Quick ? Are CPST paid or is it volunteer only?

U

Unregistered

Guest

• Feb 4, 2009

• #1

Just wondering a friend and I disagree. Thanks for your help!

 

J

jen_nah

CPST Instructor

• Feb 4, 2009

• #2

Most CPST are volunteers and are not paid. Some are lucky enough to have a job in the field that pays them but those positions are few & far between.

 

M

mommyto4kiddos

Senior Community Member

• Feb 4, 2009

• #3

Volunteer for safe kids, had to pay for the class myself. There are people who do it for their job.

 

April

Well-known member

• Feb 5, 2009

• #4

I would think the ratio is probably something like 90% unpaid to 10% paid. I don't know any techs in real life who DO get paid.

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Feb 5, 2009

• #5

I get a $50 stipend once a month.

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Feb 5, 2009

• #6

Some of it depends on where you live... I've heard there are techs around here who do get paid/charge but I've never met one personally.

 

fyrfightermomma

New member

• Feb 5, 2009

• #7

oops double post

 

fyrfightermomma

New member

• Feb 5, 2009

• #8

Just depends. Around here I know no individual or "private" techs that just do it because they want to. All our area techs do it at their paying job, so police, sheriff, firefighter, health department, children's hospital etc.

I am one that is lucky enough to get paid, but I'd do it for free

ETA: To make it clearer, I dont' actually get paid for the seat check itself or by the parent or anything. I'm paid by my employer for the hours I worked, not the car seat install itself

 

Mommy0608

New member

• Feb 5, 2009

• #9

Yep, mainly a volunteer thing. I am not affiliated with any agency or anything, I do this only because I have a passion to help keep kids safe in the car. I don't get paid, and I'm okay with that. Knowing I've helped a child ride safer is more than enough payment for me.

 

carseatcoach

Carseat Crankypants

• Feb 5, 2009

• #10

Sometimes I get lunch at a SafeKids check.

 

M

Maedze

New member

• Feb 5, 2009

• #11

chickabiddy said:

Sometimes I get lunch at a SafeKids check.

Click to expand...

:ROTFLMAO:

But the pizza is so good!

 

Jeanum

Admin - CPS Technician Emeritus

Staff member

• Feb 5, 2009

• #12

As a volunteer CPST, the rewards are primarily knowing that one is helping others keep their kiddos safer in the car and all it takes is one carseat/one child to make a difference. The first child whose carseat I helped check at the seat check at the end of my CPST class was involved a crash a few weeks later, and thankfully the baby and her mama were fine. Sometimes we're fed lunch/pizza if time permits at busy check events, but mostly it's the intangible rewards that come from helping. :thumbsup:

 

M

Minniemouse

Senior Community Member

• Feb 5, 2009

• #13

I'm a volunteer CPST and as far as I know I am the ONLY tech in our area that is certified outside of their job. All the other techs I know are nurses, work for the health department or are state cops.

I am lucky that our local SK coalition is really great and they LOVE that I am eager to volunteer on Saturdays (since it is difficult to get the other techs to want to work on the weekends). The coalition has been nothing but supportive and inclusive...treating me just like everyone else.

They even PAID for my certification class!! :thumbsup:

I get "paid" with free lunches although I'm going to start volunteering at a check station once a month and they are going to "gift" us w/ gift cards for volunteering. Not bad since I would do it w/o the gift cards!

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Feb 5, 2009

• #14

Most techs I know do get paid, but not specifically for being a technician. (Most are healthcare workers or law enforcement, and it's part of their job.)

I volunteer with my local coalition, and I also (usually) charge for private checks. Most don't, though.

 

Nisha

New member

• Feb 5, 2009

• #15

For me, it's volunteer work. I get most of my mileage paid (with a cap, usually) and free food during the checks though so it's only my time.

 

J

jen_nah

CPST Instructor

• Feb 6, 2009

• #16

I started off just like pretty much everyone else on here. I was just a passionate mom that got certified but was never paid monetarily. About 2 1/2yrs ago I was offered a position at our local hospital that is the SK sponsor. My main job is being a car seat tech & coordinating our fitting station & getting it staffed. I am paid by our local hospital and not throw SK.

I also am a health care educator too. I do a lot of expecting parent classes.