Rates
Rates of pay generally depend on:
- the number of hours to be worked
- location of the work - practices in busy areas, e.g. London, are generally able to pay more to a certain degree,
- the qualifications, skills, and experience of the locum.
Vet surgeons.
Length and level of experience is rarely reflected in the rates. Locum rates are not regulated by any of the veterinary bodies, nor any recruitment agency. The rates below serve mainly as a guide and have been obtained by working in the industry and speaking to others who currently work as locums:
- £180-250 per day (a day being on average 10 hours including 1 hours lunch).
- On average £200/day.
- Sole charge positions and highly skilled locums can command the higher rates: £22-25 per hour
- Night or emergency work commands slightly higher rates, at roughly £250-350/night (average 12-14 hours). This will vary according to where you work and depend on your experience
- Night work is usually sole charge and can require emergency work experience. It can involve some stressful situations, so generally commands a higher rate of payment than day rates.Discuss this with your agency or practice.
Some locums charge a standard daily rate, plus a pro-rata rate for time worked after the official finishing time, e.g. £200/day (9am-7pm) and then £25/hour (or part thereof) for time worked after 7pm.
NOTE : Rates can be negotiated with most practices and are not set in stone, however it is advisable to get it agreed in writing for all parties sake.
Furthermore, should work be found via an agency, make sure you are not being short changed your daily rate for the sake of their commision! You are a professional and need to be remunerated accordingly!
Reputable agencies that have been around for some time will recognise and respect this fact, and will try and get you the best rate possible.
Vet Nurses
Rates, again, vary little according to experience. There is currently no regulatory body regulating fees, so the below serve mainly as a guide and have been obtained by speaking to others who currently work in the locum industry.
- Generally £10-14/hour, more experienced vet nurses can command up to £15/hour.
- Night work will demand a higher fee too (£120-160 per night - average 12-14 hours)
