How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Courtney Smith-Kimble

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Updated September 27, 2023

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Travel nursing offers a unique work experience with the opportunity to earn above-average hourly wages. These wages may even exceed those of other registered nurses (RNs) with the same education and credentials.

Travel nurses are typically employed by travel nursing agencies and work assignments across the country wherever nurses are needed. Because each assignment is different, the total annual income for travel nurses can vary significantly. Factors include the details of the pay package, where the assignment is located, and nursing specialty.

On this page you will find the most recent information about travel RN salaries, benefits, specialties, and the states with a high demand for travel nurses.

Fast Facts About Travel Nurses

  • Travel nurses generally earn as much or more than staff nurses with the same experience and qualifications.
  • Lodging reimbursement and tax advantages impact travel nursing salaries.
  • The most in-demand travel nursing specialties include labor and delivery, emergency room, and medical-surgical/telemetry.

Average Pay for Travel Nurses

The average travel nurse salary varies greatly depending on the work assignment. Depending on travel location, these practitioners can earn between $3,000 and $7,000 per week, averaging a 36-hour work week. According to Vivian , a healthcare jobs marketplace, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), travel nurses earn jan average of $2,183 per week, while RNs earn a mean hourly wage of $42.80. However, aspiring travel nurses should note that living on the road leads to additional personal expenses, so the increase in pay accounts for living accommodations.

Max Weekly Pay

Average Total Weekly Pay

Source: Vivian , September 2023

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Travel nursing pay explained.

Travel nurse pay differs from full-time nursing positions because agencies offer hourly rates for each assignment, meaning RNs can shop around and find opportunities with ideal pay. In contrast, RNs working full time at hospitals, physicians' offices, and other facilities usually rely on raises or additional education to increase their earning potential.

Practitioners considering this role also need to explore what take-home pay looks like for travel nurses . Nursing agencies set their own conditions, so pay packages vary. For instance, organizations may offer an hourly base pay with additional stipends to cover housing or meals, while other companies may offer a higher hourly rate to account for additional expenses.

Highest and Lowest Paying States for Travel Nurses

Travel nurse salaries vary by state and region. Locations in need of RNs typically offer more competitive wages. In fact, the popularity of a particular region can influence travel nurses' earning potential. Less popular locations may pay more, while desirable locations may pay less. Likewise, states with a higher cost of living offer higher wages relative to living costs.

According to 2023 data from Vivian, the top-paying states for travel RNs included New Jersey , California, and Alaska. Practitioners also want to consider the highest-paying specialties to determine earning potential which may vary by state. The following section includes the top specialties in demand.

Highest Paying Travel Nurse Specialities

Typically, nursing specialties that lack licensed practitioners offer more pay than other specialties, which further increases earning potential for travel nurses. Higher acuity facilities also offer higher pay, as they need skilled practitioners who can meet their patients' needs. Here are five in-demand specialties for travel nurses.

Labor and Delivery

Emergency room, medical-surgical/telemetry, critical care – intensive care unit, operating room registered nurse, 4 ways to increase pay as a travel nurse.

While travel nurse pay may exceed traditional full-time RN salaries, travel nurses can additionally increase their earning potential by considering factors like demand for specialties, understaffed or unpopular shifts, and locations in need of skilled RNs.

Travel nurses should examine the full benefits package to determine if jobs can provide sufficient take-home pay. For instance, regions with a high cost of living may impact how much practitioners actually earn if stipends do not cover all costs.

Frequently Asked Questions: Travel Nursing Salaries

How much does a traveling nurse make per year.

Travel nurse salaries vary significantly, especially since the outbreak of COVID-19. Factors that can influence earning potential include geographic location and specialty. However, travel RNs should anticipate working 46 weeks a year and earning about $2,183 on a weekly basis .

Do travel nurses get paid more?

Travel nurses typically earn more than full-time salaried RNs because they often take job assignments where there is a nursing shortage. Travel nurse agencies also pay practitioners by the hour and offer additional benefits, including housing and meal stipends.

Is travel nursing worth the money?

Travel nurses generally earn more than salaried RNs. However, practitioners should consider their lifestyle as well. For instance, an RN with a family may not feel the additional pay outweighs time at home, while another practitioner may find the pay suitable and enjoy the travel opportunities.

Do travel nurses get time off?

Travel nurses often do not receive time off since they work hourly and take temporary job assignments. While assignments vary, travel nurses should plan to work for 8-26 weeks at a time. Most travel nurses schedule time off between job assignments.

Learn More About Travel Nurses

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2024 Travel Nurse Salary + Job Outlook

salary of travel nursing

Travel nurses work in specific locations for limited and usually predetermined timeframes of anywhere from 13 to 16 weeks. Though they may work in any type of facility – hospitals, doctors’ offices, and long-term care facilities – they get to choose where they work, which helps prevent boredom. Travel nurses also earn handsome salaries that rival the average salaries of BSN-educated registered nurses (RNs). Here, you will learn more about the average travel nurse salary and what you can expect if you choose this exciting career path.

How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make?

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Travel Nursing | Average Salary + Benefits 2023

If you’re looking to become a travel nurse, you probably have many factors driving your decision, from a desire to help people, expand your skills, or to simply take on a new adventure. But no matter what your motivation for becoming a travel nurse, your total compensation will vary from that of a staff nurse.

There are a lot of different factors with travel nursing that affect your salary and overall pay , like the length of the contract, and your specialty. Because there are so many different factors, there is a lot of conflicting information about travel nurses’ salaries. We’ve broken things down to make it easy for you to get the facts, including what an average travel nurse’s salary is and how much you can expect to make as a travel nurse.

Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!

Travel Nurse Salary

A good starting place to base your travel nursing salary on is the median salary figure for a Registered Nurse in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a Registered Nurse as of 2021 was $77,600 per year. However, because of the in-demand and transient nature of the job of a travel nurse, travel nurses can expect to make, in general, more than the average staff nurse.

For example, one survey of nurses who had found travel nursing positions using a popular employment site found that the average weekly wage of a travel nurse is $2,253 per week, which is approximately $123,198 per year. However, travel nurse salaries ranged from as low as $83,028 to as high as $182,802.

Keep in mind, though, that many travel nurses work different travel positions over the course of the year, so that figure can fluctuate based on the job’s conditions, any overtime, and the flexibility of the nurse’s schedule. Not to mention those non-taxable stipends. Your nursing specialty can also affect your total compensation as some hospitals may pay a premium for specific high-demand specialties.

Additional Travel Nursing Benefits

A travel nurse can expect some additional compensation that a staff nurse might not have access to.

1. Many travel nurses earn sign-on bonuses when signing with a travel staffing agency . 2. Travel nurses may also get referrals if they bring other nurses onto the agency to work, and receive housing and meal allotments. 3. A typical travel nursing position includes a compensation package for the nurse, which lists the base salary, as well as additional stipends, bonuses, and payments the nurse will receive for a total value that can be considerably higher than a staff nurse. That compensation may include the following:

  • Housing , meal, and incidental stipends, which could cover a majority of your bills
  • Travel expense reimbursement for getting to your new nursing assignment
  • Reimbursement for things like your scrubs, books, or nursing supplies
  • Bonuses (signing, referral, stay-on, or longevity)
  • Health insurance, including dental, vision, and medical
  • 401(k) benefits or other retirement options
  • Life insurance options
  • Certification and licensure reimbursement

In some cases, your stipends as a travel nurse will be just that — stipends, which means that you receive them no matter what. So, if you’re able to find cheaper housing, or decide to make a diet of Ramen noodles your go-to, you have the potential to pocket the extra money as well. Most of the time, these stipends are non-taxable, which means you don’t have to report them as additional income come April. You can also get tax breaks for maintaining your full-time home , which equates to extra money in your pocket overall too.

Perks of Travel Nursing You May Not Know

But it’s important to remember that although travel nursing offers a wide range of financial perks, there are so many incredible non-monetary benefits to bravely taking on a travel position!

For example, travel nursing can make you an even better nurse by exposing you to various new learning experiences in and out of the hospital. Not only are you moving to a new city or state, but you are also gaining exposure to diverse patient populations and unique hospital environments. While many career nurses work within the same unit and specialty throughout their careers, travel nurses gain exposure to as many different environments as they desire!

New clinical experiences allow travel nurses increased opportunities to learn new skills and techniques. Travel nursing may even help you better understand how to provide the highest-quality patient care more efficiently.

Here are other travel nursing perks you may not know about yet:

  • Exposure to different hospital procedures and protocols
  • Meet new like-minded travel nurse friends
  • Build professional relationships in different hospitals and other medical facilities
  • Build a more diverse resume
  • Gain independence and confidence in your abilities
  • Learn how to be a better team player and problem-solver
  • See new places and experience different cultures
  • Move to a new area without the long-term commitment
  • Get out of your comfort zone and avoid career stagnation

Travel nurses get to see the nursing profession through many lenses. Who knows — maybe after your next travel assignment, you’ll take your enhanced knowledge to other healthcare facilities and wow them with your nursing prowess!

Highest Paying Cities For Travel Nursing In 2023

Some of the highest-paying cities in the country for travel nursing include the “big” cities that might pop up in your mind immediately, such as San Jose and Oakland. But there are other high-paying cities that might surprise you! According to ZipRecruiter , the top 10 highest-paid cities for travel nursing in the U.S. are:

  • San Jose, CA | Annual salary: $127,092
  • Jackson, WY | Annual salary: $126,283
  • Oakland, CA | Annual salary: $125,751
  • Vallejo, CA | Annual salary: $123,565
  • Hayward, CA | Annual salary: $123,059
  • Seattle, WA | Annual salary: $122,916
  • Truckee, CA | Annual salary: $122,222
  • Santa Barbara, CA | Annual salary: $122,180
  • Sunnyvale, CA | Annual salary: $121,535
  • Vail, CO | Annual salary: $121,520

See what positions are available for your specialties.

Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses 2023

You should also be aware that there are many high-paying travel nursing states as well. It is important to remember that travel nurse pay often depends on the current demand for nurses in that area, and that can change from year to year. According to ZipRecruiter , the top 10 highest-paid states for travel nursing in the U.S. this year are:

  • New York | Annual salary: $105,059
  • Idaho | Annual salary: $102,108
  • California | Annual salary: $100,282
  • New Hampshire | Annual salary: $97,185
  • Vermont | Annual salary: $96,117
  • Maine | Annual salary: $94,805
  • Hawaii | Annual salary: $93,457
  • Massachusetts | Annual salary: $93,440
  • Tennessee | Annual salary: $92,503
  • Wyoming | Annual salary: $91,822

How You Can Make More Money As A Travel Nurse

In addition to choosing an assignment in a high-paying location and signing with a travel agency that offers competitive rates and extra-compensation packages, there are other ways that you can earn even higher pay. For example, you could take any of the following strategies to earn an even higher travel nursing salary:

  • Get additional training for an in-demand specialty. The easiest way to get training for an in-demand specialty is to seek training at the hospital where you work as a career nurse before becoming a travel nurse. Once you start traveling, it may be harder to switch specialties.
  • Sign up for rapid response posting. This is when a travel nursing agency will post a position that requires a very fast turnaround to begin work, similar to being “on-call” at a staffing position.
  • Work in less popular places. A lot of travel nurses like to travel to the beach in summer, but there are other areas that need help, and facilities are often willing to incentivize.
  • Consider working in a strike zone. It may not be a popular choice, but hospitals that are in the middle of a strike need staffing agencies to temporarily fill nursing positions, carrying a higher wage potential for you.

Travel Nurse Salary Examples

Your total travel nurse salary will include your base pay as a nurse (the hourly wage you receive for actually working as a nurse) as well as any additional stipend pay, which may be broken down hourly, daily, weekly, or even monthly for a grand total of a “blended” pay.

As an example of how the blended pay might look, you can consider the following breakdown:

Travel Nurse Blended Pay Example for 3 Month Contract

The specific compensation that you’ll receive as a travel nurse will be unique to you and will vary from contract to contract. If you have any questions regarding the pay for your contract, then ask your recruiter — you should have a complete understanding of your compensation before committing to a contract.

Travel Nurse Salary FAQs

The amount of money a travel nurse can make varies depending on several factors, including the specialty, location, part-time or full-time status, and years of experience. According to ZipRecruiter , as of February 2023, travel nurses earn a median salary of $105,818 annually or $51 an hour. However, they also report that some of the highest-earning travel nurses make as much as $185,000 every year!

Travel nursing is worth the money as long as your situation aligns with your needs, desires, and priorities. There are many perks to travel nursing, including higher pay, the opportunity to learn and grow in diverse healthcare environments, and the freedom to travel to new locations. However, some travel nurses may find travel nursing difficult. Travel nursing requires a level of bravery to move into the unknown, often alone. If you find that you have difficulty adapting to new environments or don’t want to live far from family and friends, travel nursing may not be the right choice for you.

Some nursing specialties, such as intensive care, emergency room, or operating room nursing, may have higher pay rates than others. ZipRecruiter reports that as of February 2023, some of the highest-paying travel nursing specialties include: – ICU nurse : $143,715 annually or $69/hr – Emergency room nurse : $148,531 annually or $71/hr – Operating room nurse : $181,783 annually or $87/hr Also, states and regions may offer higher pay rates if they have a greater demand for nurses at that time.

Yes! According to ZipRecruiter , as of February 2023, the median annual salary for travel nurses in the US is $118,400 or $57 per hour. The highest-paying travel nurses earn as much as $189,500 per year!

Travel nurses typically receive a base salary along with other benefits, which may include: – Stipends for housing, meal, and incidentals – Travel expense reimbursement to your new location – Reimbursement for scrubs, books, or nursing supplies – Bonuses (signing, referral, stay-on, or longevity) – Health, dental, vision, and medical insurance – 401k or other retirement options – Life insurance

Overall, travel nurse pay depends on the terms of their employment agreement. However, travel nurses can typically expect to receive various benefits and compensation packages, including housing accommodation , travel expenses, retirement benefits, medical insurance, and sometimes even certification and licensure reimbursements. In some cases, travel nurses may have to cover some of their own expenses. Or they may receive a stipend to offset their living expenses.

Travel nurses often get paid more than career nurses because they help healthcare facilities fill urgent staffing needs and maintain safe staffing levels to ensure the highest level of patient care. They’re also flexible and willing to work in a variety of locations and positions that staff nurses may not be willing to work. Hiring managers use higher pay rates, sign-on bonuses, and other incentives to attract more experienced nurses to travel to their location for a specified period of time.

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Travel Nurse Salary

How much does a Travel Nurse make? The average Travel Nurse salary is $83,418 as of February 26, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $75,520 and $92,526 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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Travel Nurse Salary Guide: How Much Travel Nurses Make In 2023?

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Travel nursing is a popular career path for registered nurses looking for flexibility, adventure, and higher pay rates. Travel nurses work on temporary assignments in healthcare facilities across the country, filling in gaps in staffing and providing patient care. 

One of the key benefits of travel nursing is the potential for higher salaries than permanent nursing positions, with many travel nursing assignments offering additional incentives such as travel reimbursement and housing allowances. However, the pay rates for travel nurses can vary significantly depending on various factors, including specialty, location, and experience level. 

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to travel nurse salaries, including average pay rates across different specialties, top-paying states, and ways to increase your salary. If you are interested to learn more specifics as to how much a travel nurse makes an hour, follow the guide below.

Table of contents

What is a travel nurse, lowest- and highest-paying states for travel nurses, salary based on the different types of travel nurses, salary based on experience, career outlook for travel nurses, benefits you will receive as a travel nurse, ways you can increase your travel nurse salary, what’s the bottom line.

A travel nurse is a healthcare professional who works on a temporary basis in various healthcare facilities across different locations. Travel nurses are highly skilled and experienced, often working in critical care units or other specialized areas of nursing. 

The role of a travel nurse is to provide temporary staffing support in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities, usually for a period of 13 weeks or longer. The facility may hire them directly or work through an agency specializing in travel nursing assignments. 

Travel nurses enjoy a high degree of flexibility, as they can choose their assignments based on location, specialty, and contract length. In addition to competitive salaries, travel nurses often receive benefits such as housing, travel expenses, and health insurance. 

This career path is ideal for those who love to travel and want to gain experience working in different healthcare settings.

Travel Nurse Salary in 2023

The salary of a travel nurse may vary depending on a few factors, such as location, experience, and specialty. According to recent data, the average annual salary for travel nurses in the U.S. is $106,030 or $51/hr . However, the salary range can vary widely on the factors mentioned above, with the lowest salary reported at $31,000 and the highest at $179,500.

Location plays a significant role in a travel nurse’s salary. The cost of living and demand for healthcare services vary significantly from state to state and even within cities, which can substantially impact a travel nurse’s compensation. But how much do travel nurses make in each state?

Below you can find the list of states with the lowest travel nurse salaries . The list goes as follows: 

  • Texas $87,843
  • Nebraska $85,776
  • Idaho $85,262
  • Kentucky $82,639
  • North Carolina $81,884
  • Arkansas $81,209

Conversely, the average travel nurse salary in some states exceeds $100,000. More specifically, New York is the highest paying state for travel nurses, reaching up to $104,675, followed by Idago with $102,559, and California with $100,323.

Now that we have covered the highest and lowest paying states for travel nurses, let’s see what city travel nurses make the most money in. The first in the list of the best cities for travel nurses to make the most money is Barrow, AK, with $137,200, followed by San Jose, CA, with $133,873, and Oakland, CA, and Antioch, CA, with $132,042 and $129,387 respectively. 

Travel nurse salaries can vary based on their specialty, as some specialties require more experience, skill, and demand, resulting in higher pay rates. To provide an idea of the highest-paying travel nurse specialties, we have listed the average annual salary for each specialty in 2023:

Experience plays a crucial role in determining the salary of a travel nurse. In most cases, the more experience a travel nurse has, the higher their pay will be. 

Experienced travel nurses possess valuable skills and knowledge which can benefit the healthcare facilities they work for. As a result, many employers are willing to pay a higher salary to attract and retain experienced travel nurses.

In addition, experienced travel nurses often have a deeper understanding of their specialties and can handle complex cases with greater ease. This means they can work more independently, which is particularly valuable in rural or remote locations where staffing may be limited. Moreover, experienced travel nurses have often worked in various healthcare settings, making them adaptable and able to easily handle new situations. 

According to Zippia , travel nurses with entry-level experience earn an average annual salary of $66,600, whereas mid-level experienced travel nurses have an average annual salary of $83,700. Lastly, senior-level travel nurses can expect to earn an average annual salary of over $115,000.

The career outlook for travel nurses is positive, with increasing demand for their services in various healthcare settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of registered nurses, including travel nurses, will grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031. 

This growth is due to an aging population that requires more healthcare services, a greater emphasis on preventive care, and advances in medical technology that allow patients to receive care outside of traditional hospital settings. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the need for more healthcare workers, including travel nurses, to assist with sudden surges in patient volume. Overall, travel nursing offers an exciting and rewarding career path with considerable growth and professional development opportunities.

Travel nursing comes with a range of benefits that make it an attractive career choice:

  • Travel nurses have the opportunity to work in different healthcare settings, which allows them to broaden their skills and experience.
  • Travel nurses typically earn higher salaries than their permanent counterparts, and many travel nursing assignments offer additional incentives, such as sign-on bonuses, travel reimbursements, and housing allowances.
  • Travel nurses often have greater flexibility in their work schedule, allowing them to take time off between assignments to pursue personal interests or spend time with family. Travel nursing also enables nurses to explore new cities and regions, providing a unique cultural experience.

Overall, travel nursing offers numerous benefits, making it an appealing career path for many nurses.

There are several ways that a travel nurse can increase their salary, such as:

  • Specializing in a high-demand area: Consider specializing in an area with a high demand for travel nurses, such as intensive care or emergency departments. Specializing in a high-demand area can increase your value as a travel nurse, leading to higher-paying job offers.
  • Gaining more experience in their specialty: They can achieve this by taking on challenging assignments and pursuing advanced certifications.
  • Negotiating higher pay rates when signing on for new assignments: This may involve researching typical salaries for their specialty in the location they will be working and negotiating with their agency or employer.
  • Taking on additional responsibilities: More responsibilities at work, such as precepting new staff or taking on leadership roles, can lead to increased compensation.
  • Traveling to higher-paying locations: Travel nurses can seek assignments in high-demand areas where pay rates may be higher due to a staff shortage.

In conclusion, travel nursing can be a rewarding and lucrative career path for registered nurses who enjoy new challenges and experiences. While the pay rates for travel nurses can vary depending on multiple factors, including expertise and location, there are many ways to increase your salary as a travel nurse, such as gaining experience in your specialty, negotiating for higher pay rates, taking on additional responsibilities, and more. 

It’s essential to do your research on typical pay rates for your specialty in different locations and to work with a reputable travel nursing agency that can provide you with competitive pay rates and additional benefits. With the right approach, travel nursing can offer you a fulfilling career and a comfortable lifestyle while exploring new places and meeting new people. 

Don’t wait any longer to start living your best life as a travel nurse. Take charge of your career and find your next high-paying placement in a desirable location today! 

Nurse Luke is a CRNA who specializes in Nursing content and still enjoys a very busy career with Locum, Per Diem and Travel nursing in the greater midwest. He has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare field and received his CRNA masters degree from the Mayo Clinic School of Healthcare. He is passionate about helping nurses explore the options of becoming a travel nurse as well as spending time with his Family. 

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Travel Nurse Salary Guide (How Much Can They Make?)

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For nursing professionals who value freedom and wish to serve where they’re needed most, travel nursing can be a rewarding and exciting career track. Rather than establishing themselves in one hospital, these nurses take assignments in locations that are experiencing shortages of qualified personnel.

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And because of the nature of the job—which requires flexibility, independent thinking, and the willingness to jump into a role with very little prior notice—travel nursing salaries often exceed those of traditional nurses.

How Much Can Travel Nurses Make?

Travel nurses who are registered nurses (RNs) may make as much or more than the average RN salary of $81,220 per year, while advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) salaries often exceed the annual average of $129,400. (While travel nurse positions are also available for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), they are less common.) Crisis assignments may pay more than the average nursing salary, and things like housing stipends can boost your pay as well.

National data

Median Salary: $81,220

Projected job growth: 5.6%

10th Percentile: $61,250

25th Percentile: $66,680

75th Percentile: $101,100

90th Percentile: $129,400

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

Travel Nurse Pay May Exceed the Average

Though there’s no official data on travel nurse salaries, most postings advertise earnings that meet or exceed pay for permanent nurses with the same qualifications and certifications.

A travel nurse’s overall earning potential depends on several factors, said Parth Bhakta, CEO and founder of the travel nursing agency Nursefly. Generally, rapid-response postings pay the most. These are often positions serving an unanticipated need, such as medical help after a natural disaster.

“Crisis assignments (pay) quite a large premium over the average,” said Bhakta. “Many hospitals offer travel nurses higher compensation for specialties that require more knowledge and expertise, and many locations will offer higher salaries where there is a greater demand for nurses.”

Most travel nurse salaries meet or exceed those for permanent nurses with the same qualifications and certifications.

If you’re flexible about location and turnaround, you may enjoy higher base wages on top of other benefits. This is especially true for positions that are harder to fill, either because of their location or the required certifications and experience.

“On top of higher salaries, travel nurses usually also receive additional compensation like housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and per diem meal costs,” says Rachel Norton, RN, a critical care traveling nurse.

What Other Financial Benefits Are There?

young female nurse takes older patients vital signs

As mentioned above, travel nurse compensation packages often include bonuses and living expenses. Travel nurse wages are often quoted as a blended rate, which bundles together base salary with medical benefits and stipends or allowances for living expenses. A sample package might list a blended rate of $50 an hour, with a significant portion in the form of tax-free stipends for housing, travel, meals, and utilities.

Accommodations or Housing Stipend

Nearly all travel nursing compensation packages include housing, whether provided via a stipend for rent or complimentary housing within dorms or off-campus apartments. There might also be a daily allowance for meals, utilities, and other basic necessities. This is often called a Meals, Incidentals, and Expenditures (MI&E) stipend.

When it comes to housing, however, it can be more affordable to find your own accommodations.

“Once I find a position, I work directly with the staffing agency to figure out what housing arrangements and travel reimbursements are available to me,” says Norton. “Housing and travel reimbursements are sometimes handled by the staffing agency, it just depends on the contract; although nurses will almost always make more money by finding their own housing. Some of the short-term COVID contracts are a bit different, but traditional contracts will have a significant pay cut if the nurses take housing provided by the agency.”

Travel Expenses

Placement agencies will usually cover travel expenses such as airfare, either by arranging travel on the nurse’s behalf or providing a stipend. They may also reimburse mileage for car travel.

While most travel nurse agencies offer assistance with housing, it can often be more lucrative for nurses to find their own accommodations.

To sweeten a travel nurse’s compensation package, many agencies offer lucrative bonuses for signing on with them, completing a posting, or agreeing to an extension of an assignment. These incentives tend to accompany jobs in areas with the biggest staffing needs and a lack of qualified candidates in the region. They may also reward nurses for referring other qualified candidates to the agency or for reaching certain milestones in their tenure.

What Is Tax-Free Compensation?

A significant portion of a travel nurse compensation package comes in the form of tax-free benefits. For example, you won’t be taxed at the end of the year for travel and housing stipends or any health benefits you receive.

These kinds of benefits shouldn’t replace taxed income, though. This practice is what the IRS calls “ wage recharacterization ,” and the tax code prohibits it. Sometimes, disreputable agencies might offer base pay as low as the state minimum wage, then make up for it with tax-free compensations to bring the hourly blended rate in line with standard nursing salaries. However, the IRS sees this as a red flag, since the taxable income portion falls well below the average wage for a registered nurse, and tax-free compensation is meant to offset the burdens of temporary work outside of your tax home.

To avoid a painful and expensive audit, agencies should offer reasonable base pay—that is, the taxable income that you receive in the form of a paycheck or direct deposit—for the position in question. Nurses should avoid postings with exceedingly low base wages, even if the tax-free compensation is attractive, because they may be subject to a tax audit themselves if the IRS finds the agency they work for guilty of wage recharacterization. Always ask for an itemized breakdown when agencies quote a blended rate to ensure the base wage is reasonable for the position and location.

“There are also several ways you can optimize taxes to receive various stipends and benefits, depending on your pay structure,” says Norton. “Travel nurses get paid either a blended rate of tax-free stipends and a taxable hourly wage, or an hourly wage that is taxed based on your rate of pay. It’s important to understand the two.”

Your agency can help you sort out how you’re being paid, so always ask if you’re not sure.

Highest-Paying Cities & States for Travel Nurses

The following are the top 10 U.S. locations (all in California) with the highest median salaries for RNs, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

The highest-paying city for nurses is San Jose, California, likely due to its high cost of living. For nurses interested in more rural settings, there are a few non-metropolitan locations that are promising. Due to the demand for qualified personnel in the rural areas of Alaska, for example, postings throughout the Last Frontier can be quite attractive.

Another way to identify high-paying posts is to review the locations where nursing shortages are projected to be the most severe in the coming years. According to a 2023 report by Zippia, the states projected to have the biggest nursing shortages by 2030 are California, Texas, New Jersey, South Carolina and Alaska.

What Kind of Job Growth Is Expected?

Nursing jobs are in high demand throughout the country and will continue to be for the next several years. According to the BLS’ Occupational Employment Statistics for RNs, demand is projected to grow 5.6% through 2032 due to the rise in chronic diseases like diabetes, longer life expectancies, and a significant portion of the workforce aging into retirement.

How Travel Nurse Salaries Compare to Per Diem Nursing

Per diem nursing assignments are typically much shorter than travel nurse postings, which usually are for at least four weeks. These assignments allow for even greater flexibility, offering nurses complete control over their preferred hours and shifts.

While there’s no conclusive data on pay for per diem nurses, the hourly rates tend to exceed those of travel nurses and nurses in permanent roles. However, the freedom and higher pay can come with more instability. While travel nurses can count on their assignments lasting the full duration listed in their contract, per diem nurses’ terms may be cut short or canceled without notice if staffing needs change.

Salaries and Benefits for International Travel Nurses

salary icon

International travel nursing provides the opportunity to explore locations all over the world . These assignments are typically at least a year long, and may have some prerequisites, such as knowledge of the local language and obtaining a visa in the host country.

However, if you’re looking to earn a lot of money, international travel nursing is likely not for you. Most countries pay significantly less than what you’ll find for travel nursing jobs across the United States, though you may find higher rates for roles in some small European countries such as Luxembourg. Additionally, some locations, such as the Middle East, have lower costs for everyday expenses like taxes and housing. So even though your salary might be smaller, it will go a lot further.

How to Boost Your Travel Nurse Salary

Travel nurses who are open to jobs in a wide range of locations tend to earn the most. Many agencies incentivize less desirable postings with generous bonuses, either upon signing on or upon completion. Rapid-response postings also tend to have higher wages, since they require the nurse to report within a matter of days to their new location and hit the ground running.

Nurses who hold certifications to work in specialty fields also enjoy more competitive wages because these positions are harder to fill. Fields with high demand include cardio catheterization, oncology, anesthesia, and neonatal and pediatric intensive care. Added certifications and experience will not only help you boost your salary, but also serve as a good way to ensure you’re prepared for the demands of travel nursing.

“Specialty certifications always help you stand out on an application, and the more years of experience a nurse has, the better chance they will be successful on contracts,” says Norton. “Travel nurses must be very comfortable in their practice because we receive such a short orientation upon arriving to a facility.”

salary of travel nursing

Written and reported by:

Stephanie Srakocic

Contributing writer

With professional insight from:

parth bhakta

Parth Bhakta

CEO and founder, NurseFly

rachel norton

Rachel Norton, RN

Travel critical care nurse

salary of travel nursing

Home / Nursing Careers & Specialties / Travel Nurse

Travel Nurse

What is a travel nurse, how to become a travel nurse, travel nurse faqs, what does a domestic or international travel nurse do, travel nurse salary and employment, helpful organizations, societies, & agencies.

salary of travel nursing

Travel nurses are RNs from various clinical backgrounds who work for independent staffing agencies. They are assigned to different care areas on a temporary basis to fill in short-term employment gaps.

Travel nursing is a specialty that took root when the field of nursing faced a nationwide shortage. Hospitals, clinics, and other care areas had unfilled positions, yet had patients needing care. To try and attract nurses to the open positions, employers offered higher pay, housing, and covered the cost of relocating.

Due to these shortages, health care facilities have vacancies that need to be filled—and travel nurses are often the ones to fill open positions. Not only do travel nurses work in health care in any state in the country, but they also work outside of the United States as international travel nurses. The adventure and excitement of new opportunities, along with higher-than-average pay, are facets of travel nursing that many RNs find attractive.

Why Are Travel Nurses Important?

Travel nurses are an important part of the health care team because they help bridge the gap between supply and demand in the field of nursing. Mandatory nurse-patient ratios have led to increased patient safety and lower patient mortality . While this is a positive finding, and more and more states are passing legislation to implement staffing ratios, there are not enough nurses to fill the openings. Travel nurses assigned those open positions help to increase patient safety and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, nurses from different educational backgrounds, care areas, and geographic locations bring a great deal to the practice of nursing. Sharing ideas and practices not only benefits patients, but also other nurses.

A travel nurse should have the following characteristics to excel in the role:

  • Enjoys experiencing new cities, towns, and organizations
  • Enjoys freedom. Travel nurses choose when and where they work, and choose their duration of employment
  • Enjoys flexibility. Travel nurses create their schedules, benefits packages, and income based on which agency they choose to work
  • Thrives on challenges. Moving to different states or overseas and being “the new nurse” repeatedly is challenging. Learning new organizational systems and workflows is particularly challenging
  • Loves learning new things. Each assignment takes travel nurses to new health care facilities, some with higher levels of technology or different standards of practice. Each experience helps nurses build upon their knowledge base

Additionally, travel nurses should have supportive families and friends. It's difficult to either pack up and move an entire family or leave your family and friends behind. The flip side to this is that new relationships are formed in each new location.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Those interested in the specialty of travel nursing should first pursue a nursing degree through a two or four-year university. Obtaining an associate's degree ( ADN ) or bachelor's degree ( BSN ) in nursing is required. A BSN is not required to be a travel nurse, but some health care facilities only hire BSN-prepared nurses. The staffing agency in which the nurse is employed should match the nurse appropriately based on educational requirements.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Most travel nurse agencies require a minimum of one year of hands-on experience in the chosen specialty of nursing. Additionally, some agencies will only hire BSN-prepared RNs. International travel nurses should speak the language of the country they are to practice in, as communication is an important part of effective healthcare delivery. Nurses are encouraged to research agencies when considering travel nursing.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

No additional exams are required for travel nursing. Based on the specialty, certification(s) may be required. Examples include:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be required
  • Stroke care certification
  • Telemetry certification
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Critical care nursing (adults, pediatric, neonatal)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be required
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
  • Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) certification

Additional specific requirements may be necessary for international travel nurses. These include:

  • Acquiring a passport and work visa (usually handled by the agency)
  • Additional immunizations
  • Learning a new language
  • Learning about diseases unique to the area

How Can a Travel Nurse Receive a Tax-Free Housing Stipend?

Housing is one of the most significant concerns for a travel nurse. There are a few options available, and it depends on the travel nurse agency/company regarding how accommodations are set up. Some companies provide housing (i.e., apartment, duplex, etc.). Some companies offer a housing stipend, or a fixed amount of money each month to apply towards housing.

First, nurses need to be aware of where their “tax home” is, as stipends are tax-free if working away from the tax home. Having a tax home is necessary to receive tax-free housing. A "tax home" is defined as the general vicinity of an individual's primary place of work (regardless of where the primary residence is). Generally, the IRS considers someone traveling away from home (i.e., their "tax home") if it exceeds one workday.

Different travel nurse agencies offer different stipends - it’s important to research what the living expenses are in a specific area to ensure housing is adequately covered. The General Services Administration (GSA) lists the maximum daily amount for lodging, meals, and incidentals with regards to travel expenses . The key word is MAXIMUM. It's not required that a company pay employees the listed stipend. In fact, some travel nurse agencies offer higher hourly wages instead of housing stipends. Additionally, the GSA rates are based on short-term travel - usually less than a month. Travel nurse contracts can last three months or more.

Are Nursing Licenses Valid When Traveling and Working in Other States?

Those interested in travel nursing may have questions about licensing; specifically, how are licenses recognized if practicing in another state.

Depending on the state, new licensure is not necessary. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the Nurse Licensure Compact which is an agreement between specific states to recognize nursing licenses without having to apply separately for licensure in another state. In other words, a nurse living in a "compact state" (one which is part of this agreement) can practice in another compact state without having to obtain additional licenses. There are now uniform licensure requirements that must be met when seeking a multistate license under the compact agreement. States that participate in the compact agreement can be found on the NCSBN website .

If not part of the compact agreement, some states allow nurses to obtain temporary licenses by endorsement. These are valid for specific lengths of time, so nurses must visit each state’s Board of Nursing website to determine specific temporary license requirements. If extending the assignment past the temporary license time frame, nurses must apply for a permanent license. Permanent licenses are also required for states that don't grant licensure by endorsement and don't participate in the NLC.

Travel nurses have a broad range of responsibilities and duties, and specific tasks depend on the specialty in which the nurse is trained. General nursing responsibilities and duties include:

  • Using the nursing process of assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings
  • Administering medications, and fluids, assisting with activities of daily living and patient mobility
  • Reviewing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and imaging
  • Provide monitoring and oversight in all aspects of patient care
  • Collaborating with physicians in developing a plan of care
  • Assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families
  • Recognizing and intervening in clinically unstable patients
  • Providing resources for patients and referring as necessary
  • Educating patients and families in all areas of healthcare maintenance and prevention
  • Working in assignments anywhere from eight to thirteen weeks (on average) in the U.S., one to two years if outside the U.S.
  • Learning various patient care systems/documentation
  • Providing immediate medical care and aid for large populations during times of war or disaster

Domestic and international travel nurses also have different characteristics specific to their roles.

Domestic Travel Nurses

  • Work within the U.S.
  • Typically work assignments that range from eight to thirteen weeks
  • Can respond to areas of the U.S that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks

International Travel Nurses

International travel nurses should have excellent communication skills, should be open to new experiences and challenges, and should have a strong desire to learn. These nurses are responsible for performing a wide array of duties. As stated previously, the tasks an international nurse will have to perform depend entirely upon their medical specialty. Some of the more general or everyday tasks that international travel nurses will perform include administering medication, wound care, and providing emergency medical services and care. Since there are often nursing shortages in many of the regions that international nurses travel to, another general role of these nurses is to educate family members and caretakers about the appropriate patient and medical care. In summary, international travel nurses:

  • Work outside the U.S.
  • Typically work assignments that range from one to two years
  • Respond to areas that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
  • Provide medical care and aid to underserved, rural , and remote populations
  • Usually, must wait for document processing before traveling

Travel Nurse Working Conditions

As with any career, there are positive and negative aspects to working as a travel nurse. Nurses can suffer from stress as they may carry a heavy patient load and have many critical decisions to make. Additionally, travel nurses may suffer from feelings of isolation since they tend to relocate often. Having a strong sense of independence and a support system available, even remotely, can help.

Additionally, nurses may work in high-risk areas that may expose them to workplace violence, blood-borne pathogens, and chemicals. Travel nurses must always familiarize themselves with and adhere to safety standards set by the organization.

International travel nurses can face different challenges. Travel nurses must be familiar with the country's laws, and geographic-specific diseases, and always keep their overall safety as a priority.

Despite these considerations, travel nursing can be immensely rewarding. Many organizations and staff nurses appreciate the help travel nurses offer. Travel nurses help relieve staff nurses from burnout, as can happen when working short-staffed.

International travel nurses are also highly appreciated. They provide medical care and assistance to many patients in remote settings who otherwise would have no access to healthcare. They help with relief efforts in war zones or after disaster events, which can be both rewarding and enriching.

According to the American Nurses Association, as of 2015 fourteen states had mandatory nurse-patient ratios . Nurses are pushing for federal legislation supporting safe staffing and because of this, if more states pass safe-staffing laws, nurses will be in even more demand. Travel nurses will help mend the current and projected nursing shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% overall growth for nurses until 2024, which is much faster-than-average growth for all occupations.

RELATED :  RN License Transfer and NLC Guide

Travel nursing has many incentives for nurses regarding pay and benefits including:

  • Travel reimbursement
  • Free housing
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement plans
  • Assistance in obtaining passports/work visas
  • Choice of location
  • Selection of hours/shifts worked
  • Competitive pay
  • Higher-than-average pay for RNs

According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a travel nurse is $75,109. However, since pay is competitive in travel nursing, some companies are offering salaries of around $100,00 annually for domestic travel nurses.

International travel nurses tend to have lower salaries than domestic, except for assignments in some middle eastern countries. This is because, for the most part, nurses tend to make less outside of the U.S.

Salary is dependent on the agency, and nurses should research each company to find the right salary and benefits that best fit their needs.

  • International Council of Nurses
  • Professional Association of Nurse Travelers
  • National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations
  • American Travel Health Nurses Association

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  • See all Nursing Articles

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Travel Nurse Benefits & Salary

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Unparalleled Benefits for Your Travel Nursing Adventure

Your Journey. Your Reward.

Ready for your next travel nursing adventure? Discover a competitive travel nurse salary, unparalleled service, and exceptional benefits to ensure that your travel experience is not just fulfilling, but also rewarding.

As a traveler, enjoy a comprehensive package, top-notch health and wellness benefits, and a support that recognizes and values your expertise.

Competitive Travel Nurse Salaries

Your Expertise. Your Pay.

Discover the CareerStaff difference! We recognize the dedication and skillset that travel nurses bring to the forefront of healthcare. That’s why we’re proud to offer a commitment to guaranteed pay, enticing travel stipends, and competitive compensation packages designed to meet your unique needs.

Earn What You Deserve

As a travel nurse, receive highly competitive compensation packages reflective of your skills, experience, and dedication to providing exceptional patient care, with many above the national average. Get the salary that you deserve for the invaluable contributions you make to healthcare facilities across the country.

Housing and Travel Stipends

Maximize your travel nurse salary with tax-free stipends for housing and travel. We understand the importance of financial flexibility. Therefore our stipends are designed to ensure you enjoy your travel nursing adventure without worrying about your travel expenses.

Travel Bonuses and Incentives

As a travel nurse with CareerStaff, you’ll have the opportunity to earn additional bonuses and exclusive incentives. These include seasonal bonuses of up to $1200* average and our referral bonus program, where you can earn up to $750* for each traveler you refer.

Guaranteed Weekly Pay & Direct Deposit

As a travel nurse, you can receive your salary and weekly earnings via direct deposit. This gives you the financial freedom to fully embrace all the exciting opportunities that come with your travel job. If you don’t have a bank account, no worries! You can also choose to access your earnings through a pay card.

Comprehensive Travel Nurse Benefits

Your Wellness. Your Care.

From onboarding and credentialing support to health and wellness, we’ve got you covered! At CareerStaff, your well-being is as important as the exceptional care you provide. Therefore, we offer a suite of benefits designed to cater to your every need, ensuring you can focus on what you do best—making a difference in the lives of patients nationwide—while we take care of you.

Health, Wellness, and Life Coverage

Your well-being is our priority. As a travel nurse, enjoy comprehensive health benefits including health, vision, dental and life insurance coverage, ensuring you have access to the care you need while on assignment.

401k Retirement Plans

Invest and plan for your future with confidence. Our travel nurses have the opportunity to enroll in 401(k) retirement plans, helping you build a secure financial foundation for the years ahead.

Flexible Scheduling for Your Lifestyle

As a travel nurse, you have the flexibility to create a schedule that aligns with your preferences. Whether you thrive in the hustle of daytime activities, prefer the tranquility of night shifts, or crave the excitement of weekend adventures, we’ve got the perfect assignment for you.

Personalized Support for Your Journey

Feel supported around the clock with our dedicated team available 24/7. If you have a question about your assignment, need assistance with scheduling, or need clinical support during your travels, our team is here to ensure you have the resources and guidance you need.

Salary and Benefits FAQs

Nurse in hospital hallway setting

In 2023, the  average travel nurse base salary  is $2,139 per week or $116,923 a year, and rates vary depending on location, facility, or state. However, some CareerStaff travel nurses earn over $3,000 per week, depending on incentives, stipends, and bonus opportunities! Take flight with us and connect with a travel nurse recruiter to see how much you can earn!

Yes! In addition to competitive travel nurse salary, weekly pay, and travel stipends, the full suite of comprehensive travel nurse benefits typically includes: Medical Plans Dental Plans Vision Plans 401(k) Plan Life Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)/Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Pre-Tax Spending Accounts, and more. Additionally, there are also many other perks our travelers enjoy, from hundreds of assignments nationwide to referral bonus opportunities.

In 2023, the roles of critical care (ICU), emergency room, operating room, and cath lab fetched some of the highest nurse salaries. However, the amount paid typically depends on various factors such as the work setting, nurse specialty , demand, location, and more. By partnering with CareerStaff, we’ll work with you to maximize your earnings and reach a compensation package that you deserve!

Travel nursing is an exciting career path that offers a multitude of benefits and opportunities. From exploring new and unique destinations across the United States to experiencing freedom, flexibility, and professional growth, the possibilities are endless. With high demand, benefits, and top pay, travel nursing is more than just a job, it is a chance to make new connections, discover new passions, and create lifelong memories. Discover the unparalleled  benefits of becoming a travel nurse  with CareerStaff!

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Your Setting. Your Next Travel Nursing Job.

When you travel with CareerStaff, you’ll have the benefit of hundreds of available assignments every day, in a wide variety of travel nurse settings and specialties , including: 

  • Hospitals, health centers, and surgical centers
  • Post-acute care, critical care, and ICU wards 
  • Senior living, skilled nursing (SNF), and long-term care facilities (LTC)
  • Schools and educational facilities
  • Correctional facilities

Featured Travel Nurse Blogs

Questions about travel nursing? Whether you’re navigating the onboarding process, curious about travel nurse benefits, or seeking guidance on how to best prepare for your assignments, our Clinician Life Blog has you covered!

Nursing Onboarding Process: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Nursing Onboarding Process: What to Expect & How to Prepare

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Travel Nursing

The Most Important Questions to Ask a Travel Nurse Recruiter

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How Much Do Travel Nurses Make? Salary & Career Outlook

17 Mar, 2023 | By: AIAM Author

Travel nursing is an exciting and unique career that offers opportunities to discover new places, gain valuable experience, and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

If you’re considering a career as a travel nurse , you may be wondering how much you can make. While there’s no single answer to this question, several factors can influence your salary as a travel nurse.

In this blog, we’ll explore the various factors that can impact travel nurse pay and provide a detailed breakdown of average salaries across the country. So, whether you’re thinking about a career in travel nursing or are simply interested in learning more about the earning potential of this field, this blog will offer valuable insights and information.

What Is a Travel Nurse?

Travel nurses are certified registered nurses working in short-term positions at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities worldwide. These nurses fill gaps in areas with nursing shortages and are expected to perform all the duties of a traditional nurse .

If they have a specialization, they typically work within that specialization; otherwise, they are expected to:

  • Address patient concerns
  • Educate patients on health, wellness, and illnesses
  • Monitor patients’ recovery
  • Measure patients’ vital signs
  • Administer medication
  • Compile reports for doctors and other stakeholders
  • Ensure that all equipment and medical supplies are kept sterile and well-organized
  • Collaborate with the team effectively

Travel Nurse Salary

average-travel-nurse-salary (1)

The salary of a travel nurse can vary based on several factors. Firstly, the state where you practice will significantly impact your pay. Some states offer incredibly competitive salaries. For instance, a travel nurse’s salary in New York averages $125,701 per year , while other states, such as Vermont ( $94,298 ) and North Carolina ( $75,610 ), provide more modest wages.

Secondly, the city where you are assigned can also influence your salary. Some cities, like San Jose, CA, pay an average annual wage of over $127,092 annually . And, of course, your income may also increase depending on the education level and experience you bring to the table.

Highest-paying states for travel nurses

New York and New Hampshire pay travel nurses more than any other state, with median salaries totaling up to $125,701 and $116,530 , respectively. Western states, like Oregon, Alaska, and Nevada, have higher living costs, contributing to higher paychecks, with travel nurse salaries averaging around $100,000 annually .

In contrast, Southern and Midwestern states generally have lower salaries for travel nurses, primarily because of the lower cost of living in those areas. For instance, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, and Missouri have the lowest median annual salaries, with travel nurses earning an average salary of $75,610-$84,963 .

Salary based on the type of travel nurse

Travel nurses can perform various duties, and the salary will differ depending on that. For example, an operating room travel nurse earns the most, with an average annual salary of $181,783 per year . In contrast, a rehab travel nurse earns an average salary of $160,216 annually .

Let’s take a look at how much different types of travel nurses earn annually :

Salary based on experience

Experience is a crucial determinant of salary for travel nurses. It’s worth noting that there is a significant gap in earnings between entry-level and experienced travel nurses.

As per the latest data , the average hourly rate for a travel nurse is $40.37. However, entry-level travel nurses earn a starting salary of $31.25, significantly lower than the industry average. Conversely, senior travel nurses earn an average of $50.96 per hour, representing a substantial increase in pay compared to their entry-level peers.

When looking at the yearly income of travel nurses, the average salary stands at $83,000 , with entry-level nurses earning a starting salary of $65,000. However, as nurses climb up the ladder and attain senior status, their average salaries can reach up to $115,000 annually. Therefore, it’s safe to say that experience plays a critical role in determining a travel nurse’s salary.

How To Increase Your Travel Nurse Salary

highest-paying-travel-nursing-jobs

While this career is known for its lucrative pay, there are several ways to increase your earnings even further. Here are some steps you can take to achieve this goal:

  • Opt to get paid per diem and work extra shifts: If possible, choose to get paid per diem rather than hourly pay since this option can be more profitable. Additionally, taking on extra shifts can boost your earnings significantly.
  • Maintain nursing licenses in multiple states: Obtaining licensure in multiple states can open up more job opportunities, including higher-paying assignments.
  • Specialize in a high-demand field: Specializing in a high-demand area like surgical nursing, trauma nursing, or research can result in higher pay rates.
  • Take on challenging assignments: Some assignments may require long hours or working in underserved communities, but they often offer higher pay rates.

By implementing these strategies, you can boost your earning potential as a travel nurse and increase your overall job satisfaction.

Travel Nurse Job Outlook

As more nurses discover the benefits associated with travel nursing, including a competitive salary as well as personal and professional benefits, travel nursing is expected to continue growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the registered nursing profession to grow at a rate of 6% between 2021 and 2031. So, RNs now have the opportunity to fill thousands of open positions in travel nursing.

In addition, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) found that the average age of registered nurses is 52. That means there will likely be a greater need for travel nurses as more senior nurses retire.

The Bottom Line

Travel nursing is a rewarding career path that offers a wide range of benefits, including higher pay rates, flexibility, and the opportunity to explore new places. While the salary can vary depending on various factors, such as the location, facility, and level of experience, travel nurses can expect to earn more than regular nurses due to their unique skill set and willingness to take on temporary assignments in different parts of the country.

As healthcare continues to evolve and the demand for travel nurses increases, this trend is likely to continue, making travel nursing an attractive option for those seeking to advance their career while experiencing new adventures.

Interested in becoming a travel nurse ? Join our registered nursing program for a holistic approach to patient care, or click here if you need extra information regarding the program.

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The Ultimate Travel Nurse Salary Guide: 4 Million+ Jobs Analyzed (February 2024)

We aggregated more than 4 million travel nursing salaries from the past 4+ years. Now we're revealing pay rates and job trends nationwide in our interactive pay explorer!

Average Pay (per week) $2,188.09 Based on 2,293,330 jobs analyzed across all travel nurse specialties , nationwide

Travel nursing by month (pay and count), best travel nursing agencies 🚀.

  • Highest Paying
  • Host Healthcare 50,000+ jobs $105.70 above average
  • Aureus Medical Group 50,000+ jobs $88.12 above average
  • ADEX Medical Staffing 20,000+ jobs $77.21 above average
  • Epic Travel Staffing (formerly Emerald Health) 50,000+ jobs $55.77 above average
  • TotalMed 50,000+ jobs -$14.59 below average
  • MedPro Healthcare Staffing 50,000+ jobs -$20.36 below average
  • Healthcare Staffing - IDR, Inc 20,000+ jobs -$65.62 below average
  • Job Availability
  • Aequor Healthcare 50,000+ jobs -$88.69 below average
  • CoreMedical Group 50,000+ jobs -$185.35 below average

Top Locations Nationwide

  • New York 50,000+ jobs $241.79 above average
  • California 50,000+ jobs $231.28 above average
  • Massachusetts 50,000+ jobs $204.94 above average
  • Illinois 50,000+ jobs $51.95 above average
  • Washington 50,000+ jobs $49.16 above average
  • Ohio 50,000+ jobs $44.79 above average
  • Pennsylvania 50,000+ jobs -$30.32 below average
  • Texas 50,000+ jobs -$164.92 below average
  • Pay is standarized to 36 hour per week.
  • For agency and metropolitan area ratings, results are compared against average for specialty and state. Nationwide average pay used if no state is selected. Top paying agencies and metro areas with less than the median job count for the category are excluded.
  • View all footnotes

Veronica Cooper

Want to see how your travel nurse salary stacks up in this unpredictable travel nurse job market?

How about making sure you're getting the higher compensation you should be in our challenging career?

You're in the right place to get all your questions answered about travel nurse pay.

Welcome to our  interactive pay explorer - with auto-updates every month!

Since September 2019 , we've been continuously tracking travel nurse pay packages.

View our full history of pay insights using the toggle in the right-hand corner of any of our graphs in this article.

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More than four million jobs analyzed and four years later, we're proud to bring you objective overviews on the travel RN job market you can't find anywhere else.

Get the full scoop in this ultimate guide:

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

  • What Is An Average Travel Nurse Salary?

Why Do Travel Nurses Make So Much?

Is travel nursing worth it, get a travel nurse pay breakdown.

  • The Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses
  • The Highest Paying Travel Nurse Specialties
  • How to Find the Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs

How To Find The Best Paying Travel Nurse Agencies

Do travel nurses earn more money than full-time registered nurses? Overall, definitely!

Keep in mind: Travel nurses make higher salaries on average.

Your potential average annual income will depend on demand for your nursing specialty and where you work.

The averages you see below are measured across all specialties and locations nationwide for a general comparison.

Average Travel Nurse Salary vs Staff Nurse Salary

The average hourly pay for full-time staff RN's in the U.S. is $39.05, or $1,561.92 per week, according to the most recent 2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics registered nurse occupational outlook .

The average hourly rate for travel nurses is $64.58, or $2,324.92 per week, according to our Ultimate Travel Nurse Salary Guide in September 2023.

The average hourly wage for a travel RN is $25.53 higher than staff nurse pay, and the average salary per week is $736 more .

Extrapolating to compare the average annual salary of a staff nurse vs travel rn pay, the difference is significant, with travel nurses' average annual salary reaching upwards to $30,000 more.

We calculated the average annual salary for travel nurses for only 48 weeks a year. Travel nurses need time off to organize and move to new assignments.

In short, high demand = higher compensation.

We're all aware many healthcare facilities nationwide are experiencing "nursing shortages". Registered nurses are retiring and/or leaving the bedside altogether, a trend sped up by the pandemic.

It's estimated that by 2025 the US will have a staffing gap of 200,000-450,000 nurses . In other words, 10-20% of direct-patient care nursing jobs will be unfilled.

With nursing skills like ours in high demand, we deserve higher pay. Not to mention the inherent stress we put up with in our challenging career.

Travel nurses earn more competitive wages by having the adaptable skills necessary to fill critical staffing needs and provide meaningful patient care in a pinch with minimal to no orientation.

These critical needs are often on less desirable shifts, so preparing yourself to work night shift would open up more travel nurse job possibilities.

Healthcare facilities entice nurses with more competitive wages due to the extra hardships we take on with the lack of job stability while searching for new jobs every 13 weeks. There's also the lack of a consistent job benefits package and the inconveniences of travel costs and time.

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If you're looking to get more satisfaction in your nursing career, it could definitely be worth it.

It turns out it really is better to be a travel nurse than a staff nurse. A sweeping study analyzing feedback straight from our fellow nurses confirms it.

Nurses working in travel nurse jobs are more satisfied than permanent staff nurses in key areas:

  • better job satisfaction
  • less work-related stress
  • feeling safer on the job
  • more employer support
  • higher compensation

Working in a travel nurse job isn't easy, but it could elevate your bedside nursing practice and give you more control in your nursing career.

You'll have to decide if the pros outweigh the cons for yourself. The standard contract is only 13 weeks, so I recommend every nurse give it a try.

Pro tip: You should definitely take the time to research what to expect before you commit to a travel nurse job.

Understanding how travel nurses' higher wages breakdown will help you compare pay offers and spot the jobs that are worth your relocation.

Travel nurses are typically hired as contracted temporary employees of travel nursing agencies, getting paid on a weekly basis to work in a variety of healthcare facilities.

The most common travel nurse contracts offered are for hospital inpatient units in a healthcare facility. These contracts usually commit you to work:

  • 12 hours/shift
  • 3 shifts/week
  • 36 hours/week
  • 13 weeks total
  • 468 work hours total per contract

Our  interactive pay explorer  above standardizes all travel nurse wage data around the average 36-hour weekly pay packages.

See A Pay Package Example

Here's an average travel nurse pay package offer for a Medical-Surgical Nurse working 36 hours/week:

  • $400 M&IE (Meals & Incidental Expenses) - per Week
  • $3,200 Housing Stipend - per Month
  • $750 Travel Reimbursement - One Time payment
  • $30 Base Rate - Hourly pay rate

It's confusing!  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Let's break this offer down to view your pay per week and per hour. Convert all parts of your travel nurse wages to a standardized hourly rate, then combine to calculate.

Your "M&IE" (meals & incidental expenses) payment is meant to cover your living expenses and daily (diem) meal costs on assignment.

Your housing stipend covers your temporary housing in your assignment location. Remember you should be maintaining housing in your permanent tax home, as well.

Many travel nursing offer travel reimbursements to help offset the higher cost of life on the road.

Be aware you may have more living expenses coming out of your travel nursing paycheck, based on what employment benefits package you accept:

  • Taxes based on your permanent tax home rates
  • Agency health insurance - health benefits can start at $20/week
  • Agency 401k retirement plans

Ask your agency what other benefits they provide and how those affect your pay package.

Taxable vs Tax Free Pay

Following on from our pay example above, your travel nurse pay is made up of a taxable hourly wage and tax free income.

Notice that more than half of this pay package is tax free pay. Ka-ching!

Your tax free stipends, or "Per Diem" pay, are based on daily maximum rates set by the government.  Check  gsa.gov's Per Diem rates  for your next contract location.

Travel nurses are eligible for Per Diem tax free stipends when working away from your permanent tax home. When receiving tax free pay you MUST duplicate living/housing expenses, required per IRS rules.

This means paying fair market prices for both your accommodation at your travel nursing assignment, AND maintaining your own housing at your permanent tax home.

Many agencies also offer travel reimbursements to help you get money back you spent on travel expenses moving between assignments.

Pro tip: You can still "travel nurse" while living in your own housing at your permanent tax home. The difference is your income will be fully taxed, and you won't be eligible for the the tax free travel nursing pay.

Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses

Which states are really worth the higher cost license fees? Our map shows the highest paying states for travel nurses over the past 12 months.

To view the highest paying states averages since  September 2019 , use the toggle in the right-hand corner of any of our graphs.

These averages would include crisis rate market fluctuations.

Highest paying states for travel nurses. Standardized to 36/hour week contracts to compare data accurately.

For more specific travel nurse salary by state, see our table below with detailed pay trends and job availability.

We've included the  standard deviation . This shows you how 68% of pay offers spread above and below the average travel RN rates.  Picture a bell curve.

For example, 68% of California travel nurse salaries are $2,537.01 +/- $681.08 = pay range of $1,855.93 - $3,218.09.

The 'job count' column gives you a snapshot of each state's job availability.

Curious what the market looked like pre-COVID19?

Below is a compilation of the states that offered the higher pay from  September 2019 - March 2020 . Compare this list to our above map and table to see what difference crisis rates made.

Top 5 Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses (Pre - Covid19)

  • California Consistently has the best pay and the most jobs by a long shot. Both inside and outside of the pandemic.
  • New Jersey Solid opportunities for both pay and job availability.
  • Washington D.C. Great income, but fewer job openings.
  • Alaska Decent pay and lots of jobs, despite reputation for low rates. Current rates lower than pre-covid19.
  • Connecticut Regularly pays above average with frequent job openings.

Highest Travel Nurse Salaries by Metropolitan Area

Not sure which areas of the country pay great for travel nurses?

We've got a summary here to get you started. Get even more location-specific data on high paying opportunities using our interactive pay explorer .

Top 5 Highest Travel Nurse Salaries by Metropolitan Area

Go after high pay AND lots of job openings in these locations:

  • California Holds 9 of our top 10 spots for highest-paying metro areas
  • East Coast New York City-Newark, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC
  • Pacific Northwest Seattle-Tacoma, Portland
  • Midwest St Louis, Chicago
  • Arizona Phoenix, Tuscon

Pro Tip: Investing in a California license is worth your time and money if you're looking for LOTS of high-paying job options.

Highest Paying Travel Nurse Specialties

Feast your eyes on the largest travel nursing specialty comparison available including more than  130 specialties . Our interactive table shows nationwide pay averages including  standard deviation  for you to get an accurate overview of the highest paying specialties.

We removed specialties with very low job counts and supervisory roles. This keeps our data relevant to the travel nursing specialties with high pay AND regular job availability.

For a different view, we've got an interactive bubble chart displaying the highest paying travel nurse specialties by their job availability. Hover over the bubbles to identify the specialties.

Not all nursing specialties have a regular high need for travel nurses. For example, RN's in Electrophysiology Lab (EP Lab) regularly have higher pay offerings, but don't have the plentiful job options that ICU or L&D nurses have.

Pro tip: If you aspire to work consistently as a travel nurse, gain experience in a specialty with higher job availability.

I repeat: Higher demand = Higher compensation.

How To Find the Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs

How can you cut through the lowball offers to find and land the best paying travel nurse salaries? We started StellarNurse to help you.

After analyzing the market for 4+ years, here's our best advice:

  • Use our interactive pay explorer to check pay trends, job availability and best agencies for your specialty
  • Check out the newest & highest-paying travel nursing jobs to get an objective overview on your best current opportunities
  • Message agencies anonymously on our StellarNurse jobs marketplace, focus on agencies that pay best and have lots of jobs for your specialty
  • Keep current state licenses for the locations that have your specialty's best pay and highest job availability
  • Breakdown pay packages to weekly or hourly income to accurately compare job offers
  • Prioritize high pay - above personal convenience, best locations, nicest recruiter or agency loyalty
  • Move fast for Crisis or Rapid Response rate offers

In a nutshell, stay flexible. The best offers are competitive and often need help fast. Be ready to adjust plans quickly, coordinate with a new agency or arrange travel to an unexpected location.

Bonus tip: If you like your agency, tell fellow travel nurses. Make an easy $500-$1,000. Every agency offers referral bonuses if a nurse you referred works with them too.

With more than 500 agencies posting travel nursing jobs daily it’s overwhelming to find which ones might be the best travel nurse companies for you.

After analyzing 4 million jobs over the past 4 years, we’ve organized our data to help you make informed decisions on which agencies to prioritize contacting first.

Find the best paying travel nurse agencies for your specialty and preferred locations. Use the filters to see which agencies have the most jobs available.

Refer back to our interactive pay explorer for in-depth pay trends on the best travel nursing agencies for your specialty and locations.

StellarNurse answers three important questions you should consider in your travel nurse agency choices.

Which travel nurse agencies have:

  • The highest paying jobs for your specialty?
  • The most jobs available for your locations?
  • The benefits you’re looking for?

More questions you should consider when choosing a travel nurse agency are:

  • What sets this agency apart?
  • What agency resources are available if you have issues?
  • How responsive is this agency?

Furthermore, find unbiased reviews to guide your choices.

Since I prefer to read reviews directly from my fellow nurses, here's where I look:

Bonus tip: You can message recruiters anonymously on the StellarNurse jobs marketplace totally risk-free. Get all your questions answered before giving up your contact info.

Our Data Sources

All our data is publicly available on the named travel nursing agency's website or Google jobs listings.

Methodology

We'll be publishing more technical details on our GitHub in the near future.

Dropping the Mic 🖐🎤

We can't wait to hear your success stories - Tell us how our travel nurse salary interactive pay explorer has helped you.

Did we miss any questions you have about finding how much travel nurses can make?

Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook so we can add your requests to future updates.

Share with your registered nurse friends so they can see their earning potential too!

Your days of being underpaid are over.

Bring evidence-based practice to your job search. Land the highest paying travel nursing jobs based on objective market overviews.

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Your reasons, your dreams, your voice.

Tell us what drives your work and life. It’s how we create the most rewarding travel nurse experience you’ll ever have. We do it together.

Your first step: a simple search.

LPN-General

LPN/LVN-Dialysis

LPN/LVN-Dialysis/Acute

LPN/LVN-Dialysis/Chronic

LPN/LVN-Home Health

LPN/LVN-Hospice

LPN/LVN-Long Term Care

LPN/LVN-LTAC

LPN/LVN-Medical/Surgical

PCT-Dialysis

PCT-Dialysis/Acute

PCT-Dialysis/Chronic

RN-Burn ICU

RN-Cardiac Cath Lab

RN-Cardiac ICU

RN-Case Manager-Home Visit

RN-Case Manager-Hospice

RN-Dialysis

RN-Dialysis/Acute

RN-Dialysis/Chronic

RN-Dialysis/Critical Care

RN-Dialysis/Long Term Acute Care

RN-Dialysis/Medical/Surgical

RN-Dialysis/Pediatric

RN-Dialysis/Pediatrics

RN-Dialysis/Peritoneal

RN-Emergency Room

RN-Endoscopy/GI

RN-Home Health

RN-Hospital Based Case Management

RN-ICU/Critical Care

RN-Interventional Radiology

RN-Labor and Delivery

RN-Long Term Care

RN-Medical ICU

RN-Medical/Surgical

RN-Medical/Surgical/Telemetry

RN-Mother Baby/Post Partum

RN-Neonatal ICU

RN-Neuro ICU

RN-Oncology

RN-Operating Room

RN-PCU/Stepdown

RN-PCU/Stepdown/Telemetry

RN-Pediatric ICU

RN-Pediatric Oncology

RN-Pediatrics

RN-Pediatrics ER

RN-Post Anesthesia Care Unit

RN-Psychiatry

RN-Rehab/Skilled Nursing

RN-Rehabilitation

RN-School Nurse

RN-Surgical ICU

RN-Telemetry

RN-Urgent Care

RN-Vascular Access

Technologist-Certified Sterile Processor

Technologist-Certified Surgical Technologist

Technologist-Sterile Processor

Technologist-Surgical Technologist

salary of travel nursing

Featured specialties

Work with us. get what you really want..

We do this work because we care. We ask questions, listen, and work hard for the best results. Just like you do.

With RNnetwork, you get:

Be the center of our universe. Your wants, needs, and concerns have our full attention and respect. You have to feel valued to have an outstanding travel nurse experience.

Recognition

We see you. You’re not like everyone else, and that’s a beautiful thing. From pay to personal preferences for communications, housing, and more, we build what’s best for you.

Support is a certainty. You feel it in our first meeting, and every step thereafter. From job search and credentialing to your assignment and return flight, we’re here for you. 

The best experience is easier than you think.

You work hard, so let’s talk about the simple things. There’s so much that makes travel nursing fun and rewarding. Here are three ways RNnetwork makes it even better — and easier.

We offer 401(k), travel reimbursement, and multiple ways to earn bonuses. We help you find tax advantages, too.

Day-one benefits

Enjoy industry-leading benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance and more. Keep your free spirit. Add corporate coverage.

Home sweet home

Housing can make or break travel. Gather your things, pets, and people. Our experts find the perfect area and amenities for a great home.

How do travel nurses feel about their work?

“I was able to spend a few months exploring the Hawaiian islands. You help people along the way, and you get paid for it.”

–Kelly Kilcoyne, NICU travel nurse

salary of travel nursing

10 High-Demand Specialties for Travel Nurses

Job seeker, travel nurse jobs, travel nursing jobs.

Like any profession, nurses want their skills and specialty to be in high demand. When it comes to travel nursing, that’s how you gain job security, a higher salary, and more options with choosing your assignment. Also, once you acquire at least one year of experience in a high-demand specialty, your chance of getting hired for great travel nursing jobs increases even more.

So, what are the high-demand nursing specialties right now? Here are some of the most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in 2024.

1. OR Nursing

An operating room nurse continues to be a highly sought-after specialty at facilities nationwide since success in the OR is important to many patients and their families. Three categories typically fall under OR nursing:

  • Circulating nurses care for patients before and after a procedure, and document throughout the surgical case.
  • Scrub nurses assist surgeons during procedures.
  • RN first assistants can assist during surgery (under the supervision of a surgeon) in making incisions, suturing layers of the surgical wound, and so on.

If you’re calm in intense situations and have a keen attention to detail, OR is a great specialty for you. Medical Solutions has lots of great  travel OR nurse jobs  currently available.

 2. Cardiac Nursing

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. , which means nurses specializing in cardiovascular are constantly in high demand. The great thing about cardiac nursing is that there are several specialties within this one specialty, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all position. For example, you can become a CVOR nurse or CVICU nurse , which both are considered specialties with the highest paying travel nurse jobs . Each specialty differs by environment worked in, day-to-day responsibilities, and types of patients/cardiac conditions, so it’s important to make sure your travel nursing goals line up with the area you want to go in.

3. ICU Nursing

ICU (intensive care unit) nursing is one of the most well-respected nursing positions in the healthcare industry. All nurses looking for ICU travel jobs must pass the NCLEX-RN, get licensed in their state or the state they want to practice in ( compact licensing makes this easier for all specialties), and have at least one year of experience to travel. To become an ICU travel nurse, you’ll also need your BLS/CPR certification, your ACLS certification, and it’s highly recommended that you become a CCRN (critical care registered nurse), as this will allow you to work in all different ICU units. As travel nursing evolves, positions like virtual ICU command center nursing positions also become available.

4. Emergency Nursing

Although it hasn’t always been the case, ER nursing is a specialty that’s constantly in demand. In the emergency room, you’ll encounter many different acute injuries and conditions — some life-threatening — so you must be able to think quickly on your feet, adapt immediately, and react swiftly. Due to the impressive skillset needed to succeed in this specialty, experience as an ER nurse is more appealing to potential employers. With more than 136 million people taking a trip to the ER each year in the U.S., demand is consistently high for ER nurses, which means there are tons of travel ER nurse jobs available now to explore!

5. NICU, MBPP, and L&D Nursing

Demand for women’s health nurses is on the rise, so a specialty in any of these categories is a great option. Patience and empathy will help you succeed in these nursing specialties — especially in NICU — as you’ll be working primarily with mothers, fathers, and their babies at some of the most monumental moments of their lives.

The path to becoming a L&D nurse can be a little more intensive than other specialties. You’ll most likely need experience as an MBPP nurse first, also known as a Mother/Baby RN and post-partum RN, and you also need to become certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), among other certifications.

 6. Medical Surgical Nursing

Newly licensed RNs often take on med surge nurse roles because it’s a great way to get started as an RN. If you know symptoms and diseases off the top of your head and you’re a born multi-tasker, this is a specialty to consider. From administering IVs to dressing wounds to monitoring patients recently released from the ICU — you’ll do it all. A med surg nurse is responsible for coordinating a patient’s care from the minute they walk through the door to the moment they leave, so you’ll have a lot of face-to-face communication with your patients. You’ll also get to treat many different kinds of patients, which is great experience for any future path you choose to take. Not to mention, there are tons of med surge travel nurses jobs out there.

7. Telemetry Nursing

Telemetry nurses are similar to med surg nurses, as they also work with a variety of patients (all different ages and conditions) and they’re in constant contact with patients. If you’re a decisive person, travel positions in telemetry nursing will be a great fit for you. Tele nurses often care for critically ill patients, monitor changes in condition, record and interpret vital data to assist with patient assessment, and are responsible for educating patients on home care.

8. Psychiatric Nursing

The need for better mental health care continues to grow in the United States and the demand is higher and consistently rising for psych nurses, which means there are many well-paying psych travel nursing jobs in exciting locations nationwide. As a psych RN , you’ll work in various inpatient and outpatient settings to help assess, stabilize, and treat patients with quick and compassionate care. While the education and certification requirements are the same as other specialties, some facilities look for travel nurses who have two years of experience as a full-time RN and 30 hours of mental health nursing in the last three years.

 9. Home Health Nursing

As the population of Baby Boomers continues to age, the demand for home health nurses has increased exponentially. The goal of home health is to provide continuous care for patients with illnesses, chronic conditions, and injuries in a home setting instead of a hospital or clinic. The great thing about working in home health is that an array of healthcare professionals can work in this setting like RNs, CNAs, LPNs, LVNs, PTs, OTs, and speech therapists. And because the demand is consistently growing, that means there are many high-paying home health travel nursing jobs nationwide.

10. Oncology Nursing

Oncology nurses specialize in providing care for people who are going through cancer and is one of the most intense and selfless areas of nursing. With cancer being one of the second-leading causes of death in the U.S., oncology is a high-demand specialty that needs RNs who will help patients and their families navigate through diagnoses, administer treatments prescribed by physicians such as chemotherapy, and keep track of symptoms, especially those in remission. Whether it’s a hospital, clinic, or hospice care, oncology nurses are in demand and there are lots of travel nursing jobs for this specialty nationwide.

Demand for these nursing specialties is great, but it’s most important to choose an area you are passionate about. If you’re already an RN with at least one year of recent hospital experience, Medical Solutions has lots of current openings you can choose from, both the above high-demand nursing specialties and many other nursing and allied health specialties. Search travel healthcare jobs now to find your perfect fit or let our recruiters help you find the right job for you when you apply today !

Original post created by Sarah Wengert Oct. 6, 2022

Learn more:

  • What States Need RNs the Most
  • Which States Have a Nursing Shortage
  • Travel Nursing 
  • Travel Nurse Salary
  • Travel Nurse Housing 
  • Travel Nurse Benefits

Recommended Reads

What states need rns the most , which states have a nursing shortage, local nursing contracts: a guide for clinicians seeking career flexibility.

salary of travel nursing

US News & World Report – EDU

What You Can Do With a Nursing Degree

W hen people imagine what nurses do, they often think of bedside nurses who tend to sick people in hospitals . Although there are many nurses who do this type of work, there are other job opportunities within the field.

For example, private duty nurses go into patients' homes to provide care, and clinical trial nurses interact with study participants. Public health nurses are responsible for monitoring and guarding the health of an entire community while other nurses are in charge of quality control at health care clinics. Some nurses concentrate on analyzing health care data, specializing in a field called informatics. There are also nurses who become executives of health care organizations, conduct scientific research, work on television shows or serve as faculty at universities.

Nursing is "a very people-centric profession," says Laura Arthur, director of career lab at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Maryland. "Are you someone who feels a certain amount of empathy toward others or are (you) patient with others? Nurses generally exhibit a high level of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It's definitely a profession where you are ideally thinking on your feet and making quick but thoughtful decisions about others' care."

Due to employee burnout, a lack of training and an aging population, many states are experiencing nursing shortages . Below is a guide to the many employment options available to nurses.

Different Types of Nursing Jobs

A nursing degree can be used in a variety of ways. This is especially true of graduate degrees in nursing , which often lead to management roles and frequently prepare a person for a lucrative career as an advanced practice registered nurse such as a nurse anesthetist , a nurse midwife or a nurse practitioner.

Nurses "work in every industry," says Donna Havens, dean and professor at Villanova University's M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing in Pennsylvania. "They work everywhere where people need their knowledge and their skills and expertise. It's a wide-open market, and a very interesting thing is that – over the course of one's career in nursing – you could hold many, many different titles and jobs."

Nursing school faculty say that the following job titles are feasible for and popular among nursing degree recipients. Although some of these occupations are attainable with an undergraduate education in nursing, many require graduate nursing school.

Academic Dean or Professor

There are many career paths in academia for those interested in nursing, including being a dean or professor at a college or university. Those positions typically require at least a master's degree. But full-time professors often need higher credentials, such as a Ph.D.

Professors, who teach and conduct research in a specific field or subject area, earned $79,640, on average, in 2021, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Yearly compensation is slightly higher for deans – who oversee all academic and administrative operations within their department – and other postsecondary education administrators : $96,910 in 2021. But salaries vary based on the institution.

"Faculty are particularly needed in the nursing profession," Arthur says. "There's a critical need to have more nurses in general, but then specifically individuals to teach those nurses. For increasing the amount of nursing students, we obviously need the infrastructure and the professors to be able to teach them."

Flight Nurse

There are two different career paths for flight nurses: civilian or military, which both typically require at least a bachelor's degree.

Civilian flight nurses are often part of a hospital or clinic's transport operations to move patients to better facilities for their care. Meanwhile, military flight nurses are enlisted in the Air Force and provide care to injured military members while they're being transported. Therefore, candidates must be comfortable with flying.

Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists administer general or regional anesthesia to ensure patients feel little to no discomfort during a procedure.

A career as a nurse anesthetist requires an advanced degree and at least one year of critical care experience. Comparably, an anesthesiologist must complete four years of medical school, in addition to several years of experience in a residency program and internship. The return on investment is high for both fields, with nurse anesthetists earning an average annual salary of $195,610 in 2021, BLS reported.

Nurse Preceptor

At every nursing education level, a preceptor is needed to supervise nursing students during their clinical rotations and provide them with feedback.

Similar to other positions in academia, a master's degree is preferred, in addition to having some work experience in a clinical setting.

Clinical Research Nurse

Clinical research nurses advocate for the safety of their patients during the research process by ensuring compliance with protocols and securing consent for treatments or collection of personal information.

To be eligible for clinical research nurse positions, candidates should have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing and experience working in an acute care setting.

Travel Nurse

Travel nurses take temporary nursing positions at understaffed healthcare settings. The length of contracts vary, but travel nurses typically earn a competitive rate. The average hourly salary for travel nurses in 2023 was $54.12, or $2,310 a week, according to Indeed .

To qualify for these positions, candidates must have either an associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited nursing program.

"It's a really cool opportunity to see the country while you're developing your nursing skills, especially for younger people who don't have a lot of other commitments," says Tatiana Sadak, associate dean of academic affairs at the University of Washington School of Nursing .

Nursing Education Options

There are several types of nursing degree options , including:

  • Licensed Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN)
  • Associate in Nursing (ASN)
  • Bachelor's in Nursing (BSN)
  • Master's in Nursing (MSN)
  • Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)
  • Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS or DNSc)

An LPN certificate or diploma, which takes at least a year to earn, prepares individuals to become a licensed practical nurse. These nurses work with physicians and registered nurses, or RNs, to provide basic care. Meanwhile, earning a two-year associate degree or four-year BSN degree trains students to become RNs, who care for sick and injured patients, as well as educate the public about health best practices.

To become an advanced practice nurse – who have more training than RNs and additional responsibilities – requires at least a master's degree, which takes about two years to complete. Many advanced practice nurses also go on to pursue a doctoral degree, such as a DNP or Ph.D. A DNP degree often takes between two and four years, while a Ph.D. may involve up to six years of schooling.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary among U.S. advanced practice nurses in May 2021 was $123,780. The bureau predicts that the number of these nurses employed in the U.S. will be 40% higher in 2031 than it was in 2021 – a job growth rate more than 10 times higher than the estimated rate for all professions.

The job growth rate of RNs is slower than for advanced practice nurses, but it is still high. The median salary among U.S. registered nurses as of May 2021 was $77,600, according to the bureau , which predicts that the number of those jobs will be 6% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

At the undergraduate level, nurses "are not really locked into a subspecialty, so you can try out different things to choose what's right for you," Sadak says. However, those who want to develop expertise within a particular branch of nursing may choose to pursue advanced education in that field.

Many health-care employers prefer to hire a nurse with a bachelor's degree or a higher-level degree in nursing, Havens says. "Most of them look for nurses that are educated at least at the baccalaureate level in nursing ... Research documents exceptionally well that, the better educated the nurse who cares for you, the better the outcomes."

She notes that nurses with Ph.D. degrees in nursing are specifically trained to conduct research in the field, while those with DNP degrees are experts at figuring out how to apply research findings to improve the quality of care.

"It's a very rewarding profession," Sadak says. "It not only gives you flexibility, but also gives you diversity of choice and a very unique opportunity to connect with people in a meaningful way and make a tangible, meaningful difference every day you show up for work, regardless of what setting you work at."

For more in-depth rankings, searchable data and an expanded directory of programs, sign up for the U.S. News Nursing School Compass .

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Radio Iowa

Iowa House backs pay caps for traveling nurses

by O. Kay Henderson | Feb 28, 2024 | Health & Medicine , News , Politics & Government

salary of travel nursing

The Iowa House has voted to set limits for the pay of temporary nursing staff working in Iowa hospitals and nursing homes.

A traveling nurse could be paid no more than 150% of the statewide average wage being paid to full-time health care staff who provide nursing services. The bill is a priority for House Republicans, who contend temp agencies are reaping too much of the extra money the legislature has provided nursing homes.

Representative Timi Brown-Powers, a Democrat from Waterloo, is a therapist at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, She said the bill addresses a big budget problem for hospitals and nursing homes. “It’s a morale issue for health care workers that have been there, stuck in there …working alongside traveling nurses making three or four times what they’re making,” Brown-Powers said.

The bill passed on an 80-17 vote. Representative John Forbes, a Democrat from Urbandale who opposed the bill, said there appeared to be some price gouging going on as health care employment agencies responded to workforce vacancies during the pandemic. “My concern is that if, in the future, we are putting caps or telling businesses how much they can charge for services, the businesses may not want to do business in Iowa,” Forbes said.

None of the House Republicans outlined their reasons for voting for the pay caps during the six-minute-long debate of the bill, which now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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IMAGES

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VIDEO

  1. Top Paying Travel Nurse Contracts in 2023

COMMENTS

  1. How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

    The average travel nurse salary varies greatly depending on the work assignment. Depending on travel location, these practitioners can earn between $3,000 and $7,000 per week, averaging a 36-hour work week. According to Vivian, a healthcare jobs marketplace, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), travel nurses earn jan average of ...

  2. Travel Nurse Salary 2024

    The average annual travel nurse salary in the US is $105,021 or $50/hr, according to ZipRecruiter as of May 2023. This is significantly higher than the average salary for registered nurses overall, which is $81,220 per year or $39.05 per hour per the BLS. >> Click here to see available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

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    There are many opportunities to work as a travel RN at hospitals across the country in need of nursing staff, and these jobs can earn higher salaries than similar staff positions. Last year, a Travel RN earned a gross average weekly salary of $1,716 per week working an average of 36 hours per week.

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    Average base salary. $2,098. Average $2,098. Low $1,519. High $2,897. Non-cash benefit. 401 (k) View more benefits. The average salary for a travel nurse is $2,098 per week in the United States. 205k salaries reported, updated at February 15, 2024.

  8. Travel Nurse Salary

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  9. Salary: Travel Nurse in United States 2024

    The estimated total pay for a Travel Nurse is $94,794 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $90,289 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated additional pay is $4,505 per year.

  10. Travel Nurse Salary Guide: How Much Travel Nurses Make In 2023?

    Travel Nurse Salary in 2023. The salary of a travel nurse may vary depending on a few factors, such as location, experience, and specialty. According to recent data, the average annual salary for travel nurses in the U.S. is $106,030 or $51/hr. However, the salary range can vary widely on the factors mentioned above, with the lowest salary ...

  11. Travel Nurse Salary 2024 (State-by-State Comparison)

    Travel nurses who are registered nurses (RNs) may make as much or more than the average RN salary of $81,220 per year, while advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) salaries often exceed the annual average of $129,400. (While travel nurse positions are also available for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs ...

  12. States With the Highest Salary for a Travel Registered Nurse

    Here is a list of the top 10 states with the highest average salaries for travel registered nurses: Connecticut: $102,919 per year. Nevada: $106,110 per year. Massachusetts: $111,864 per year. Rhode Island: $97,009. New Jersey: $120,721 per year. New York: $134,663per year. Alaska: $107,319 per year.

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    We've identified 12 states where the typical salary for a Travel Nurse job is above the national average. Topping the list is New York, with Pennsylvania and New Hampshire close behind in second and third. New Hampshire beats the national average by 6.4%, and New York furthers that trend with another $19,000 (18.8%) above the $101,132.

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    As per the latest data, the average hourly rate for a travel nurse is $40.37. However, entry-level travel nurses earn a starting salary of $31.25, significantly lower than the industry average. Conversely, senior travel nurses earn an average of $50.96 per hour, representing a substantial increase in pay compared to their entry-level peers.

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    Despite Declines, Travel Wages Remained Above Pre-Pandemic Levels. Source: Vivian Health's average weekly travel RN pay from December 2022 to December 2023 for all 50 states. After falling 15.1% in 2022, RN travel wages took another 11.3% dive in 2023. However, most of that drop occurred during the first 5 months of the year, and wages ...

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    In Canada, the average salary for a travel nurse can vary widely due to factors such as experience, qualifications, location, supply and demand, and the type of assignment. According to Indeed, travel nurses in Canada can earn an average yearly salary of approximately $157,240. Travel nurses may also receive other benefits like housing stipends ...

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    3. San Jose, California. Average salary: $113,354 per year Location quotient: 0.89 According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, San Jose and the surrounding areas of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara is one of the highest-earning metropolitan areas for nurses. It employs over 20,000 nurses in various specialties.

  26. What You Can Do With a Nursing Degree

    The average hourly salary for travel nurses in 2023 was $54.12, or $2,310 a week, according to Indeed. To qualify for these positions, candidates must have either an associate or bachelor's degree ...

  27. Iowa House backs pay caps for traveling nurses

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