travel nurse salary to

2024 Travel Nurse Salary + Job Outlook

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?

Salary for different types of travel nurses, what other benefits will you receive as a travel nurse, how to boost your travel nurse salary, 10 best states to work for travel nurses + salary, travel nurse salary by state – highest to lowest, travel nurse salary by city, what are the 10 best travel nursing agencies to work for in the united states, what does the future look like for travel nursing jobs.

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How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Average Pay for Travel Nurses

Travel nursing pay explained, highest and lowest paying states for travel nurses.

• Highest Paying Travel Nurse Specialties
• Ways to Increase Pay

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

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.

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

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.

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.

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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:

*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.

Ready to start your adventure? Sign up today and start traveling next week.

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Don't miss out on your adventure..

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) $2,142.32 Based on 2,563,583 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 $153.54 above average
• Host Healthcare 50,000+ jobs $123.93 above average
• Epic Travel Staffing (formerly Emerald Health) 50,000+ jobs $70.11 above average
• Aureus Medical Group 50,000+ jobs $64.53 above average
• MedPro Healthcare Staffing 50,000+ jobs -$4.96 below average
• TotalMed 50,000+ jobs -$20.51 below average
• Healthcare Staffing - IDR, Inc 20,000+ jobs -$50.98 below average
• Job Availability
• Aequor Healthcare 50,000+ jobs -$99.95 below average

Top Locations Nationwide

• California 50,000+ jobs $223.79 above average
• New York 50,000+ jobs $221.51 above average
• Massachusetts 50,000+ jobs $196.72 above average
• Illinois 50,000+ jobs $57.39 above average
• Ohio 50,000+ jobs $43.42 above average
• Washington 50,000+ jobs $29.74 above average
• Virginia 50,000+ jobs -$34.14 below average
• Texas 50,000+ jobs -$157.61 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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See A Pay Package Example

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

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

It's confusing!  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taxable vs Tax Free Pay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses

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

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

These averages would include crisis rate market fluctuations.

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

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

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

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

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

Curious what the market looked like pre-COVID19?

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

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

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

Highest Travel Nurse Salaries by Metropolitan Area

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

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

Top 5 Highest Travel Nurse Salaries by Metropolitan Area

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

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

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

Highest Paying Travel Nurse Specialties

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

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

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

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

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

I repeat: Higher demand = Higher compensation.

How To Find the Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which travel nurse agencies have:

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

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

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

Furthermore, find unbiased reviews to guide your choices.

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

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

Our Data Sources

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

Methodology

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

Dropping the Mic 🖐🎤

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

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

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

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

Your days of being underpaid are over.

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

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.

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

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

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

Why Are Travel Nurses Important?

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

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

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

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

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

What Are the Educational Requirements for Travel Nurses?

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

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

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

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Domestic Travel Nurses

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

International Travel Nurses

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

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

Travel Nurse Working Conditions

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED :  RN License Transfer and NLC Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What Is the Average Travel Nurse Salary & Pay?

Table of Contents

Travel nursing provides many benefits that permanent positions in healthcare facilities most likely cannot, including the flexibility to experience a new environment every few months, access to a recruiter that understands your needs and wants, and, in most cases, lucrative financial incentives.

Travel nurses are typically paid very well compared to their full-time, permanent peers. In many situations, hospitals desperately need travel nurses to fill open positions and care for their patients. If you are going to fill critical gaps in a healthcare facility’s staff and learn the ins and outs of a new work environment, you should be compensated well during your contract with the facility. Never be embarrassed or afraid to ask what a travel nurse makes—arming yourself with this information can help you get the most out of your next travel assignment . Land your dream job faster when you travel with us. Get submitted quickly to top local and national travel nurse jobs and be first in line for an interview. Get started today in On Demand .

WHAT IS A TRAVEL NURSE’s SALARY?

As with staff registered nurse salaries, a travel nurse’s salary can vary quite a bit depending on where you are in the country and what type of nursing you are going to do (medical-surgical vs. critical care, for example). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median pay in 2021 for nurses was $37.31 an hour, or an annual salary of $77,600 per year; according to Indeed.com, the hourly rate for a travel nurse is $46.80 an hour. However, as a travel nurse, the best approach when comparing compensation packages is to focus on weekly net pay. This is the estimated net amount that will be deposited into your account for working the contracted weekly hours essentially, your actual take-home pay. See all of our open travel nurse jobs available.

HOW IS WEEKLY NET PAY CALCULATED?

To calculate net pay , subtract the estimated weekly taxes from the weekly taxable wage and add the remainder to the total weekly tax-free stipends to calculate the weekly net pay for a contract. For an even more detailed breakdown on calculating take-home pay, reach out to a Health Carousel Travel Nursing recruiter.

WAIT, SO DO TRAVEL NURSES REALLY MAKE MORE THAN STAFF NURSES DO?

Simply put, yes. The average travel nurse makes more than a staff registered nurse doing the exact same job. Sometimes a travel nurse can actually earn a lot more than the staff nurse can. Think about it this way: To attract travel nurses, hospitals need to pay an attractive hourly rate. So, the travel nurse salary is already higher, just as an hourly rate

Then add in a housing stipend. The staff nurse has to pay to rent or a mortgage; the hospital usually pays for the travel nurse’s living expenses. Some programs offer pretty decent reimbursements for travel, too. You may need to submit travel receipts, but if it is a flat rate, any amount you don’t spend on travel goes right into your pocket.

Does your contract offer a sign-on bonus? Does your contract offer a completion bonus? Can you earn overtime? Can you get bonus pay for holiday shifts? When you think about everything that goes into a travel nursing salary, they add up all of these pools of money that aren’t usually offered to staff nurses.

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How Much Money Does a Travel Nurse Make?

According to ZipRecruiter , the national average pay for travel nurses is currently $57 per hour. However, travel nursing pay varies depending on a variety of factors. Remember, travel nurses typically work in areas with nursing shortages and where nurses are in high demand. Pay varies per season as well. For example, if you take a travel assignment in Colorado during the summer it will most likely pay more than taking a contract in the winter. This is because many travel nurses prefer to take travel assignments during the winter in Colorado to participate in snow sports.

Travel nurse pay and compensation packages look different depending on the healthcare staffing agency or travel nursing agency. Healthcare staffing agencies’ pay varies because it depends on their contract with the healthcare facility. Travel nurses are also paid different hourly amounts based on their specialty and years of experience. Interested in becoming a travel nurse based off this information? We can help you land your ideal job faster when you travel with us. See our available local and national travel nurse jobs .

Let’s review the average hourly, monthly, and annual salary for traveling nurses below.

The average hourly rate for travel nurses in the United States (U.S.) ranges from $46.80 to $57. You can make more or less than this depending on the state, specialty, hours worked, etc.

Travel nursing agencies pay travel nurses an average of $7,732 monthly . This monthly salary most likely does not account for an entire travel nurse’s pay package. After you include benefits such as free housing or housing and meal stipends, you will most likely make more money.

According to Indeed , the average annual salary for travel nurses is $109,200. As you can see, the average travel nurse salary varies greatly depending on the reporting entity. Therefore, it’s  safe to say that your annual salary will be greater than $100,000. 

Remuneration for Different Types of Travel Nurses

Just like registered nurses, travel nurses have the opportunity to work in various specialties. Before becoming a travel nurse, most travel nurse agencies like you to have at least two years of experience in your nursing specialty. Below is a table of common travel nursing specialties and the average hourly pay.

Specialty & Average Weekly Pay Range

Operating Room Nurse: $3,000 - $3,700

Emergency Room Nurse: $2,500 - $3,500

Critical Care Nurse (CCU/ICU): $2,600 - $3,600

Pediatric Nurse: $1,900 - $3,000

NICU Nurse : $2,600 - $3,000

Labor and Delivery Nurse: $2,700 - $3,500

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA): $700 - $1,900

*Data from Leaderstat and ZipRecruiter

Travel Nurse Salary by State

Travel nursing salaries also vary by state. You can compare the average state hourly and annual salary in the table below.

State, Average Hourly Rate & Average Annual Salary

Alabama: $44.52 & $103,892

Alaska: $47.41 & $110,619

Arizona: $46.88 & $109,386

Arkansas: $43.54 & $101,595

California: $50.77 & $118,464

Colorado: $48.69 & $113,610

Connecticut: $48.69 & $113,602

Delaware: $46.21 & $107,823

Florida: $45.06 & $105,132

Georgia: $46.04 & $107,425

Hawaii: $45.91 & $107,130

Idaho: $43.19 & $100,769

Illinois: $47.92 & $111,815

Indiana: $44.45 & $103,709

Iowa: $45.09 & $105,212

Kansas: $44.11 & $102,933

Kentucky: $43.54 & $101,591

Louisiana: $44.36 & $103,507

Maine: $45.24 & $105,551

Maryland: $48.84 & $113,966

Massachusetts: $50.33 & $117,447

Michigan: $45.62 & $106,437

Minnesota: $47.33 & $110,435

Mississippi: $42.46 & $99,070

Missouri: $46.23 & $107,881

Montana: $43.13 & $100,647

Nebraska: $44.63 & $104,144

Nevada: $46.22 & $107,837

New Hampshire: $45.48 & $106,115

New Jersey: $48.99 & $114,311

New Mexico: $45.24 & $105,550

New York: $50.15 & $117,026

North Carolina: $45.81 & $106,885

North Dakota: $45.27 & $105,636

Ohio: $45.14 & $105,327

Oklahoma: $43.52 & $101,541

Oregon: $47.39 & $110,574

Pennsylvania: $46.46 & $108,406

Rhode Island: $46.63 & $108,806

South Carolina: $44.53 & $103,910

South Dakota: $43.80 & $102,199

Tennessee: $44.99 & $104,969

Texas: $46.81 & $109,214

Utah: $45.01 & $105,018

Vermont: $44.55 & $103,950

Virginia: $48.14 & $113,322

Washington: $49.72 & $116,002

West Virginia: $43.48 & $101,461

Wisconsin: $45.38 & $105,885

Wyoming: $44.27 & $103,301

*Data taken from Indeed

Travel Nurse Salary by City

A travel nurse’s salary not only depends on the state but also depends on the city. Larger cities usually offer higher pay than smaller cities. Though this does depend on the nursing shortage and demand at the time. Sometimes rural cities provide higher rates due to critical staff shortages or since they have fewer nursing schools to recruit from. Below, we’ve outlined travel nurse pay for some of the most popular cities in the U.S.

City & Average Hourly Rate

New York City, NY: $54.25

Sacremento, CA: $50.02

Los Angeles, CA: $51.38

Washington, DC: $54.22

Boston, MA: $53.53

*Data pulled from Indeed

Factors that Influence Travel Nurses' Salary

Several factors can influence travel nurses’ salaries. These include nursing specialty, state averages, and the healthcare facility. Some healthcare facilities limit the number of travel nurses they will hire or put a cap on their pay.  Also, when you take an assignment, your willingness to float to other units may influence your salary. Travel nurses need to be flexible and if you want your hours, then you may need to float to another unit. This is especially important if you get put on call or your shift gets canceled.

What other Benefits Do Travel Nurses Enjoy? 

Travel nurse pay packages are not just based on hourly wages and receiving higher pay than staff nurses. Pay packages offer many other benefits of being a travel nurse as well. Many travel nursing agencies offer free housing to their travel nurses or a weekly housing stipend. If you take the housing stipend and your rent is less than your housing stipend, then you will potentially earn and save more money. Travel nurses’ pay packages often offer retirement savings plans and heavily discounted or sometimes free medical and dental insurance. 

Many travel nursing jobs also offer nursing licensure, continuing education, and travel reimbursements. Make sure to ask about guaranteed hours, pay, and potential for overtime. Since travel nurses often get canceled before staff registered nurses if the census is low, guaranteed hours will protect you from losing your money on your paycheck. As many areas around the country are experiencing nursing shortages, healthcare facilities and agencies are offering sign-on and completion bonuses as well. Remember, review your pay package as a whole instead of just looking at your hourly wage. Did you know we offer travel nurse benefits that support your health, wealth, career and life?

How to Increase Your Salary as a Travel Nurse?

Let’s review some ways to increase your salary and earning potential as a travel nurse. First, if you work in a specialty area that has a certification, then study for and obtain your certification. For example, if you work in the critical care unit, obtain your Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification. Or if you work in the operating room, then obtain your Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) certification. Certifications let potential employers know that you’re competent, committed, and have the technical skills in your nursing specialty. 

Another way to increase your salary is to take crisis pay contracts and take assignments in high demand areas. Many times these contracts are short-term, but they pay a higher hourly rate. Also, before signing your contract, ask about guaranteed hours and overtime. Many healthcare facilities offer overtime hours, but only if available. Ask for guaranteed overtime hours (greater than 40 hours) in your nursing contract as a potential way to increase your salary.

Are you ready to make more as a travel nurse?

If you have questions about travel nurse salaries reach out to an experienced recruiter at Health Carousel Travel Nursing today. Partner with them to enable rapid speed to top orders.

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Career Advice > Professional Development > Pay and Benefits > 2024 Nurse Practitioner Salary: Facts, Figures, Salaries by State

2024 Nurse Practitioner Salary: Facts, Figures, Salaries by State

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Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are extensively trained to offer primary and preventive care. They can diagnose and treat patients, as well as prescribe medication according to state guidelines and order diagnostic tests. There are approximately 266,300 nurse practitioners working today, and it’s the fastest-growing occupation in the United States. And a nurse practitioner salary is among the highest in all of nursing.

How much does a nurse practitioner make a year on average? What can you do to make more money as an NP? What does the job demand for NPs look like in the next decade? We’ll answer all your questions and then some.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner Salary on Average?

The average NP salary is $128,490 per year in the United States, or $61.78 per hour. Your education level, years in practice, the type of facility that employs you, and your geographic location can affect nurse practitioner pay rates.

Average Nurse Practitioner Salary by State

Learn how much you can make as an NP in different parts of the country. This list provides the average nurse practitioner salaries and hourly rates by state according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you’ve been considering a new job, click the links to see the latest nurse practitioner jobs in each state.

Best-Paying States for NPs 2024

Two main questions you’re likely to ask yourself are, “What is a nurse practitioner salary in the best-paying states?” and “Where can a NP earn the most money?” The fact is, the answers to those questions are subject to change from year to year, though you can more or less bet that the average annual salary for nurse practitioners will be in the six figures. According to the most recent data, these are the highest-paying locations for NPs:

How Your Degree Can Affect Your Nurse Practitioner Salary

If you compare a nurse practitioner salary vs. registered nurse salary ($94,480), the difference is $34,010 per year on average. Why the bigger payout for NPs? The answer has to do with the amount of formal training and licensing involved between NP vs RN .

In general, it takes between two and four years to become an RN . But in order to become a nurse practitioner , you’re looking at around six years of education. Not only will you have to fulfill the requirements to become an RN, you’ll also need to complete an approved graduate program — either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) — and pass a separate licensing exam. Check with your state board of nursing for specific requirements.

You can also specialize in different areas of nursing, including:

• Cardiac Care NP
• Family NP (FNP)
• Emergency NP
• Pediatric NP (PNP)
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
• Women’s Health NP (WHNP)

Nurse Practitioner Salaries: FAQ

Do different healthcare settings pay nps different salaries.

Yes. In addition to your location, education, and experience, your salary can be affected by the type of workplace that hires you. For example, home health care services tend to pay nurse practitioners more money than physicians’ offices do. Here’s a look at the average annual salaries in facility settings:

• Offices of other health practitioners: $121,250
• Physicians’ offices: $122,780
• General medical and surgical hospitals: $135,610 per year
• Outpatient care centers : $139,860
• Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals: $141,260
• Home health care : $146,850

What is the job outlook for NPs?

Per the BLS, the employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 45% over the next decade, which is as fast as the average for all other jobs. That’s an additional 29,200 jobs created every year for the next 10 years. This is to make up for retiring NPs and those who find a new career path. Plus, the aging population will boost the need for NPs.

What are some ways to increase my nurse practitioner salary?

• Negotiate all offers: Given the extreme demand for NPs, see if you can negotiate your base salary when you get a job offer. For leverage, do some research to learn what NPs in your area and level earn.
• Change your schedule: Maybe the facility that employs you can offer shift differentials for evening, night, weekend, and holiday hours.
• Earn certifications: By pursuing certain certifications, you may be able to make the case for a higher salary. For instance, you might want to obtain an FNP-C or FNP-BC credential .
• Work per diem: If your schedule permits, picking up a handful of per diem shifts here and there can really add up.
• Explore new jobs: Job offers can introduce the possibility of negotiating your NP salary. Why not see what’s available?

Increase Your Nurse Practitioner Salary

Need some help exploring your career options? Take a look at the latest NP jobs to find one that fits your needs.

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Where can you live most comfortably on a nurse's salary?

Published 8:45 pm Tuesday, May 14, 2024

By Anja Solum

Where can you live most comfortably on a nurse’s salary?

Nurse compensation is under scrutiny as some states, like Iowa, propose capping travel nurse pay, while others, such as Tennessee, are boosting wages up to $32 per hour for new registered nurses. Local government decisions in Indiana and demands for better pay in Minnesota underscore the ongoing negotiations for improved compensation. These trends are creating varied financial outcomes for nurses, deeply influenced by geographic location, tax implications and living costs.

MoneyGeek analyzed nurse salaries in 109 metro areas to find the U.S. cities where nurses make the most after taxes and living expenses. We examined wages for registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). According to our findings, Southern metro areas offer the most significant stretch on earnings, especially for nurse practitioners.

Key findings

• Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has the highest nurse salary purchasing power at $106,721 after accounting for 28% in taxes and living expenses — 14% lower than the national average.
• Honolulu has the lowest average adjusted nurse salary at $46,988 after accounting for 31% in taxes and living costs — 82% above the national average.
• Nurse salaries generally stretch furthest in Southern metros, with 20 ranking in the top third for salary competitiveness. Exceptions include Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which both rank in the bottom 11 with earnings below $65,000 after adjustments.
• RNs seeking high returns should consider the Sacramento, California, metro area for $88,847 in adjusted take-home pay. Reno, Nevada, offers top salary value for LPNs and LVNs at $56,774. NPs will find the most income value in Brownsville, Texas; there, they average $118,676 after taxes and living expenses.
• Despite a significant tax burden of more than 28%, two of the 10 most populous U.S. cities, Atlanta and Philadelphia, secure a place in the top 30, with adjusted take-home incomes of roughly $87,000.

Nurse Salaries Stretch Furthest in These Southern Metros

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Nurses’ salaries go the furthest in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with an average take-home pay of $106,721 annually — roughly just $20,000 less than their pre-tax earnings. This area is followed by two Texas metros: San Antonio ($100,576) and Houston ($99,232). The South’s lower cost of living places seven metros in the region in the country’s top 10, with adjusted nurse earnings of $93,000 and higher.

Joining Houston are three other highly populated cities — Dallas, Atlanta and Philadelphia — which all rank in the top 30. Each has living costs on par or slightly below the national average, but the latter two metros have tax burdens nearing 30%. Despite this, nurses in these areas keep over $87,000 of their $119,000 pre-tax salary.

Two Midwestern metros (Des Moines, Iowa, and Minneapolis) and one in the Northeast (Buffalo, New York) rank in the top 10. In these areas, nurses earn over $94,000 after taxes and living expenses.

Registered Nurse Salaries Stretch Most in California Metros

MoneyGeek also analyzed the metros where registered nurses (RNs) see the highest take-home pay. We found that less than one-third of the 109 U.S. metros studied surpass the national average RN gross pay of $86,070. RNs generally see a 24% reduction in income after accounting for taxes and living costs, but in certain areas, such as Honolulu, the decrease can be as steep as 63%.

Western metropolitan areas — notably in California and Nevada — offer RNs better financial prospects, reducing the toll of taxes and living expenses. California’s Sacramento metro stands out as the only metro where RNs see an adjusted salary of over $80,000. Modesto, California, is a close second, with an adjusted salary of $78,942.

A notable feature of metros at the top of the list is a lower-than-average cost of living. Texas metros like Houston, McAllen and Austin are joined by Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Little Rock, Arkansas, in our rank of the top 15 metros.

Top Metros for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Veer West, Despite High Living Costs

Two California metro areas with the highest gross wages for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are San Jose and San Francisco, averaging $84,500 and $83,650, respectively. However, high living expenses and taxes reduce these by over $48,000 annually.

Reno, Nevada — with the 12th-highest median salary of $71,800 for this group — is the metro where LPN and LVN salaries stretch the furthest. There, the average nurse takes home $56,774 annually after accounting for taxes and living costs. Just one other Western metro, Las Vegas, joins the top of the list with the No. 3 highest take-home pay ($55,298). Select Southern and Midwestern metros also rank well, with LPNs and LVNs retaining roughly $52,000 after taxes and living costs.

Top Metros for Nurse Practitioners Cluster in Texas

The number of nurse practitioners is expected to increase 45% by 2032 — a staggering rate compared to the 3% average expected across all occupations. When it comes to earnings, five of the top 10 metros for nurse practitioners are found in the Lone Star state, with adjusted earnings exceeding $103,000.

Just one Western metro area — Las Vegas —and one Midwestern metro area — Des Moines, Iowa — make the top 10 for this occupation, with post-tax and cost of living incomes of $109,367 and $105,847, respectively. Nurse practitioners in the West are most affected by taxes and cost of living; there, 12 metros place in the bottom 20 with adjusted incomes under $75,300.

Metros Where Adjusted Income for Nurses Lags by Thousands of Dollars

Income for nurses in the bottom-ranking 15 metros averages $61,922 after taxes and living costs — about $34,000 less than in the top-ranked areas. Honolulu nurses fare the worst, making $46,988 after 31% taxes and living costs — a percentage 82% above the national average. Similarly, Bridgeport, Connecticut, and San Jose, California, see nurses earning less than $60,000 after taxes and living costs.

Among the worst 15 metros for nurses, San Francisco is the most stark. Its pre-tax salary of $166,788 — the highest of any metro — dwindles to $62,652 after adjustment. Additionally, two of these worst-ranking metros (Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Lexington, Kentucky) have lower-than-average living costs but still fall short due to their comparatively low pre-tax nurse salaries.

Methodology

To assess the impact of taxes and living expenses on nurse salaries nationwide, MoneyGeek analyzed Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 109 U.S. metro areas. For the overall ranking, MoneyGeek factored in a broad range of nurse salaries, including registered nurses, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives. For the breakdowns of the best metros for registered nurses, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses and nurse practitioners, MoneyGeek only considered salaries for those specialties.

MoneyGeek calculated net salaries by applying federal, state and local taxes using SmartAsset’s paycheck calculator and then adjusted for local living costs using data from the Council for Community and Economic Research . For example, in the New York City metro area, the post-tax salary for nurses averages $80,154. With living costs 20% above the national average, the actual purchasing power equates to $66,850 when adjusted for these expenses.

This story was produced by MoneyGeek and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.

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FinanceBuzz

15 Best Health Care Jobs If You Love To Travel

Posted: February 27, 2024 | Last updated: February 27, 2024

If you are a health care professional who wants to find ways to travel more , there are many positions that allow you to explore new places as you work.

Check out these positions that will allow you to work in health care without going to the same boring office day after day. All salaries and job outlook information come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Traveling nurse

Median annual salary: $81,220

Job outlook: 6% (Faster than average)

Registered nurses provide care to patients and coordinate care issues with doctors and other providers.

You can become a traveling nurse and move from place to place, depending on where additional nursing care is needed.

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Medical transcriptionist

Median annual salary: $34,730

Job outlook: -4% (Decline)

Medical transcriptionists convert voice recordings from documents into written records. You can work remotely or move from place to place.

Athletic trainer

Median annual salary: $53,840

Job outlook: 14% (Much faster than average)

Athletic trainers work with clients in different sports to prevent, diagnose, or treat injuries. They also work on preventative care, or develop health and exercise programs for athletes.

Travel can be an important part of your job if you’re working with an athletic team or travel to work with individual athletes.

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Medical writer

Median annual salary: $73,150

Job outlook: 4% (As fast as average)

Medical writers create written content about the medical field or specific topics related to health care.

While some writers might move from office to office, others work remotely. That means you can take your job with you as you travel.

Physical therapist

Median annual salary: $97,720

Job outlook: 15% (Much faster than average)

Physical therapists work with patients to create and develop an exercise plan after an illness or injury.

You can travel from client to client to work with them in their homes and provide care. In addition, formal travel positions are available that take you to new cities for months at a time.

Computer systems manager

Median annual salary: $164,070

Hospitals and health care organizations rely on computer systems to help them deal with patient records, billing, or other needs.

A computer systems manager can plan and coordinate these computer-related tasks and may travel to different locations to review systems and plans.

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Median annual salary: $229,300

Job outlook: 3% (As fast as average)

A physician is a medical doctor who coordinates care for patients by diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries.

You will need a medical degree, but once you earn one, you can travel from place to place to provide care.

Interpreter

Median annual salary: $53,640

Interpreters translate spoken words from one language to another. Most interpreters in the U.S. should be fluent in English and at least one other language.

With a travel position, you can move from medical facility to facility and might be able to set your own schedule.

Management consultant

Median annual salary: $95,290

Job outlook: 10% (Much faster than average)

Management consultants may travel from client to client to review an organization’s practices and develop recommendations for how to improve operations or create more efficient plans.

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Sales representative

Median annual salary: $67,750

Job outlook: 1% (Little or no change)

Sales representatives are responsible for promoting products to potential clients such as medical devices or pharmaceuticals.

You can travel from client to client to talk to them about the benefits of your products.

Home health aide

Median annual salary: $30,180

Job outlook: 22% (Much faster than average)

Home health aides assist patients in their homes with things such as managing chronic illnesses or performing daily activities.

You can travel from home to home or stay with the same client in their home on a daily basis.

Health care social worker

Median annual salary: $60,280

Job outlook: 7% (Faster than average)

A health care social worker can help a client and their family navigate the health care system to coordinate care. Or, they might advise patients and families on what steps to take.

In addition to formal travel work positions, you can travel from patient to patient to help them.

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Health services manager

Median annual salary: $104,830

Job outlook: 28% (Much faster than average)

A health services manager coordinates the business activities of a health care provider.

In this role, you might travel from location to location to check on health care facilities and review health care practices.

Dental hygienist

Median annual salary: $81,400

Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning patients’ teeth and examining teeth for signs of disease

Dental travel programs allow you to work throughout the U.S. and even around the world.

Median annual salary: $39,410

Job outlook: 5% (Faster than average)

Paramedics provide emergency care by assessing illnesses or injuries and transporting patients.

Travel paramedic jobs are available for those who seek adventure and want to boost their pay.

Bottom line

Health care jobs can help you get ahead financially with a good salary. In addition, some of these roles give you the ability to travel.

So, if you don’t like the idea of working in the same place day after day, consider finding work in one of the travel positions on this list.

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Trusted Health Blog

Mental Health Tech Salary Guide

A Mental Health Technician plays a critical role in the healthcare sector, providing essential support to individuals facing mental health challenges. This position, also known as psychiatric technician or behavioral health technician, involves working closely with patients under the guidance of healthcare professionals to administer care plans, monitor patient progress, and ensure a safe, supportive environment. For a deeper dive into the roles and responsibilities of this vital position, we invite you to explore our Mental Health Tech Career Guide .

How Much Does a Mental Health Technician Make?

Salaries for this role vary based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility. On average, Mental Health Technicians can expect to earn a yearly salary ranging from $31,150 to $59,990 . When broken down by hour, the mental health technician's salary averages $19 per hour, reflecting the critical support these professionals provide in the mental health field.

What are the Top-Paying States for Mental Health Technicians?

Geographical location plays a significant role in determining salary. The top-paying states for Mental Health Techs, by average yearly salary, are: 

• District of Columbia
• Connecticut. 

These states offer salaries that range from $55,670 to $64,820 which significantly exceed the national average, highlighting the importance of location in your career decisions.

Salary Range Considerations

While the average salaries provide a general guideline, it's important to consider factors such as the cost of living, available benefits, and safety in various states. These considerations can impact the overall attractiveness of a position.

Are Mental Health Technicians in High Demand?

The demand for Mental Health Technicians is growing, driven by an increased recognition of the importance of behavioral and psychiatric health services. This rising demand signifies promising job security and opportunities for career advancement for individuals in this field.

What is the Job Outlook like for a Mental Health Technician?

The job outlook for Mental Health Technicians is positive, with an expected growth rate of 9% in the next 10 years that outpaces many other professions. This growth is fueled by an expanding awareness of mental health issues and a push towards providing comprehensive mental health services across healthcare settings.

Travel Mental Health Technician Salary

For those interested in combining their career with the adventure of travel, the travel mental health tech salary offers an appealing proposition. Typically, travel Mental Health Technicians can expect higher salaries compared to their non-traveling counterparts, along with additional benefits such as housing stipends and travel reimbursements. According to ZipRecruiter , the average hourly wage for a Travel Mental Health Tech in the United States stands at $19.74, with observed rates ranging from $11.54 to $28.61. This makes travel positions an attractive option for professionals looking to explore new locations while advancing their careers.

Find a Mental Health Technician Job with Trusted Health

If you're inspired to take the next step in your career as a Mental Health Technician, Trusted Health is here to help. We specialize in connecting psychiatric and behavioral health professionals with opportunities that match their skills and career goals. Explore our available positions and find your next opportunity today at Trusted Health .

Amanda is a nurse with over ten years of experience in clinical settings. She is an expert in family medicine as well as various specialties. Her holistic approach to health focuses on wellness and preventative care. She now writes content for health and wellness brands under her company name, Locksley Content.

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