Did you know that healthcare jobs in industry frequently come with a car?

Just imagine not having a car payment but still having a brand new car.

Let’s talk about it.

Many different jobs outside of the clinical space require travel. That travel does not come out of your pocket. Companies will either pay for a car from their fleet, or provide you with a stipend to buy your own car. They will also either reimburse you for mileage or allow you to put mileage on your company credit card. 

If you are offered a stipend, this is usually very generous. The car stipend I received at my last job was $1,000 a month, plus mileage reimburse of around 25 cents a mile. From my experience, these numbers are pretty typical. However, mileage reimbursement does vary from company to company, and the IRS sets guidelines many employers use as a benchmark.

So where can you find healthcare jobs that come with a company car or car allowance? Pretty much for any company that requires travel. Medical device, pharmaceutical, and research companies seem to be where you will find this benefit.

So what job titles should you be searching for? Here are a few: 

I’ve written full breakdowns of several of these roles if you want more details on salary, travel expectations, and qualifications.

1. Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Clinical Educator

These roles often cover a territory and travel to clinics or hospitals for education and training. Because of the mileage involved, many companies provide a company car or car allowance.

2. Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

MSLs travel within assigned regions to meet with providers and key opinion leaders. Travel is built into the role, and company vehicles or generous travel reimbursement is common.

3. Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

CRAs monitor research sites and travel frequently between hospitals and clinics participating in clinical trials. Because travel is a core function of the job, reimbursement and car stipends are very common in this role (when working for a sponsor or CRO, not hospital-employed).

4. Clinical or Field Application Specialist

If you’re training hospitals on new equipment, you’ll likely be on the road. A company car or car stipend is common in these positions.

5. Clinical Liaison Roles

These are highly travel-based roles. Most include either a vehicle, mileage reimbursement, or both.

Keep in mind: benefits vary by company, and not every role includes a vehicle. But in heavily travel-based industry roles, it’s very common.

Travel isn’t for everyone, but for the right person it can mean flexibility, independence, and yes, potentially no car payment.

If you’re exploring options outside of bedside, this is one more benefit many healthcare professionals don’t realize exists.

Benefits vary by company and employer policies change over time, so always confirm details during the interview process.