Day rate or hourly rate: how to compare locum pay

Some clinics pay a fixed amount for the shift. Others pay by the hour. Every job card on JomLocum shows which one it is.

• RM 350 / day means RM 350 for each day you work.
• RM 45 / hour means you are paid for each hour you work.

Work out the total

For an hourly job, multiply the rate by the hours. The card shows the hours next to the time, for example 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (8 hrs).

RM 45 / hour for 8 hours is RM 360. A job paying RM 350 / day for the same 8 hours gives you RM 350. In this case the hourly job pays RM 10 more.

What the number does not tell you

• Breaks. Ask if the lunch break is paid. An 8 hour shift with one unpaid hour is 7 paid hours.
• Travel. A clinic 40 minutes away costs you fuel, tolls and time. A slightly lower rate near home can leave you with more.
• Running late. If the clinic often closes late, ask how extra time is paid before you agree.
• Payment day. On the day, end of the week or end of the month. Agree on this first.

Who sets the rate

The clinic sets the rate when it posts the job. JomLocum does not process your pay or take any part of it. You and the clinic settle it directly.