How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Courtney Smith-Kimble

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated September 27, 2023

travel nurse salary daily

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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

travel nurse salary daily

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 nurse salary daily

Travel Nurse Salary Guide | 2023

What is a travel nurse.

Travel nurses are registered nurses that work short-term contracts to fill the needs of hospitals, clinics, long-term facilities, and other healthcare institutions. Travel nurses can help when there are nursing shortages. However, it is not always a long-term solution.

Travel nursing is very enticing to those who want increased flexibility within the nursing sector that traditional bedside nursing might not offer.

Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Travel nurse salaries vary depending on the location and specialty. Most recently travel nurses have seen a decline in salaries as compared to several years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased wages for travel nurses, and many left the bedside in order to travel the country but also cash in on the big paychecks. While now the salaries are not as large for contracts, there are still a plethora of contracts available at a competitive wage across the country.

ZipRecruiter.com reports the national average for travel nurses is $118,400 per year. The highest-paying states are New York, California , and Idaho while the lowest reported salaries are in Louisiana and North Carolina. Even though North Carolina has the lowest travel nurse salary, the annual travel nurse salary is still more than the $77,600 national average for staff nurses according to the BLS .

But don’t forget other ways to make money as a travel nurse, such as earning points or miles on all the travel that you already have to do. We now have travel nursing credit cards just for nurses to earn while they travel.

Travel Nurse Salary by State

Salaries and stipends vary by state and city , as do housing and cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of travel nurse salaries and hourly wage for all fifty states, going from highest to lowest.

Source: ZipRecruiter.com

Find available, high-paying travel nurse opportunities.

Wages for travel nurses involve more than a straight hourly rate. Travel nurses can receive non-taxed stipends for housing and living expenses, and those stipends are paid on top of your hourly rate. Other benefits may include, depending on the staffing agency:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401K investment options
  • Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses
  • Free continuing education courses
  • License Reimbursement
  • Weekly/Bi-weekly Pay
  • Tax Advantage Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Liability Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation
  • 24/7 Support

It’s important to remember that travel nurses are paid (and taxed) differently than staff nurses . Travel nurses are paid through agencies, not the hospital, so you have to look at your total pay. This includes your hourly base pay + your non-taxable stipends, which is what things like housing and meals are considered.

What Does a Travel Nurse Package Include?

Travel nurse packages will vary depending on the company as well as the individual. For example, one travel nurse may take a housing stipend while another might take the company-provided houses. These small differences are important to remember when investigating travel nurse contracts and also speaking to your peers. Furthermore, some travel nurse companies will have exclusive contracts with healthcare institutions, and packages will look different based on the exclusivity.

There are three major components to all pay packages:

  • Taxable hourly pay
  • Housing Stipend
  • Meal and Incidentals Stipend

Taxable Hourly Rate

The hourly pay is the dollar per-hour amount for each hour worked. It is the taxable portion of the pay package, which is important to remember. The actual amount you are paid will vary depending on the agency. Travel nurse agencies will want to pay you the least amount possible in order to make packages look the most attractive to travel nurses. The larger the hourly wage, the more taxes are taken out and as a result less weekly income.

Housing, Meal, and Incidental Stipends

This portion of the pay package is tax-exempt since non-taxable money is not considered income. This is the most alluring part of a travel nurse pay package and where travel nurses will make the most money. This money is directly determined by the travel nurse company .

These stipends will also vary depending if you decide to take housing provided by the company or find your own. If you decide to take company-provided housing then you would not receive a housing stipend. Many travel nurses decide to take the housing stipend and then find their own living arrangements. This can help nurses take home extra non-taxable pay. But be careful, it also can be harmful.

For example, if the housing stipend is $1,200 and you find an apartment for $1,000 then you will get to keep the extra $200. Unfortunately, if housing is more than the housing stipend provided by the company then you are responsible for the difference.

Pro tip: Look at housing costs before signing your contract!

As an example, a standard total pay package could look something like this:

travel nurse salary daily

*Assumes $20 per hour at 40 hours per week, minus taxes

Understanding Your “Tax Home”

In order to qualify for these non-taxable stipends or reimbursements, one must maintain what the IRS calls a “tax home.” A tax home is your place of residence that you maintain and pay for (either by rent or mortgage) while you are out on your travel assignment. Ideally, the IRS would like a travel nurse to take an assignment somewhere and then return to their tax home where they maintain a PRN or full-time nursing job.

Travel nurses that have a tax home will need to maintain proof of this. It’s important to keep all receipts that prove you are paying to maintain your primary residence (e.g., house sitters, utilities, home maintenance expenses).

Per IRS Publication 463 , three factors are used to determine if a location/residence qualifies as a tax home. These are:

  • You perform part of your business in the area of your main home and use that home for lodging while doing business in the area.
  • You have living expenses at your main home that you duplicate because your business requires you to be away from that home.
  • You have not abandoned the area in which both your historical place of lodging and your claimed main home are located; you have a member(s) of your family living at your main home; or you often use that home for lodging.

Most travel nursing agencies will have you sign a form stating that you do have a tax home. If you do not have a residence that you are planning on maintaining when you are traveling, you will be referred to as an itinerant worker. As an itinerant worker, you will be required to pay taxes on all income earned including stipends and reimbursements. When applying with different travel agencies, make sure they are aware of your itinerant status. You can get more information about tax homes here .

Itinerant status is not ideal and will cause a big difference in take-home pay. It can be confusing to navigate the difference between tax home and itinerant status. Speaking to a financial planner and/or accountant specializing in travel nurse pay is helpful. As a best practice, travel nurses are encouraged to return to their permanent residence between contracts.

What Factors Affect Travel Nursing Pay?

There are numerous factors that can affect travel nursing pay. Some will be in your control and others will not. These include

The specific location of the assignment most heavily influences travel nurse pay. Simply put, pay rates often reflect the cost of living in the area and also regional trends. Historically speaking, the highest-paying states for travel nurses include California , Texas , Massachusetts, Washington , and New York .

Southern states, like Mississippi and Alabama, typically have lower living costs and in turn, lower travel nurse pay. Destination locations, like Hawaii, typically do not have the most desirable pay packages because the locations are highly sought after. Companies know that there are many travel nurses who are excited about the surf and sand of Hawaii, so pay packages are reflective of that.

The travel nurse’s specialty also impacts pay. Medical surgical nurses, long-term care nurses, and clinic nurses will see significantly lower rates than other specialties, but this is generally the case even for staff nurses. Increased certifications, credentials, and skills will command higher pay. Historically speaking, the top-paying travel nurse specialties are:

  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
  • Labor & Delivery
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • Operating Room (OR)
  • Post-anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Night shift assignments are generally more prevalent in the world of travel nursing. The increased need and the less desirable shift means that many hospitals offer higher rates for their night shift assignments. If you want to make the most money as a travel nurse, flexibility is key.

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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) $2,169.13 Based on 2,386,114 jobs analyzed across all travel nurse specialties , nationwide

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

  • Highest Paying
  • Access Healthcare Staffing 20,000+ jobs $155.90 above average
  • Host Healthcare 50,000+ jobs $106.53 above average
  • Aureus Medical Group 50,000+ jobs $75.58 above average
  • Epic Travel Staffing (formerly Emerald Health) 50,000+ jobs $64.39 above average
  • MedPro Healthcare Staffing 50,000+ jobs -$12.71 below average
  • TotalMed 50,000+ jobs -$12.76 below average
  • Healthcare Staffing - IDR, Inc 20,000+ jobs -$62.15 below average
  • Job Availability
  • Aequor Healthcare 50,000+ jobs -$88.38 below average

Top Locations Nationwide

  • New York 50,000+ jobs $236.59 above average
  • California 50,000+ jobs $226.24 above average
  • Massachusetts 50,000+ jobs $201.51 above average
  • Illinois 50,000+ jobs $50.19 above average
  • Ohio 50,000+ jobs $47.14 above average
  • Washington 50,000+ jobs $39.62 above average
  • Virginia 50,000+ jobs -$40.38 below average
  • Texas 50,000+ jobs -$159.23 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.

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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.

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How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Learn how much the average travel nurse makes in different states, how it compares to staff nursing salaries, and which specialties pay the most.

travel nurse salary daily

Travel nurses typically make between $81,000 and $128,000 a year and have an average annual income of $105,021.  If we dig even deeper into the data from Zip Recruiter, we see that in the United States in 2023, travel nurses earn, on average: 

  • $50.49 per hour
  • $2,391 per week 
  • $105,021 per year

What you can make as a traveler varies by nursing specialty, location, demand, and more. Travel nurse pay typically consists of an hourly rate in addition to stipends and reimbursements for housing and living expenses. These stipends can be tax-free , adding to higher take-home pay due to lower taxation.  

With all of the factors affecting travel nurse pay- it is super important to stay up-to-date on the latest information. Pay is important. Whether you are new to the traveling world or a travel nurse veteran, it can be complicated.  

As a travel nurse, you are valuable. You bring unmatched flexibility, skill, and knowledge- and meet an essential need in today’s healthcare climate. Patients continue to receive high-quality care despite regional staffing challenges, and healthcare systems experiencing staffing crises keep functioning- because of travel nurses. 

At Trusted, we are transparent about our pay policies and work hard to ensure our travelers are always paid what they are worth. We want you to be aware of and empowered by the value you bring to patients and healthcare systems. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about travel nurse pay! 

‍How Much Do Travel Nurses Make a Year? 

According to Zip Recruiter, the average annual travel nurse pay clocks in at: 

  • New York, along with other states that have a higher cost of living, tend to have the highest travel nurse salaries, averaging at $128,000 per year. 
  • Other states with lower costs of living, such as Arkansas, typically clock in with an average travel nurse salary of $81,000 per year. 

Factors like how many contracts, how many weeks are worked, and how much time off you take affect your annual pay. Travel nurses are not salaried employees- travel nurses get paid an hourly wage, plus stipends and reimbursements, which vary from contract to contract.  Your specialty and location are also important factors. 

How much a travel nurse works in a year is totally up to you! Flexibility is one of the greatest benefits of being a travel nurse. While taking little time off between contracts will undoubtedly lead to more annual pay, many travelers enjoy extended periods of not working. No matter what your decision is, your Nurse Advocate at Trusted will support you. At Trusted, you will never be rushed into beginning another contract once you have finished one. Let us know what you want and when you want it, and we will help you find it! 

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make an Hour?

How much a travel nurse earns per hour varies by location, specialty, and demand. According to Zip Recruiter, the hourly average pay for travel nurses is: 

  • States with a higher cost of living can have average pay rates of $61.67 per hour or more.
  • States with a lower cost of living lean toward an average pay of $39.04 per hour.

Keep reading to discover how location, specialty, and need impact travel nurse pay. We’ll take a closer look at these factors later in this post. First, we want to review travel nurse pay at Trusted and ways you can maximize your take-home pay.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make Working with Trusted Health? 

We know that we’re providing a lot of data and numbers, and that is because we want to be fully transparent with your pay information. On that note, here’s more specific data to show you what travel nurses make when they work with Trusted! 

The following graphs reflect the average gross pay (taxable and non-taxable earnings) from nurses working contracts with Trusted thus far in 2023, organized by highest paying state and specialty. This is how traveling at Trusted Health compares: 

Top Five Highest-Paid States for Travel Nurses at Trusted Health

Top five highest-paid specialties for travel nurses with trusted health.

Want more details and information? Check out our Salary Guide .  

Maximizing Your Take-Home Pay as a Travel Nurse

How much you make as a travel nurse is positively impacted by the tax benefits available for traveling professionals. Here are some of the key tax advantages of travel nursing that maximize your pay:

  • Non-Taxable Stipends: Travel nurses receive tax-free stipends to cover expenses like lodging, travel reimbursement, meals, and incidentals. A traveler will often receive both a housing stipend and a daily stipend, or “per diem.” Stipends are calculated based on government-set rates specific to the location of your assignment. Stipends are meant to benefit a traveler who is duplicating living expenses while working away from home. 

Since these stipends are not considered taxable income, they can significantly increase your overall earnings.  If you have questions about whether or not you qualify for tax-free stipends, be sure to read our guide on travel taxes and check-in with your tax advisor! 

  • Lower Taxable Rates: Travel nursing pay packages often combine taxable and non-taxable components. Typically, your hourly rate is taxable, and stipends are non-taxable. 

Since taxable rates for travel nurses tend to be lower than regular staff nursing rates, a smaller portion of your total salary is subject to taxation. This effectively reduces your tax liability and increases your take-home pay!

It's important to note that tax laws and regulations can be complex and subject to change. It is highly recommended to consult with a qualified tax professional or accountant specializing in travel nursing to ensure you understand and maximize your tax benefits per current regulations and your personal situation.

Factors Affecting Travel Nurse Pay

When choosing a travel nurse assignment, it's important to consider the factors that impact your pay package. We’ve mentioned specialty, location, and demand. Let’s take a closer look at how and why these factors affect your pay, plus a few more.  

1. Specialty 

Your nursing specialty is a key factor determining how much you can make as a travel nurse. The specialization and expertise required in certain areas of nursing often translate into higher compensation. Some specialties may also require travelers to take call, which also affects total pay. 

2. Location

How much travel nurses make varies across different states and cities. Just as pay varies across assignments, the cost of living does, too. Some of the highest-paying states and top-paying cities are often the most expensive to live in. When contemplating a contract, it is important to look at how much you will make there and how much you expect to spend there. 

Pay can differ from location to location based on local regulations. Stipends are calculated based on government-set rates specific to a location. A higher cost of living translates to a higher living and housing stipend for travel nurses. 

Overtime laws also vary from state to state. For example, in California, nurses often receive 1.5x their standard rate for any hours worked beyond eight in a day, with 2x their regular rate for hours above 12 in a day. In most other states, overtime pay doesn’t begin until 40 hours per week.

3. Facility Need

When the need or demand for travel nurses is high, facilities may offer premium pay rates to attract travel nurses and accommodate this high demand. This is why you will see different rates for the same travel nursing specialty at different facilities, even within the same city. Rates will fluctuate with supply and demand, and with a particular facility and unit’s level of need.  

Facility need will increase during public health crises. This occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic- when nursing shortages and the demand for nurses were at an all-time high, travel nurse pay was as well. 

Another example of this is during extreme staffing crises, such as strikes . When nurses at a facility are striking, that facility’s demand for nurses will be exceedingly high. Because of this, pay to cover striking facilities is also very high. However, strikes are often short-term in length and are unpredictable in nature. 

4. Shift Type

How much you make as a travel nurse can be affected by the shift you work.  The overall need on the shift available for you as a traveler will impact the rate offered to fill the role.  For example, a facility may have trouble fully staffing their less desired shifts, like night shifts or weekends, so they will likely offer higher pay rates to fill these staffing gaps. 

5. Choice of Agency 

As a travel nurse, one of the most critical choices that can affect how much you make is your choice of travel nurse agency. Travel nurse staffing agencies work to help match travel nurses with contracts, and some agencies have larger overhead expenses than others. Other agencies simply choose to keep more profit within the company- and these factors lead to reduced pay for their nurses. 

At Trusted, we are transparent with our pay practices, and many of our nurse advocates and staff have been travel nurses in the past. We know what it's like to be in your shoes- and you won’t find slimy, pushy recruiters or low-paying contracts here! You are our most valuable resource at Trusted, and we work hard to maximize your pay and make your travel nurse experience the best it can be.

Are You Ready to Explore High-Paying Travel Nursing Opportunities?

Sign up with Trusted today to discover exciting travel nursing opportunities and take advantage of the highest-paying jobs and tax benefits available. We offer a seamless platform to connect travel nurses with top-notch assignments tailored to their preferences and career goals, and we make this process transparent, easy, and enjoyable.  

If you value flexibility and varied experiences, travel nursing can be the key to maximizing your income. Trusted knows the value, skill, and experience that travel nurses bring to the table- and we work hard to ensure our travel nurses are paid what they are worth. Whether you're seeking higher pay, exciting experiences, or the chance to explore new locations, Trusted has got you covered!

Let's start building the life you want.

We're here to help, how much does a travel nurse make.

In the realm of nursing careers, travel nurse salaries vary based on specialty, location, and level of demand. Overall, travel nurses tend to earn more than their staff nurse counterparts.  This is particularly true in larger cities and during periods of heightened demand, such as pandemics. 

The data shows that staff registered nurses earn an average of $42.80 per hour (approximately $89,010 per year). However, travel nurses can earn around $50 per hour (on average $105,021 per year). Notably, travel nursing pay packages often include a mix of taxable and non-taxable income in the form of stipends and reimbursements, resulting in a higher take-home pay due to lower taxation.

‍ Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics & ZipRecruiter

Find your first travel nursing job with Trusted

Maximizing take-home pay with tax-free compensation.

As a travel nurse, you can enjoy tax benefits that can positively impact your take-home pay. Here are some key tax advantages associated with travel nursing:

  • Non-Taxable Stipends: Travel nurses receive tax-free stipends to cover expenses like lodging, meals, and incidentals. These stipends, often referred to as "per diems," are calculated based on government-set rates specific to the location of your assignment and are meant to accommodate a traveler who is duplicating expenses while working away from home. Since these stipends are not considered taxable income, they can significantly increase your overall earnings.  If you have questions about whether or not you qualify for stipends, be sure to check in with your tax advisor! 
  • Lower Taxable Rates: Travel nursing pay packages often consist of a combination of taxable and non-taxable components. Since taxable rates for travel nurses tend to be lower than regular staff nursing rates, a smaller portion of your total salary is subject to taxation. This effectively reduces your tax liability and increases your take-home pay!

It's important to note that tax laws and regulations can be complex and subject to change. It is highly recommended to consult with a qualified tax professional or accountant who specializes in travel nursing to ensure you understand and maximize your tax benefits in accordance with current regulations and your personal situation.

When choosing a travel nursing assignment, it’s important to consider other factors that can impact your pay package. Most clinical nurses are hourly employees. That means the amount of money you make is directly tied to how many hours you work (this can be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it). To understand travel nurse pay comprehensively, consider these key factors that come into play:

1. Shift Type

The choice of shift you choose to work can impact your earnings.  The need on the shift available for you to fill as a traveler will impact the rate offered to fill the role.  For example, a facility may have trouble fully staffing their less desired shifts, like night shifts or weekends, so they will likely offer higher pay rates to fill these staffing gaps. 

2. Employment Classification

Different classifications, such as staff, part-time, per diem, or travel nurse, come with varying compensation levels. While staff nurses may enjoy more consistent employee benefits, opting for per diem or travel nursing assignments can result in higher hourly compensation and enhanced flexibility. If you value flexibility and varied experience, opting for a travel nursing position can be key to maximizing your income.

Facilities may offer varying pay rates to attract professionals or accommodate short-term demand.  This is why you often see differing rates for the same travel nurse specialty at different facilities, even in the same city.  Rates do fluctuate with supply and demand as well as a particular facility and unit’s level of need. 

4. Specialty 

Nurse specialty plays a role in determining the pay of travel nurses. The level of specialization and expertise required in certain nursing specialties often translates into higher compensation.  You can find more information on specialty-based compensation within our Nursing Specialties Guide. Based on the trends that we’ve seen in Trusted travel nurse jobs over the past 2 years, these have been the top 5 highest paying specialties: 

  • Pediatric Vascular Access
  • Pediatric ICU  
  • Operating Room  
  • Labor & Delivery  

5. Location

Travel nursing pay differs across states and cities. The set stipend limits discussed above vary by city, as do laws pertaining to when overtime rates apply. For example, in California, staff nurses often receive 1.5x their standard rate for any hours worked beyond eight in a day, with 2x their regular rate for hours past 12 in a day. In many other states, overtime pay doesn’t begin until 40 hours in a week. How much money you make is only part of the equation; you also have to look at how much you can expect to spend at your travel destination. Just as travel nurse pay varies from assignment to assignment, so too does the cost of living. Often, some of the highest-paying states and top-paying cities are also the most expensive to live in. 

Top-Paying States for Travel Nurses:

‍So, where do travel nurses make the most money? We’ve listed out 5 states where travel nurse pay tends to be higher than average.  Keep in mind that travel nurse pay rates fluctuate frequently based on supply and demand and are impacted by many factors including start date, contract length, shifts per week, etc.  You’ll want to be sure to check out our Nurse Salary Explorer to compare pay between travel nurses and staff nurses in any location. 

Without further ado, here are the states with the highest average hourly pay for travel nurses! Don’t forget, these are only base rates- travelers receive tax-free stipends too! 

Average hourly rates of $61.67/hr

Experience the electric energy and endless possibilities of travel nursing in the vibrant state of New York. From the iconic streets of New York City to the scenic beauty of the Finger Lakes and Adirondack Mountains, New York also offers a diverse range of opportunities for adventure and career growth. As a travel nurse in New York, you can immerse yourself in world-class healthcare facilities, cultural landmarks, and a melting pot of diverse communities. Explore our available travel nursing jobs in New York today and embrace the excitement of the Empire State!

Average hourly rates of $52.78/hr

Embrace the sunshine and desert beauty while embarking on an exciting travel nursing journey in Arizona. Known for its awe-inspiring landscapes, including the Grand Canyon and Sedona's red rocks, Arizona offers a unique and enriching experience for travel nurses. Immerse yourself in the rich Native American culture, enjoy outdoor adventures, and discover the bustling city life of Phoenix and Tucson. Browse our available travel nursing jobs in Arizona today !

Average hourly rates of $52.77/hr

Embrace the rugged beauty of the wild west and discover travel nursing opportunities in Wyoming. From the stunning landscapes of Yellowstone National Park to the vibrant energy of Jackson Hole, Wyoming offers a unique experience for adventurous travelers. With a wide range of healthcare facilities and a high demand for nursing professionals, Wyoming provides an ideal setting to enhance your career while immersing yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors. Explore our available travel nursing jobs in Wyoming and embark on an unforgettable journey.

Average hourly rates of $52.72/hr

Indulge in the tropical paradise of Hawaii and embark on a truly extraordinary travel nursing adventure. With its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, Hawaii offers a unique experience for travel nurses seeking both professional and personal fulfillment. From the bustling city life of Honolulu to the tranquil beauty of Kaui and the Big Island, Hawaii provides an enchanting backdrop for your nursing career. Explore our available travel nursing jobs in Hawaii today and let Trusted Health guide you towards an unforgettable experience in the Aloha State.

Average hourly rates of $51.78/hr

Immerse yourself in the rich history, music, and southern charm of Tennessee. From the lively streets of Nashville, the Music City, to the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee offers a delightful blend of urban excitement and natural wonders. Experience top-notch healthcare facilities, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and embrace the warm hospitality of the Volunteer State. Check out our available travel nursing jobs in Tennessee !

Source: ZipRecruiter

Ready to Explore High-Paying Travel Nursing Opportunities?

Are you ready to discover exciting travel nursing opportunities and take advantage of the competitive salaries, tax benefits, and diverse nursing specialties? Trusted offers a seamless platform to connect travel nurses with top-notch assignments tailored to their preferences and career goals. Whether you're seeking higher compensation, unique experiences, or the chance to explore new locations, Trusted has got you covered!

Sign up with Trusted Health now and start your rewarding travel nursing adventure!

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

  • Last Updated: July 28, 2023

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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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.

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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.

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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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  • 10 Pros and Cons of Becoming a Travel Nurse
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  • See all Nursing Articles

What is the Average Salary for a Travel Nurse?

Job seeker, salary, travel nursing.

Average Travel Nurse Salary a State by State Guide

Embarking on a career as a travel nurse is not just a professional journey; it’s an adventure that combines a passion for care with the excitement of exploring new places. But beyond the allure of crossing a new city off your bucket list and seeing new sights, travel nursing offers a unique opportunity for higher earning protentional. While the national average travel nurse salary according to Indeed is $2,098 per week , not all travel nurse salaries are the same. Let’s dive into a state-by-state look and factors that could impact compensation.

Average Travel Nurse Salary by State

Not only does location play a major role in the cost of living, but it also plays a pivotal part in a travel nurse’s salary and demand. For example, California is the most populated state in the U.S., has a higher cost of living, and is one of the states that needs nurses the most ; therefore pay is going to be higher than states like Rhode Island.

There’s even a disparity between rural and metropolitan areas, as well as states that are more popular than those hidden gem locations. Hawaii is a beautiful state that is incredibly desirable among travel nurses (especially around those winter months), however, pay rates might be much lower compared to those of Alaska during the same time frame since it’s not as desirable.

Keep in mind that there are many factors that influence your pay, so it’s possible to make more or less than the average travel nurse salary in each state depending on your career path. What’s important is staying flexible and keeping an open mind about a place because the most unexpected travel nurse job just might be your favorite.

Factors that Impact Pay

As we can see in the chart above, location matters when it comes to a travel nurse salary. But it’s not the only factor that will impact pay—crisis travel assignments and even the agency you work with can make a difference.

  • Experience and Specialty: Seasoned travel nurses with specialized skills or certifications tend to command higher pay rates. Critical care, emergency room, and labor and delivery nurses, for instance, are often in high demand.
  • Agency: Travel nurses typically work through staffing agencies, like Medical Solutions, that negotiate contracts on their behalf. Your recruiter should act as an extension of you and will work hard to ensure you get the pay you want and deserve.
  • Benefits Package: Travel nurses often receive additional perks such as license reimbursements, housing stipends, health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses, all of which contribute to the overall compensation package.

The average travel nurse salary is something influenced by various factors such as location, experience, specialty, and benefits package. While concrete figures provide a baseline, it’s crucial to recognize the individualized nature of travel nursing compensation.

Ultimately, travel nursing offers not just a paycheck but a gateway to adventure, professional growth, and fulfillment. So, if you’re a nurse passionate about taking care on the road, consider exploring the world of travel nursing and apply today !

Learn more:

  • What is a Travel Nurse Salary
  • How Much is a Travel Nurse Salary
  • Travel Nursing
  • Which States Have a Nursing Shortage
  • What States Need RNs the Most
  • High-Demand Nursing Specialties
  • Travel Nurse Housing
  • Travel Nurse Benefits

Recommended Reads

What is a travel nurse salary, how much is a travel nurse salary, 10 high-demand specialties for travel nurses.

travel nurse salary daily

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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Map: The pay gap between travel nurses and RNs

Although the cost of travel nurses has since dropped from its pandemic high, the pay gap between travel nurses and staff RNs remains high, with travel nurses earning roughly twice as much as RNs per week. To combat these high contract labor expenses, some hospitals are creating their own internal staffing agencies to offer nurses higher pay and flexibility while controlling costs.

The pay gap between travel nurses and RNs

Throughout the pandemic, many hospitals have had to turn to travel nurses as they struggled with both Covid-19 surges and widespread staff shortages. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, contract labor expenses are now almost 500% higher, according to a Kaufman Hall report commissioned by the American Hospital Association (AHA)—and these costs have pushed many hospitals into negative margins in 2022.

Although travel nurse pay is now much lower than its peak in late 2020, the average cost of a travel nurse is still roughly double that of a staff RN.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average hourly pay for an RN is $39.78, or $1,591 a week. In comparison, data from Vivian Health , a national health care hiring marketplace, shows that the weekly pay for travel nurses in November was $3,204.

Across all 50 states, the pay gap between travel nurses and RNs ranged from 151% (Hawaii) to 287% (South Dakota), according to data organized by Becker's Hospital Review .

Hospitals create their own internal staffing agencies to curtail labor expenses

As hospitals continue to struggle with high labor expenses from travel nurses, some have decided to create their own internal staffing agencies to offer nurses more flexibility and higher pay while still curtailing expenses from outside agencies.

For example, Allegheny Health Network created its own in-house staffing team that works in various units within its 14 hospitals. The nurses who work for this unit have higher hourly pay than regular staff RNs and have access to full benefits. Although they move among different hospitals, they can also "sleep in their own bed," said Claire Zangerle, Allegheny's chief nurse executive.

Similarly, Jefferson Health also recently created its own internal staffing unit, which currently has 35 full-time workers. "There's a huge shift in the evolution of health care in creating more staff who can move around," said Daniel Hudson, Jefferson's VP of nursing administration and operations.

According to Kaiser Health News , hospital officials at Piedmont Healthcare , which recently formed its own hospital staffing unit, believe the unit provides the "best of both worlds—the flexibility of a staffing agency and the stability and support of a local health system."

Akin Demehin, AHA's senior director of quality and patient safety policy, said that work flexibility, including location and the frequency and structure of shifts, is likely to be a key draw for nurses going forward.

In addition, Kim Sauro, director of Henry Ford Health System 's internal staffing unit that began in 2013, said the cost of in-house staffing teams is much less than the cost of travel nurses from outside agencies.

So far, many internal staffing units remain relatively small, and they are not likely to significantly impact the travel nursing industry just yet. "Their success would very much depend on their ability to attract, recruit, and retain nurses," said Chris Eales, from Premier Healthcare Professionals . "They have to build up some credibility."

Currently, many hospitals are still hiring travel nurses, even as they fill out their internal staffing units. However, hospital officials are hopeful that internal staffing agencies will continue to grow as nurses and other workers, such as surgical techs and respiratory therapists, look for more flexible working conditions.

"I don't think we'll ever be temp agency-free," Zangerle said. But flexible internal hospital teams "are going to change the labor market." (Robertson, Becker's Hospital Review , 12/15; Miller, Kaiser Health News , 12/15)

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Travel Nurse Salary | How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

With nursing jobs continually increasing, travel nursing provides health care organizations with the perfect solution.

First, travel nurses work with agencies that scout healthcare facilities needing medical assistance.

Then, they pay travel nurses to fly out and work on temporary assignments (usually lasting from 1 – 12 months).

During this time, nurses may receive additional assistance (beyond the travel nurse salary) to perform their duties adequately.

Because healthcare organizations are in high demand, travel nurses are often well compensated for relocating while on assignments.

They may benefit from perks such as 401k plan contributions, special sign-on bonuses, job completion bonuses, higher wages, reimbursement for licenses, and CEUs.

Moreover, nurses may receive relocation pay and permanent job offerings after completing a nursing assignment.

A qualified registered nurse  must meet specific criteria for a travel nurse job.

Notably, they must have at least one year of clinical care experience before applying for travel nurse positions.

Nevertheless, most travel nurse agencies suggest that qualifying nurses have at least 2 – 3 years of experience.

Furthermore, additional training/certifications can make hiring more accessible, and nurses with more experience may choose better assignments.

Lastly, travel nurse positions may be available for some LPNs and CNAs; however, this is much less common.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

The average salary a travel nurse makes varies depending on several factors.

These factors include the assignments/agencies nurses choose, assignment length, number of hours worked, and additional perks/benefits.

Travel nurses can earn anywhere from $35 – $57 or more per hour, depending on their employer.

Furthermore, overtime offers opportunities to increase income beyond the expected yearly salary.

Nurses working in high-paying locations with reputable agencies and overtime pay can make $133,000 – $172,000 per year.

With that said, most travel nurses’ $170,000+ is at the high end.

For instance, travel nurses working in New York earn around $118,000 – $133,600, while other states may pay substantially less.

Furthermore, it’s essential to understand that some locations have a higher cost of living.

Consequently, this can influence a travel nurse’s after-tax income if they live in an expensive area.

Lastly, a pandemic or severe nursing shortage can significantly increase travel nurses’ hourly wages and salaries.

In short, their salaries may also increase when the demand for qualified registered nurses increases.

When you include travel benefits, bonuses, car and housing compensations, 401 k contributions, tax-free travel reimbursement, and other perks, it becomes clear that travel nurses can earn an excellent income.

However, It’s vital to note that not all travel agencies and healthcare organizations provide the same benefits.

For example, some places offer tons of perks and bonuses to those willing to travel outside their hometown.

In contrast, others may offer little or no additional benefits.

Therefore, it’s essential to work with various travel nursing agencies/recruitment firms to find the best work assignments and locations.

States with the highest travel nurse salary

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • San Diego, CA
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • New Orleans, LA

Remember that a travel nurse’s pay can change significantly depending on when and where needed.

At other times, travel nurses may earn substantially more working in other states with higher demand.

Factors That Influence a Travel Nurse’s Salary

  • Work location (the facility they work at)
  • State of work (the state/city they work in)
  • The agencies negotiated rate
  • Bonuses and benefits
  • Overtime pay
  • Work experience and specialty
  • The current need for additional staffing

As mentioned earlier, numerous factors influence a travel nurse’s salary.

Beyond their salary, travel nurses can earn additional income through benefits/perks, tax-free travel reimbursement, and bonuses.

Moreover, compensations such as 401K contributions, health savings accounts, and paid housing can provide financial assistance.

It can substantially increase a travel nurse’s salary or reduce daily expenses.

Travel Nurse Benefits and Compensation

  • 401 (K) matching
  • AD & D insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • License reimbursement
  • Life insurance
  • Paid housing
  • Car rental reimbursement
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance

Nurses receive numerous benefits and compensations depending on the agency and hospital agreements.

Ultimately, the agency, hospital, and healthcare system supply the nurse benefits/compensations.

Therefore, you’ll want to discuss the benefits in advance when working with an agency to determine what you can expect.

It ensures proper compensation and allows travel nurses to choose the most desirable assignments/agencies.

Is Travel Nursing Worth The Money?

Working as a nurse is worth the money for travel nurses who enjoy meeting new people, appreciate working through fresh challenges, and don’t mind traveling.

In addition, travel nursing offers many benefits for those who don’t mind leaving home to work elsewhere.

For nurses who enjoy being home, prefer complacency, or struggle with leaving family, traveling nursing may not be for you.

You’ll have to consider the money you’ll earn while away from home and determine if it’s worth the cost.

Everyone that works as a travel nurse has their own opinions and lifestyle preference.

As a result, what’s best for you may not be best for someone else and vice versa.

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • Do I mind being away from home for extended periods?
  • Am I ok with being separated from friends and family?
  • Do I want to travel to new destinations?
  • Am I flexible with my schedule and ok with working overtime?
  • Do I have licenses for multiple states?
  • Are there responsibilities that prevent me from working out of state?
  • Am I able to work well with new and diverse staff?
  • Do I enjoy adventure and challenge?
  • Am I ok with traveling and making travel arrangements?
  • Do weather changes in different states bother me?

Although there is a lot to think about when determining whether to become a travel nurse, these questions are beneficial.

Ultimately, you can use these questions to understand better how you’d feel traveling regularly.

Family and friends are among the most significant factors for those who become travel nurses.

Additionally, connecting with diverse workgroups in various environments and adjusting to different climates is a must.

Travel nursing offers a lot in return for those who can handle these factors.

Why Are Travel Nurses Paid So Much?

A travel nurse’s money varies greatly depending on the state, salary agreement, and nurses’ experience.

With that said, travel nurses can earn more money than regular registered nurses.

Firstly, travel nurses work on assignments filling roles in much-needed healthcare positions.

As a result, hospitals are willing to pay a premium for any additional help they can receive.

Secondly, in high-demand areas, the pay for a travel nurse may increase due to several hospitals competing for staff, further increasing rates.

Third, crucial care, ICU, and neonatal care roles may earn more due to their experience and specialized position, especially if those critical settings severely lack staff.

Fourth, travel nurses can negotiate their pay every time they sign a new assignment.

Travel nurses can choose jobs and locations that pay the best rates based on their needs. 

It gives travel nurses control over how much they earn and the length of their terms.

In short, travel nurses earn a high salary when they work in high-demand areas with limited staffing and increased competition.

Conversely, when competition decreases, a travel nurse’s salary decreases in low-demand settings.

Fortunately, there are always locations that need travel nurses if they’re willing to work in different environments.

All in all, travel nurses do often earn a high income.

However, they have to make sacrifices. After all, not every nurse is willing to become a travel nurse just for the pay.

Some nurses enjoy working in a specific location, spending time with family and friends, and going home after a busy workday.

Conversely, travel nurses are frequently away from home, family, and friends.

So, in the end, it’s about the nurse’s personality and willingness/desire to travel for work.

Career Opportunities and Outlook

Travel nursing provides nurses with a fantastic opportunity to travel the states or even the world.

One of the best ways for travel nurses to find jobs is to work with several travel nursing agencies.

Essentially, travel nurse agencies provide nurses with excellent job opportunities.

In addition to finding a job, a travel nursing agency also helps you receive various perks and benefits.

It can include benefits such as high-end health insurance, 401k contributions, sign-on/completion bonuses, paid luxury housing, rental car reimbursement, and relocation pay.

They’ll even stay in contact with you while traveling to ensure your relocation goes smoothly.

I’ve included several travel nursing agencies on this page to assist you in your search for travel jobs.

Below you can find various agencies to help you find a job, negotiate benefits/pay, and assist you with your relocation.

Each company has its advantages and disadvantages.

Therefore, it’s best to find several agencies that fit your needs and provide you with the best job opportunities and benefits.

Also, keep in mind that this is not a complete list.

There are many more travel agencies available to you than shown here.

Additionally, you may want to research to find a suitable travel nursing agency that meets your needs.

Travel Nurse Agencies List

  • American Mobile Healthcare
  • American Travel Nurse Liaison
  • Axis Healthcare Staffing
  • Cirrus Medical Staffing
  • Cross Country TravCorps
  • Expedient Medstaff
  • Freedom Healthcare Staffing
  • Flex Care Travel Nursing
  • Healthcare Seeker
  • Medical Express
  • Nightingale Nurses
  • NurseChoice
  • O’Grady Peyton International
  • Preferred Healthcare Staffing
  • Prime Time Healthcare
  • Premier Healthcare Professionals
  • Response 1 Medical Staffing
  • Valley Healthcare Systems

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of the companies/agencies listed and are not responsible for any of the links, content, products, and services offered by these websites. Suppose you have concerns with the companies/agencies listed on this page. In that case, it is in your best interest to do further research and gather as much information as possible, especially before following their advice, giving out personal data, or choosing a travel nursing agency to work with.

No single travel agency can provide you with all job opportunities and benefits.

Therefore, your best option is to work with several agencies to find the assignments that interest you most.

And if possible, look for reviews and references to help you better understand how each travel nursing agency performs.

Importantly, look for performance based on the agency’s ability to help with relocation assistance, job opportunities, employee benefits, pay, and customer service.

Those interested in becoming travel nurses will be happy to know that travel nursing has some of the industry’s best opportunities.

Because they are willing to travel, there is no shortage of available jobs.

Travel nurses are in high demand, and with the nursing gap expected to increase, it will be even more for healthcare organizations to find qualified nurses.

As a result, travel nurses who fill in the gap can look forward to increased benefits, perks, and opportunities.

Additional resources

  • AllNursingSchools.com Travel Nursing Salaries and Benefits
  • ZipRecruiter.com, Travel Nurse Salary by State
  • Indeed.com, How much does a Travel Nurse make in the U.S.
  • Highest-Paying Cities & States for Travel Nurses
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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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  1. Travel Nurse Salary 2024

    Location can make a huge difference in salary as a travel nurse. ZipRecruiter reports that the states that offer the highest pay for travel nurses include: New York: $128,277 annually or $61.67/hr. Arizona: $109,776 annually or $52.78/hr. Wyoming: $109,765 annually or $52.77/hr.

  2. How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

    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.

  3. Travel Nurse Salary

    Hourly: The average hourly rate for a travel nurse is $59.66. However, recently-licensed travel nurses tend to earn a much lower starting salary of $39.83 while their more experienced counterparts earn an average of $86.68. Some of this may include overtime hours, though the availability and demand for overtime will vary from one assignment to ...

  4. Travel Nursing

    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.

  5. Travel Nurse Salary Guide

    ZipRecruiter.com reports the national average for travel nurses is $118,400 per year. The highest-paying states are New York, California, and Idaho while the lowest reported salaries are in Louisiana and North Carolina. Even though North Carolina has the lowest travel nurse salary, the annual travel nurse salary is still more than the $77,600 ...

  6. The Ultimate Travel Nurse Salary Guide: 4 Million+ Jobs Analyzed

    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 ...

  7. Average Travel Nurse Salary by State & Nationally

    Last year, a Travel RN earned a gross average weekly salary of $1,716 per week working an average of 36 hours per week. This includes non-taxable compensation like living stipends, meal stipends, and housing which add up to an average value of $1,388 per week.

  8. Travel nurse salary in United States

    The average salary for a travel nurse is $2,094 per week in the United States. 208.3k salaries reported, updated at March 3, 2024. Is this useful?

  9. How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

    Travel nurses typically make between $81,000 and $128,000 a year and have an average annual income of $105,021. If we dig even deeper into the data from Zip Recruiter, we see that in the United States in 2023, travel nurses earn, on average: $50.49 per hour. $2,391 per week. $105,021 per year.

  10. Salary: Travel Nurse in United States 2024

    The estimated total pay for a Travel Nurse is $111,920 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $106,690 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 $5,230 per year.

  11. Travel Nurse Salary

    Travel nursing salaries are typically higher than the pay rates of full-time permanent nursing jobs. In some cases, an RN's travel nurse salary can reach as high as $48 an hour in specialty positions. ... To clarify, a travel nurse's base salary is taxable, however, the travel nursing agency will typically offer a daily stipend or 'per diem ...

  12. 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 ...

  13. How to Make the Most Money as a Travel Nurse

    Practice level/Education - Travel RNs make more money than stationary RNs. But those who also pursue advanced practice nursing credentials stand to earn even more. For example, the average travel nurse practitioner's salary is around $131,543 per year but can go up to $218,000. >> Show Me Online Nursing Programs.

  14. What is Travel Nursing?

    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. ... 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 ...

  15. Travel Nursing Jobs

    $2,130 /week. The average salary for a Registered Nurse is $2,130 per week. Last updated on March 18, 2024. Based on 131,046 active jobs on Vivian.com in the last 7 days.

  16. What is the Average Salary of a Travel Nurse?

    But beyond the allure of crossing a new city off your bucket list and seeing new sights, travel nursing offers a unique opportunity for higher earning protentional. While the national average travel nurse salary according to Indeed is $2,098 per week, not all travel nurse salaries are the same.

  17. Travel Nurse Salary

    The average Travel Nurse salary is $83,219 as of January 26, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $75,341 and $92,306. 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.

  18. Map: The pay gap between travel nurses and RNs

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly pay for an RN is $39.78, or $1,591 a week. In comparison, data from Vivian Health, a national health care hiring marketplace, shows that the weekly pay for travel nurses in November was $3,204. Across all 50 states, the pay gap between travel nurses and RNs ranged from 151% ...

  19. What Is the Average Travel Nurse Salary by State

    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.

  20. Travel Nurse Pay

    Below is the median hourly rate for registered nurse salaries in several popular destinations, current as of 2020 according to the BLS: RN salary in California - Median Hourly: $59.62. RN salary in Alaska - Median Hourly: $46.74. RN salary in District of Columbia - Median Hourly: $47.38.

  21. Travel Nurse Salary

    Nurses working in high-paying locations with reputable agencies and overtime pay can make $133,000 - $172,000 per year. With that said, most travel nurses' $170,000+ is at the high end. For instance, travel nurses working in New York earn around $118,000 - $133,600, while other states may pay substantially less.

  22. How Much Do Travel Nurses Make? Salary & Career Outlook

    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.