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I currently employ an associate/employee on an arrangement of a base wage (still fair) & then 40% of anything over a set amount. I think it has worked out well for him in that his hourly rate is around $50 AUS/hour (not including super). Now I think that's pretty reasonable given the person has no management responsibility & literally turns up & does the work required. He clinically is good & I am happy from that point of view. He has approx. 6 years experience. Does that sound fair & reasonable? I think it does but keen to hear others opinions.

Reading between the lines I would hazard a guess that your employee has asked for a pay rise. An obvious point is that podiatrists accross Aust. are in really short supply. In terms of associate renumeration I would be thinking about that first and foremost. What would be the cost to your business if he/she left to work elsewhere? The practice closest to mine took nearly 6 months to find a replacement when their 'full time' pod left due to a pay and condition dispute. 50 odd dollars per hour seems ok to me - however thats not really the point. What are they worth to you!!!

There are one or two 'good' business people in the north and west suburbs of Melbourne that pay $22 an hour with no % for orthotic sale etc. These employees should have done a trade or become a hairdresser etc.

Hi Mark,

I dont think you have anything to worry about, it sounds fair to me. If your employee's work ethic is to turn up and do what is required, then I think your proposal should stay as it is. However, if your associate consistently shows diligence, initative and works hard, then I think it's worthwhile that he/she is acknowledged in some way or another. How you choose to address this though is up to you...

Cheers,

Dan

An Associate is just that.

A basic guaranteed wage is sensible as it is the responsibility of the practice owner to do the marketing of the business.

40% of revenues generated seems fair .

Does this also have the Super An on top?

So as a valued employee whom you do not wish to lose why not offer them the following:

The option of buying into the practice and therefore getting more of the spoils but also half the drudgery of running the practice.

My bet is they will say that the current status is acceptable.

More money for much more out of office hours work will not be as exciting or rewarding as normal office hours and no further responsibility.

regards David

I think that is very fair, after all, you have to pay all the bills out of what's left and put up with the business hassles (and believe me, I have spent a lot on 'medicinal' whisky these past few months!!) . I pay 50/50, which equates to $50 per hour, extra for orthoses and much more (almost 66%) for PNAs - but still can't get another experienced pod to cover the hours that I want. It doesn't seem to matter what you offer, they can always get what they want somewhere else......what do we do??

Thanks for everyone's comments. It has been touched on but what are the common percentage splits for associates? For GP's I've seen it up to 60% but they obviously can (on average) generate more per hour than your general Podiatrist (unless you prescribe high numbers of orthos). Has anyone got an estimate of the expense/cost per hour or per patient? I know this will vary. Figures like this must be around & I would imagine I could go to my accountant & he could work this out. But whether anyone has a rough idea?

And just replying to Daniel, isn't the incentive the reason why we have percentages? You work harder you generate more.

Related thread:
Salary or Percentage Pay for Private Practice

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Definitely! It's really hard for me to go any further with this though as I have absolutely no idea about your associate’s wk ethic, apart from what you have stated above. If he's had 6yrs wk experience already and is performing well then I think the current arrangement is fair. There is definitely a line you have to draw though in terms of how much your willing to pay him. Any reasonable employee should understand this, and if they don’t, then that should tell you something. In terms of what I said in my last post re: "acknowledgement", doesn't necessarily have anything to do with monetary compensation.

Regards,

Dan

Hi, On a similar note.... I am a new grad in melbourne currently working for a private practice, doing mainly domicilliary work and a few clinical sessions.
As I am new on the block, I would like some advise on reasonable pay schedules from those more experienced members (I am aware of awards etc, just want a general idea of whats happeneing out there).
I am currently on an hourly rate of low 20's p.h. + super. I see myself as a reasonable competent podiatrist. I am contemplating requesting a split pay (wage and percentage), possibly
$15 p.h + 30%. DOes this sound unreasonable/reasonable?
My employer would like me to believe I am on a very exclusive wage.....I am not convinced.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi Melbpod,

I've got a nephew doing nightfill at Coles for low $20 per hour. You have a Bachelor degree in an in-demand profession. A no brainer really - your employer is taking the piss!

Chris

Thanks Chris. I appreciate your bluntness. Now I can stop questioning myself as to is that all I deserve.

Thanks

Morning!

I currently have the following position on offer if your interested. A new Grad should be earning at least 50K plus bonuses, your at least 10-20 k short.

regards
stuart


Due to our continuing expansion an experienced Podiatrist full time position has been created at our eastern suburbs clinic group.

You will be joining a team of 5 Podiatrists in one of Melbourne's leading podiatry practices. All clinic sessions, no dom work, 1st class facilities and full admin support

This is a position that requires an applicant that is serious about a career in podiatry and has a long term commitment with a strong biomechanical and surgery interest.

A generous wage and schedule package (including regular days off) is available starting around 65-70K with regular reviews plus bonuses. Please send applications to our practice manager via e mail to hollowaypodiatry@ozemail.com.au.

Applicants are welcome to tour our facility after applications have been received. Applications close 14.04.08 but interviews will be held prior and we reserve the right to close the offer early.

If you are thinking its time for a change and want your clinical and patient skills respected and be properly remunerated for your experience contact me today.

Stuart Blyth
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