 65-character line (I do live in a high-cost area of the United States, though). I've seen ads recently that paid up to 10 cents (a few even more) a line for a 65-character line, so those jobs are out there, but you might have to work the night shift to get 10 at some companies (with benefits). If all you can get is 5 or 6 cents, you should check out other forms of transcription, such as general transcription, which may involve insurance company interviews, or legal (which takes some training in software packages). I was recently quoted 12 cents a line for a general transcription job (65-character line), though she does not have work at this moment and it may be sporadic work. Check out the Work at Home Mothers web site as well. Transcriptionists, including MTs, post there and there is good info, just as there is here. Good luck with your courses!
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#94775 - 04/05/08 09:27 PM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: WhitherMT]
2kids3dogs 2kids3dogs New Member Registered: 04/01/08 Posts: 15	Those wages are absolutely insane for an independent contractor and it's people that are willing to work for peanuts that are bringing down the wages for everyone. In 2002, according to The Independent Medical Transcriptionist, nationwide rates were 10-16 cpl. Six years later, according to AAMT/AHDI, rates should be 14-18 cpl. Many physicians outsource to national companies that in turn hire overseas transcriptionists (India) who are willing to work for 4-6 cpl thus they charge unreasonably low rates to the doctors pushing us experienced US independents out of the market. It will turn around, I truly believe that. When a doctor has to go to court with a piece of crap dictation that he got from a foreign outsource and he loses his case because of errors, things will change. I would rather (and have) passed up work that offered 6-8 cpl as an IC (knowing I'm paying for all the equipment, taking all the responsibility and paying all the taxes, getting my own coverage for vacations or sick time) because that's crap. 12 cents per line is the lowest any of us should go as an IC unless you're brand new or just don't give a rat's butt.
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#94789 - 04/06/08 12:03 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: 2kids3dogs]
FarAwayDeb FarAwayDeb Member Registered: 03/15/02 Posts: 2789 Loc: just south of Rochester, NY	Originally Posted By: 2kids3dogs Six years later, according to AAMT/AHDI, rates should be 14-18 cpl. Most of us have figured out that they don't know what they're talking about. The last thing I would listen to them about would be money. Originally Posted By: 2kids3dogs When a doctor has to go to court with a piece of crap dictation that he got from a foreign outsource and he loses his case because of errors, things will change. I wouldn't hold my breath, considering some of the crappy work from poorly trained MTs right here in this country. I've seen better work from overseas, and most of them are at least willing to try to improve, rather than arguing about it like American MTs. "But I've always done it that way!" "But that's what it SOUNDED like he said!" But I agree 8 to 9 cpl (with 5+ years experience), and 6 cpl for oncology is ridiculous. It's also ridiculous to not count the spaces. And voice/speech recognition? We really get ripped off there, with crappy dictators and companies that want to pay 3, 4 or 5 cpl for something that practically has to be retyped. Good thing it's not the job of the AAMT/AHDI to look out for us. _________________________ Good grammar ain't easy.
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#94794 - 04/06/08 03:00 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: FarAwayDeb]
whorn whorn Member Registered: 01/17/08 Posts: 521	Yes, 8-9 cpl is unfortunately the norm these days for experienced MTs. You can do better, but if you lives in a relatively non-populated area and have to rely on national companies for employment I think you would have to look very long and hard for greater compensation than 9 cpl or even 8 cpl. It's a shame.
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#94806 - 04/06/08 11:25 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: whorn]
2kids3dogs 2kids3dogs New Member Registered: 04/01/08 Posts: 15	Originally Posted By: whorn Yes, 8-9 cpl is unfortunately the norm these days for experienced MTs. But are we talking IC/employees or an MTSO? I understand being paid 8-9 cpl if you're working for someone else, that's the norm, but if you're the MTSO there's no way in hades you're getting 10 cpl and paying your employees 8-9 cpl. As for AAMT, I was just stating what they say. I'm not a member and don't intend to be any time soon.
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#94808 - 04/06/08 12:01 PM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: 2kids3dogs]
BizzeeMT BizzeeMT Member Registered: 07/23/01 Posts: 1205 Loc: Midwest	8 to 9 cpl is actually on the good side of the stick for employee LINE RATE compensation. Benefits must be given consideration when evaluating the big picture for employees. 8 to 9 cpl seems to be pretty much a norm for subcontracting ICs as well. But they don't get the bennies. I don't know many MTSOs charging 10 cpl, though I am sure there are many out there who do. I can't imagine they are doing too well with a profit margin if they are paying for subcontractors. _________________________ For I am a Bear of Very Little Brain, and long words bother me." — Winnie the Pooh
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#94971 - 04/07/08 06:55 PM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: BizzeeMT]
WhitherMT WhitherMT New Member Registered: 04/03/08 Posts: 10	FarAwayDeb, you are correct that in the transition to speech recognition transcriptionists' wages are lowered as compared to straight transcription. If American MTs had a professional association which vigorously advocated on their behalf, this organization would conduct its own study of what productivity gains were, in fact, realized in the switch to SR. I very much doubt that they would find that productivity had doubled on average. A professional organization which truly advocated for its membership would also have something to say about the MT apprenticeships issue which is unfolding now. They would be lobbying on behalf of American MTs as others are lobbying for these apprenticeships to go to India (as quoted in a news item posted here recently). Have they done so? I have not heard of it if they have. If so, many thanks to them. If not, imagine the American Medical Association or any other professional association not advocating on behalf of its membership.
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#95005 - 04/08/08 09:40 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: Neneski]
Kittie Kittie New Member Registered: 04/08/08 Posts: 3	Hi, I too am 37 and taking classes again. My husband keeps telling people he is seeing a college girl.... Are the current pay rates discouraging you? I have worked as a paralegal in the professional field for approx. 15 years and personally, I think the paycut is a sacrifice I am willing to make to be able to work from home when I want.... Thanks for your encouraging post and please let me know your thoughts!! HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!
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#95014 - 04/08/08 10:42 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: Kittie]
Wordcraftr Wordcraftr Junior Member Registered: 02/11/08 Posts: 80 Loc: Midwest coast	Well, it seems that my 8 cpl is unfortunately about the best I can get. Sad thing. But I don't know about the business transcription thing being more lucrative. I think it depends on how fast you type. I gave up a business transcription job because it paid by the hour, and at $12.75 an hour, I was making less than my MT job. Of course, I don't type fast and furiously every day. I have off days. So in the end I don't make what I used to make when I had a going-out-to-work job. I do miss the benefits. _________________________ Gravity. It's not Just a good idea. It's the Law.
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#95015 - 04/08/08 10:47 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: Kittie]
BizzeeMT BizzeeMT Member Registered: 07/23/01 Posts: 1205 Loc: Midwest	Quote: I think the paycut is a sacrifice Unfortunately, it is exactly that attitude that has caused our wages to go down!! Those who feel staying at home is a "benefit" are sorely mistaken (wait till you do it) and those who think it's a benefit with a monetary value are also sorely mistaken. We need to be paid based on skills and knowledge, just like most other jobs, and the fact that it can be done remotely should never be a consideration in lieu of pay. "I'll do it for less because I can do it from home" is not an accepatable reason for lower wages. _________________________ For I am a Bear of Very Little Brain, and long words bother me." — Winnie the Pooh
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#95019 - 04/08/08 11:08 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: BizzeeMT]
gr8nurse gr8nurse New Member Registered: 04/03/08 Posts: 2 Loc: Christiansburg,Va	I have to agree with Bizzeemt. There are many reason we want to work from home, but does that make this work any different from going to an office? I am still researching schools, and hope to attend one in the near future. I have been reading this forum for about a week now, and I would think that working from home would be more productive than going to an office. I have worked in an office and know how distracting that can be. I also believe a newbie would probably work more than 8 hours a day, trying to gain knowledge, and speed. Those that are old hand at it, should be paid for their experience. _________________________ live life so the preacher doesn't have to lie at your funeral.
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#95021 - 04/08/08 11:38 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: gr8nurse]
WhitherMT WhitherMT New Member Registered: 04/03/08 Posts: 10	Yes, BizzeeMT, you have nailed it. I also think that this attitude among some women is at least part of the reason why women's work is paid lower than men's work (no offense to the lady who likes working at home. I understand where you're coming from). I very much wish that an organization could be born which vigorously lobbied for the interests of American MTs. I would join in a heartbeat if I thought that it would truly advocate tirelessly for us. Anyone out there who is good at this kind of thing who would like to be the leader of such an organization? If so, step forward and we will applaud (and join). We all work far too hard and have too much skill and knowledge to be increasingly cut out of the profits loop. While we are making profits for others, we should also get a reasonable piece of the pie. MTs need a grassroots movement. Power to the MTs!!! LOL!!!!!
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#95025 - 04/08/08 12:15 PM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: Kittie]
sono_io sono_io Member Registered: 02/08/05 Posts: 154	Originally Posted By: Kittie Thanks for your encouraging post Which part did you find encouraging?
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#95096 - 04/09/08 05:32 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: sono_io]
Neneski Neneski Junior Member Registered: 07/03/03 Posts: 30 Loc: North Hollywood, CA	Wow lots of great responses and differing ideas, very cool. I guess I am frustrated because I am one of those work at home types who didn't have to, due to kids or whatever, I just wanted to get away from soul sucking clique offices and nagging overbearing bosses. I am a hard worker so the comments from friends/family/random people on the street when I mention what I do and where I work is generally something like "oh you get to do whatever you want whenever you want, like eating bon bons and watching Oprah." Those things make me cringe, I am actually a single, childless actively dating 30 something, so the at home mom thing is not my driving force. I got into this finding I enjoyed it, I am a good typist and a workaholic. No more commute. No more fretting over what to wear to the office. No more rushing to get back from lunch with co-workers cause if you didn't clock back in on time the boss would see it and; cue ominious music, Dun! Dun! Dun! I just figured that the better I got, the more money I'd make, not vice versa. That is essentially my frustration. I'm taking a Journalism class and would like to go into newspaper or magazine writing. Hopefully that is a profession that won't reduce your wages as you progress and get better. Thanks again for reading my post folks. I've been coming here for several years and appreciate the community and comraderie.
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#95098 - 04/09/08 07:57 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: BizzeeMT]
utahmomof4 utahmomof4 Junior Member Registered: 02/27/08 Posts: 50 Loc: Utah	Originally Posted By: BizzeeMT Quote: I think the paycut is a sacrifice Unfortunately, it is exactly that attitude that has caused our wages to go down!! Those who feel staying at home is a "benefit" are sorely mistaken (wait till you do it) and those who think it's a benefit with a monetary value are also sorely mistaken. We need to be paid based on skills and knowledge, just like most other jobs, and the fact that it can be done remotely should never be a consideration in lieu of pay. "I'll do it for less because I can do it from home" is not an accepatable reason for lower wages. I completely agree. Great post. _________________________ Lori "I homeschool my kids because I've seen the village and I don't want it raising my kids."
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#95110 - 04/09/08 10:01 AM Re: MT wages/compensation [Re: WhitherMT]
Julie W8 Julie W8 Member Registered: 01/10/99 Posts: 3481 Loc: Los Angeles, CA USA	Originally Posted By: WhitherMT I very much wish that an organization could be born which vigorously lobbied for the interests of American MTs. I would join in a heartbeat if I thought that it would truly advocate tirelessly for us. Anyone out there who is good at this kind of thing who would like to be the leader of such an organization? If so, step forward and we will applaud (and join). I hate to put a pin in your bubble, but this is exactly why there isn't one. Everyone says they're willing to join but nobody wants to do the work. Applauding means $#@!, ya know? Being an advocate or an activist takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears. It costs - in time and money. Ask yourself why someone else would be willing to do it if you aren't willing to do it. _________________________ MT Exchange MT Registry
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