Golden Scalpel
Work optional. Life intentional.
A Diagnostic for Physicians
The W-2
True Cost Calculator
What is your real hourly rate? Most physicians are surprised. Enter three numbers. The answer will bother you.
Three Numbers
Tell the truth. The math will do the rest.
Annual W-2 Salary
gross, before tax
$
Base, bonus, and RVU. The number on your contract.
Hours per Week
all of them
hrs / wk
Clinical, charting, call from home, meetings, email. Honest count.
Weeks Worked per Year
52 minus real PTO
weeks
Subtract vacation you actually took. Sick leave. CME days.
Your True Hourly Rate
$—.00
Per Hour Worked
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Stated vs. True
Stated
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True
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Hours That Don't Show Up on the Pay Stub
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Clinical · 40 hr base
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Shadow Work
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The Math
How the number gets honest.
Annual salaryWhat the contract says
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Total hours per year—
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Gross hourly rateSalary divided by hours actually worked
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Estimated tax burdenFederal, state, and FICA — 32% blended
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Net hourly take-homeWhat actually lands in the account
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— Golden Scalpel
One of Twelve
This is one tool in The Golden Scalpel Suite.
Twelve diagnostics for physicians who suspect there is another way. The Manifesto. The frameworks. The math. The exit.
Enter the Suite