Survey: Cath lab wages, job satisfaction stabilize post-pandemic

Editor's Note

According to the 2023 Wage Report from consultancy Springboard Healthcare, cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) technologist and nurse wages have begun to stabilize in 2023, 3 years after the pandemic, Cardiovascular Business September 19 reports. Permanent nurses saw a modest wage increase of 3.7%, while travel nurses experienced a 9% decline, though they still earn about 49% more than permanent staff.

Despite the decrease in travel nurse demand, travelers continue to command a pay difference of $24.73 more per hour on average. Job satisfaction has surged, with 73.6% of cath lab staff reporting satisfaction with their wages, up from 46% in 2021. Similarly, 73.2% reported satisfaction with their employers.

The report highlights regional wage variations, with the West Coast offering the highest pay. Permanent staff in this region can earn up to $60.65 per hour, while travelers may earn as much as $81.89. In contrast, the lowest wages were found in the Midwest, with permanent staff earning $45.99 per hour and travelers in the South making $71.36. The national averages are $51.02 for cath lab nurses and $48.32 for technologists.

On-call rates also rose by 11.93%, with regional variations ranging from $7.98 per hour in the West to $5.49 in the South. Overall, the report suggests the job market for cardiovascular technologists and nurses is stabilizing, but with continued demand for both permanent and contingent staff due to high cardiac risks among patients.