[Histonet] Real Travel vs. Perm Earnings in 2026: A Quick Insight for Your Hiring Strategy

[relia1 at earthlink.net]

Hello Histonetters,

I’ve been having a lot of conversations with histotechs lately, and a
consistent theme keeps coming up: travel pay looks big on paper, but the
real take‑home is much closer to permanent compensation than many labs
realize.

Below is a quick breakdown that may help as you plan your hiring strategy
for 2026.

What Travelers Tell Me They Actually Take Home

Most travelers share that once temporary living costs are factored in,
their earnings look very different from the headline numbers.

*	Weekly gross: $2,000–$2,500
*	12‑week total: $24,000–$30,000
*	Temporary living costs: $8,000–$9,000
*	Real take‑home: typically mid‑$40s to low‑$50s per hour

These numbers reflect what I hear directly from histotechs who have worked
multiple travel assignments.

What Histotechs Value in Permanent Roles

Many techs tell me that when they look at the full picture, permanent roles
often land in the same range once benefits are included. Most perm packages
add $8–$12/hr in real value through:

*	PTO
*	Health insurance
*	Retirement match
*	Predictable schedules
*	No duplicate housing
*	Long‑term stability

That places many permanent roles in the $40–$50/hr equivalent range — right
where travelers end up after expenses.

What This Means for Your Lab

You don’t need to match travel pay dollar‑for‑dollar to stay competitive.
You do have an opportunity to highlight the full value of your permanent
package and the stability your lab offers — two things histotechs
consistently tell me they appreciate.

If you’d like help reviewing your openings or want insight into what
histotechs are prioritizing in 2026, I’m always happy to support your team.

Pam
RELIA Solutions
📞 407‑353‑5070
📧 relia1 at earthlink.net <mailto:relia1 at earthlink.net>  

 

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." - Mark Twain.

 

 

Thank You!
 Pam M. Barker  

Pam Barker
President/Senior Recruiting Specialist-Histology
RELIA Solutions
Specialists in Allied Healthcare Recruiting
5717 Red Bug Lake Road #330
Winter Springs, FL 32708-4969
Phone: (407)657-2027
Cell: (407)353-5070
Toll free: (866)60RELIA or (866)607-3542
E-mail: relia1 at earthlink.net <mailto:relia1 at earthlink.net>    

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