Travel sterile technicians are in incredibly high demand in the medical industry at the moment.
If you have the skills and training needed to become a travel sterile tech, then it’s hard to find a more exciting or more lucrative career right now.
If you’re even considering becoming a travel sterile technician, there are some things you need to think about before diving in.
1. The Pay Boom is Still in Effect
In the past few years, sterile processing technician shortages came about from factors mostly unrelated to COVID.
Due to the increased complexity of processing equipment, the number of trained workers in the field has been dwindling for some time.
Because of this, shortages have become almost a universal problem for medical facilities all over the country. This competition among them to bring in quality sterile techs has been the main driver of the pay boom.
So even though the COVID staffing shortages that caused major spikes in pay for other medical travelers have been dissipating, travel sterile technicians can still make 3x–4x what they would make in a staff position.
2. The Right Housing Makes All the Difference
One of the great things about medical travel work is that the agency will pay for almost all your living expenses. This includes per diems for food, travel costs, and, of course, housing.
One of the decisions you will need to make is which type of living accommodations are best suited for your needs.
Although it may be tempting to just go for the cheapest option that allows you to pocket the most amount of money, the best option is usually finding the happy medium between price and comfort.
Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for housing.
Airbnb
Airbnbs are an excellent resource for traveling techs. You’ll be able to find both dirt cheap and luxurious accommodations with one easy-to-use service.
All units will come fully furnished, and the overwhelming majority will have full kitchens, so you can save money making home-cooked meals, allowing you to stay on top of your diet and exercise plans.
Another benefit of Airbnbs is the flexibility they provide. Hosts have the power to waive cancellation fees (if given adequate notice) so you won’t be tied to a place for the entire length of your contract if it doesn’t suit your needs.
The downside is it may be a little tougher finding places you like that are available for your entire contract, so there’s a chance you’ll have to move at some point.
But as a traveler, you’re probably packing light, so it could be as easy as stuffing your suitcase and dropping your stuff off at the new location.
RVs
This option comes with the biggest up-front cost, but in the end, could be the least expensive housing option.
Getting an RV will require a down payment and a monthly cost, but the stipend will far exceed what your payments are.
Once you’re through paying it off, you’ll have a considerable asset to your name, and you’ll be able to save nearly every penny from your housing allowance. Some hospitals will even allow you to connect to their grid to save on electricity, boosting your savings even more.
So, if you’re certain you’ll be able to stick out the travel lifestyle for the long haul and you have some money for a down payment, an RV could be the best option for you.
Hotels
If you’re less concerned about saving tons of money, then extended stays at places like Residence Inn or the Homewood Suites might be for you.
These places come with housekeeping services, laundry services, full kitchens, gyms, and other amenities like pools, spas, and even bars at some locations. This will probably be the most expensive housing option, but it’s hard to put a price on that level of convenience.
This is also a great temporary housing option for when you move to a new city. The first few weeks at a new location will always be the toughest, so staying at a place where people are catering to you for a change allows you to fully focus on your work.
Facebook Groups
There are a number of Facebook groups built by networks of medical travelers looking to help other travelers when they’re traveling.
Groups such as the Gypsy Nurse provides a ton of resources for housing-related questions and can be a goldmine for cheap-and-steady housing while you’re on the road.
3. The Flexibility is Unmatched
The pay for traveling sterile processing techs is so high that, once a job is over, you likely won’t feel compelled to start another contract immediately.
However, since the demand is so high, you always can.
This gives you an incredible amount of time to do a bit of everything… or a bit of nothing, depending on how you like to relax.
The choice is up to you.
Looking for an Assignment? Let’s Talk
If you’re looking for your first sterile tech travel assignment — or if you’re looking for your next assignment — we’re here to help.