Hi everyone,

I’m a new grad PTA about to take the NPTE in January, and I’m feeling torn about some job offers. I wanted to ask for advice about pay and whether I’m undervaluing myself. Also I have been hesitant and apprehensive to even applying to jobs even while I haven’t taken and passed the boards.

For context, I did my last clinical rotation at an inpatient Level 1 trauma center, and before I left, they verbally offered me a position. Now, they’ve sent an official offer for $26.50/hour full-time with benefits. I feel like I owe them since they were the first to offer, and I pretty much said I’d take it during my rotation.

However, I recently had an interview with a short/long-term care facility that needs help badly. They offered me the job on the spot (full-time with benefits and a flexible schedule). When they asked about pay, I said $30/hour, and the interviewer said they’d run it by the regional director. I haven’t received an official offer yet.

I’m torn because I feel like $26.50 is low, and with my Master’s in Public Health and BS in Biology (even though they aren’t directly related to the position), I feel like I’m worth more. I also don’t want to burn bridges with the trauma center since they’ve been so supportive, but I’m not sure what to do.

Any advice on negotiating or choosing between these opportunities would be greatly appreciated. How low is $26.50/hour for a new grad in inpatient? Am I asking for too much at $30/hour in another setting?