The Factors That Will Make a World of Difference to a Rewarding Telehealth Career
Are you considering applying for telehealth social work jobs?
There’s a big demand for your knowledge and experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a much higher-than-average jobs growth of 13% between 2019 and 2029 for social workers. Plus, the nature of telehealth jobs could provide the work/life balance you desire.
One question you want answered is how much you could earn as a telehealth social worker. The reality is that your earnings potential is very much dictated by you.
In this article, you’ll learn what factors affect how much you could earn in telehealth social work, and how you can increase your earnings to perfectly compliment a rewarding work/life balance as a telehealth social worker.
Average Pay in Telehealth Social Work
The average salary for a social worker according to PayScale is $55,070. However, as well as choosing part-time or full-time hours, working in telehealth means you have more control over when and how you work.
Some companies pay per session, while others pay per hour, and you’ll usually be paid fortnightly. Therefore, in telehealth there is huge potential to up your earnings if consult volumes are high.
A big tip is that when you’re searching for telehealth social worker jobs, be sure to enquire about the volumes of patients you’ll be receiving.
Let’s look at other important factors that will have a big impact on how much you can enhance your paycheck in telehealth.
Your Specialty
If you have a specialty in certain fields of social working, this can be incredibly attractive to employers. Such areas of expertise include:
- Veterans and active military
- Children and families
- Women and girls
- The terminally ill
- The elderly
- Trauma and disaster relief
Your specialty will be reflected in your pay rates. If you don’t already specialize, invest in yourself. It will deliver greater job satisfaction and higher financial reward.
Your Experience
With the qualifications in your back pocket, demonstrating experience in providing support in expert fields will pump up your earnings further. Basic average salary of $55,070 is likely to increase by $10,000 as your career develops beyond 10 years.
Your Location
Working in telehealth, you are no longer limited to work within reach of your home. You can practice in different states where pay rates may be much higher – provided you obtain the relevant licenses.
The highest rates of pay are found in New York, Florida, Texas, and California. But the more licenses you have, the more valuable and opportunistic you can be.
Your Employer
Who you work for will play a part in how much you earn in telehealth. When considering telemedicine jobs, ask about the provider’s consultation volumes and pay structures. Also, enquire about the benefits that you may be offered (and which all improve the value of the total package). These may include:
- Health insurance benefits
- 401(K)
- Paid sickness days and time off
- State license reimbursements
- Paid disability
- Bonuses
- Provided equipment to work remotely
Sign up to a staffing agency, who will have a wealth of reputable companies already on their books waiting for vacancies to be filled. The best will offer you invaluable support during the recruitment process and beyond.
Extra Tips to Help Boost Your Pay
There are other tactics you can employ to boost your earnings in telehealth jobs. These include:
· Working during high season
See your paycheck put on a little weight in the fall and winter when healthcare services are under increased demand.
You’ll also know how times like today, in the middle of a pandemic, you’re needed now more than ever. While you’re helping the sun to shine again, make hay too.
· Working nights and weekends
You’ll be compensated for the inconvenience of working unsocial hours. Ask companies if this is a service they require. Don’t forget, if you’re covering numerous states, time zones may work in your favor, too.
· Taking the tax breaks
The 1099 tax break will write off any work-related expenses for you if you’re working as an independent contractor.
· Setting yourself a target
You’ll need self-discipline and motivation to adjust to working remotely, so set yourself a financial goal to keep you focused and organized with money management. You’ll soon see the difference to not only your paycheck, but how you spend it, too!
Summing Up
If you’re a social worker with key skills who is considering taking the telehealth path – especially after hearing about the great work/life balance telehealth offers healthcare professionals – the advice and tips above should help you to maximize your earning potential.
The question now is, how do you find a great job as a telehealth social worker? We’ve got that covered. Discover your next job here at TeleHealth Gigs.
