New Grad in Derm- in training beginning contract discussions

[Luke]

Hey everyone, 

 

I graduated in May 2016 and began working at a dermatology practice in Rhode Island back in July 2016.  The terms of the position have never really been detailed.  They brought on 2 new PAs (myself and my classmate- who had a previous relationship with this practice before PA school).  We agreed to a salary of ~42k during the training period, and are now beginning  discussions about booking our own schedules starting in Dec-Jan (the 6 month mark).

We need to start having serious conversations about base salary, productivity bonuses, benefits, malpractice, etc. Can anyone provide of a range that I can keep in mind as I move forward with these convos.  I can find info about mean salaries for Derm PAs, but its harder to find info about new grads with almost no experience, as I'm not totally sure what if any value I can bring to the practice initially.  Part of the problem is that this practice, although they have 1 experienced PA and 2 NPs on staff, they have never hired new grads.  

 

Thanks in advance!!

 

LD

[savannarae5169]

Congrats on the derm job!  I think you touched on the most important thing, which is you don't know what you're worth to the practice yet.  If you're able to work hard, you'll likely be very valuable and that will come in handy for negotiations.  I took an offer that on paper looked a little low (and still did fine my first year), but then when it came time to negotiate I was able to really know what I wanted.  There are some great negotiation resources if you specifically google derm pa contract or salary.  Most derm offers are going to be base salary plus some type of production.  Since your practice already has PAs, your structure will probably be similar to theirs, whether that's tiered based on your production or not.  Anyways, my advice would be to be open to a lower salary the first year if you're able to work in that after a year your negotiations will be done based on your productivity.  Let me know if you have any other more specific questions. 

[loliz]

Since you have already been working with them for nearly 6 months, this should take you out of the "new grad" offer that may be very low. If they say- well- you are a new grad,point out that you have spent the last 6 months diligently learning how to work under their system and being mentored by their physicians. You are worth more to them now than you were in May and should be treated as such. 

[marktheshark89]

I for one am hoping that was 42k for 6 months work, not 42k annually prorated over 6 months.

[EMEDPA]

95K plus a full benefits package would be my starting point....

[PC2ED]

the AAPA salary report might help you too. just find someone with an active account and ask him/her to download the report and send to you. it's free for them.

[JPMiller]

42k a year is F'ed. Period. You're not an MA. You finished school, you should be getting a full paycheck. I'd take that 6 months experience in derm and be making 6figures plus somewhere else. I guarantee that they were making WAY more than that off of you. I get full access to my billing info, and I brought in 52k in the first 3 weeks to my clinic. STOP taking "training" salaries! PLEASE. It is bad for our entire profession!

[PAS2014]

How do you counter on a training salary? I just was offered a (crap) vague $60k training salary. I'm contemplating my retort and counter. Would love some insight.