travel nurse salary new orleans

Travel Nurse Salary: How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

• Travel Nurse Salary
• Salary Factors
• Salary by Specialty
• Highest Paying States
• Highest Paying Cities
• Top Paying Agencies
• How to Make More
• Related Careers
• Final Thoughts & Next Steps

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

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

>> Click here to see available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

Travel nurse salaries range widely across the country, with the lowest earners making $40,000 and the highest earners making $155,500 annually!

If you are a Registered Nurse (RN) who has ever considered traveling the country and wants to know how much travel nurses earn, you’ve come to the right place! This travel nurse salary guide will explain everything you need to know about how much travel nurses can make. Including:

• Types of travel nurses who make the most money
• Travel nurse salaries by city and state incomes
• Top-paying travel nurse agencies
• How to increase your salary as a travel nurse

Factors That Impact Travel Nurse Salaries

It is important to remember that travel nursing salary is dependent on several factors, including:

• Nursing specialty
• Full-time or part-time employment
• The shifts you work: day shift, night shift, mid-shifts, or weekends
• Bonus income

Also, travel nurses who work holidays often receive time-and-a-half or double-time pay, and in some cases, even more!

In addition, depending on the circumstances, travel nurses may also receive “crisis” pay due to needing to fill staffing urgently. If you have the desire and flexibility to move to another city or state quickly, a “crisis” assignment might be a great option for you.

Travel Nurse Salary by Specialty

What do travel nurses do that warrants their higher salaries? While flexibility is a significant factor, your travel nurse salary will also change depending on your nursing specialty.

Travel CRNA

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are the top-paid nursing specialty. The same holds true for CRNAs who take travel assignments as well. According to ZipRecruiter , CRNA travelers earn an average annual income of $194,352 or $93/hr. The highest earners make as much as $311,500!

Operating Room Travel Nurse

Operating Room (OR) travel nurses are in high demand at various locations around the country. ZipRecruiter found that operating room travel nurses earn an average annual income of $181,460 annually or $87/hr. The highest earners make as much as $286,000.

Emergency Room Travel Nurse

ZipRecruiter reports that ER travel nurses earn an average annual income of $83,503 annually or $40/hr. However, they add that the highest earners make as much as $171,500.

Intensive Care (ICU) Travel Nurse

According to ZipRecruiter , the average annual salary for ICU travel nurses is $143,416 annually or $69/hr. However, the highest earners make as much as $263,500.

Travel Nurse Practitioner

The average travel nurse practitioner salary is $140,086 annually or $67/hr, according to ZipRecruiter .  However, salary is often dependent on location and specialty. The highest-earning travel nurse practitioners make as much as $243,500.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Travel Nurse

NICU travel nurses earn an average income of approximately $173,017 annually or $83/hr, according to ZipRecruiter . However, incomes across the country can range widely, with bottom earners making $56,000 and top earners bringing in $281,500.

Med-Surg Travel Nurse

ZipRecruiter reports that med-surg travel nurses in the US earn an average annual income of $118,997 or $57.21/hr. However, per-hour incomes can reach as high as $134.38, depending on your location and facility.

Telemetry Travel Nurse

ZipRecruiter states that telemetry Travel nurses earn an average annual income of $124,122 annually or $60/hr. However, top earners bring in as much as $174,500.

Top Paying States for Travel Nurses

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
• Hawaii: $109,653 annually or $52.72/hr
• Tennessee: $107,708 annually or $51.78/hr
• Massachusetts: $107,000 annually or $51.44/hr
• New Jersey: $106,901 annually or $51.40/hr
• Washington: $106,086 annually or $51.00/hr
• West Virginia: $106,044 annually or $50.98/hr
• New Hampshire: $105,438 annually or $50.69/hr

Top Paying Cities for Travel Nurses

ZipRecruiter reports that the cities that offer the highest pay for travel nurses include:

• Barrow, AK: $137,200 annually or $65.96/hr
• San Jose, CA: $133,873 annually or $64.36/hr
• Oakland, CA: $132,042 annually or $63.48/hr
• Antioch, CA: $129,387 annually or $62.21/hr
• San Francisco Bay Area, CA: $128,781 annually or $61.91/hr
• Lebanon, NH: $128,674 annually or $61.86/hr
• New York, NY: $128,277 annually or $61.67/hr
• Hayward, CA: $127,865 annually or $61.47/hr
• Vallejo, CA: $127,791 annually or $61.44/hr 
• Seattle, WA: $127,691 annually or $61.39/hr

Top Paying Agencies for Travel Nurses

There are multiple top-paying travel nurse agencies across the US. It is important to remember that your pay package depends on several factors, and income may vary widely depending on location and the needs of the facility. When a healthcare facility has more urgent needs for travel nurses, the pay ranges typically increase.

>> Related: Travel Nurse Requirements

Aya Healthcare

Aya Healthcare is one of the largest travel nurse agencies in the country, and they offer a wide range of travel nurse opportunities for various nursing specialties and allied healthcare positions. 

Fusion Medical Staffing

Fusion is another large nurse travel agency with many opportunities for nurses to choose their top travel destinations. Their website reports that one of the biggest perks of working with them is that they offer dedicated contacts available every day and night, 24/7.

Axis Medical Staffing

Axis Medical Staffing has won awards for “Best Customer Service” by Verywell Health and “Top Travel Nursing Company 2022” by Travel Nursing Central. 

Travel Nurse Across America

The TNAA website boasts highly skilled recruiters, housing experts, and clinical and quality insurance that prepares their travel nurses for success. 

Gifted Healthcare

Gifted Healthcare is another large travel nursing agency that reports that they aim to open the door to the right opportunities for their clinicians. In fact, their website reports that 90% of travel nurses report that their assignments aligned perfectly with their skills and expectations. 

TotalMed Staffing

Headquartered in Appleton, WI, TotalMed Staffing has several other locations across the country, such as California, Illinois, Tennessee, and North Carolina. They serve various types of healthcare facilities across the country.

Ventura Medstaff

Ventura Medstaff prides itself on integrity. Their website makes it easy to find a match for various types of healthcare specialties in the right location and facility across the country.

Tailored Healthcare

The Tailored Healthcare website reports that travel nurses are rewarded professionally with high-paying travel assignments, Platinum Shield Benefits, and everything paid for upfront. In addition, the company celebrates its nurses year-round with praise, gifts, and best-in-class bonuses.

Titan Medical 

Titan Medical Group states that they help their clients “find your place.” They feature various jobs on their website daily and make it easier for clients to find their next travel assignment.  

MedPro Healthcare

Medpro Healthcare offers incredible benefits, including competitive compensation, travel reimbursement, health insurance, short and long-term disability, 401K, Continuing education, and even referral bonuses.

How to Increase Your Salary as a Travel Nurse

No matter where you live and work as a travel nurse, there are often opportunities to increase your salary.

Be Flexible With Your City and State

When you live and work in a city with a higher cost of living, you will also be compensated at a higher rate. For example, travel nurses who work in areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle will earn significantly more income than travel nurses who choose to work in lower-cost-of-living areas. 

Consider Your Specialty(s)

If you have been cross-trained in more than one nursing specialty, you may want to see which specialties pay the most through your travel agency. For example, if you usually work as an ICU nurse, but a facility has crisis needs for telemetry nurses and will pay top dollar for that specialty, then you may want to consider accepting that travel assignment. After all, these are temporary assignments, and if you decide you don’t like them, you won’t have to stay for long.

Ask About Per Diem Daily Pay

Many nurses qualify for additional per diem pay for travel nurse housing , incidentals, and meals during their travel assignments. Talk to your travel agent to see if this applies to you.

Choose Shifts Wisely

Career and travel nurses are typically paid a few dollars more per hour for working less desirable shifts such as night shifts, mid shifts, and weekends.

In addition, travel nurses who work holidays often receive time and a half or double time pay!

Talk About Bonuses

Your travel agency will need to explain your bonus structure, as they can differ from agency to agency. However, here are a few of the different types of bonuses you may be eligible for as a travel RN:

• Agency bonus: Added pay from your travel agency
• Retention bonus: Your agency will often pay you a fee for referring your nurse and allied healthcare professional friends to their agency.
• Retention bonus: Agency-paid bonuses for nurses who continue to accept travel bonuses from the same agency.

Find Crisis or Strike Pay

Healthcare facilities in dire need of nursing staff during a public healthcare crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or during a nursing strike, often will pay travel nurses significantly higher wages than during non-dire times. Talk to your travel agency to find out where the most significant staffing needs are. 

Consider Looking at Different Agencies

If you are ever disappointed with your travel pay or hear through the grapevine that other agencies pay significantly more, consider looking at different agencies. It is also wise to build relationships with other travel nurses so you can talk freely about what to expect at different agencies.

Consider Finding Your Own Housing

Many agencies offer a housing stipend and then secure your housing for you. However, if you find your own housing, you may be able to find something less expensive and pocket the rest of the money.

>> See more travel nurse salary tips in How to Make the Most Money as a Travel Nurse

Salaries of Related Nursing Careers vs. Travel Nursing

The following are salaries of non-traveling nursing specialties, according to ZipRecruiter:

• NICU Nurse : $136,592 annually or $66/hr
• Surgical Nurse: $120,699 annually, or $58/hr
• Postpartum Nurse: $108,952 annually or $52/hr
• Telemetry Nurse: $95,179 annually, or $46/hr
• ICU Nurse : $92,568 annually or $45/hr
• Emergency Room Nurse : $83,503 annually or $40/hr

Travel Nurse Salary: Final Thoughts & Next Steps

The high salaries alone are enough to make dozens of nurses excited to enter travel nursing. But the perks don't stop at pay - travel nurses get to see the world, interact with patients across cultures, and enjoy non-taxed travel stipends. If all that sounds enticing to you, check out our guide on how to become a travel nurse to start your dream career today!

Travel Nurse Salary FAQs

Do travel nurses get paid well.

• ZipRecruiter reports that as of May 2023, travel nurses in the US earned an average annual income of $105,021 or $50/hr. They also add that salaries range widely across the country, with the lowest earners making $40,000 and the highest earners making $155,500 annually! 

What is the highest travel nurse salary?

• CRNAs travelers are the top-paid travel registered nurse specialty.  According to ZipRecruiter, CRNA travelers earn an average annual income of $194,352 or $93/hr. The highest earners make as much as $311,500! 

Why are travel nurses paid so much?

• Travel nurses help to fill staffing gaps and often accept assignments in areas with severe or “crisis’” nursing shortages. For their travel flexibility and ability to work in sometimes hard-to-fill areas, they are typically paid a higher compensation.

Sarah Jividen , RN, BSN, is a trained neuro/trauma and emergency room nurse turned freelance healthcare writer/editor. As a journalism major, she combined her love for writing with her passion for high-level patient care. Sarah is the creator of Health Writing Solutions , LLC, specializing in writing about healthcare topics, including health journalism, education, and evidence-based health and wellness trends. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two children. 

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Travel Nurse Jobs in New Orleans

If you work as an RN and love traveling, then a career as a travel nurse might be right for you. This exciting job provides opportunities all over the country and helps in places that need it the most.

With that in mind, TravelNursing.io is here with a comprehensive guide on the travel nurse landscape in New Orleans, LA. As an experienced recruiter, we will cover all the job logistics for RN travelers. Read on to learn more, then speak with one of our recruitment specialists today!

What Is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse travels and works for short-term stints in facilities around the world. S/he is uniquely equipped to fill a vital role in the healthcare industry by covering positions whenever there are worker shortages.

Given the nursing shortages all over the country, many have decided to pursue travel nursing jobs to help regions that require the most assistance. During COVID-19, the delivery of reliable medical care is more important than ever.

Generally, travel nurses are employed by an independent staffing company rather than a hospital. The company acts as a recruiter and assigns jobs either close to home or in a completely different city or state.

Many are drawn to the job thanks to the flexibility and excitement. They get to experience different clinical settings, explore the world, and meet new people nearly every single day.

The best part of a travel nursing job is the perks. They receive competitive pay, excellent employment benefits, and, in some cases, complimentary housing when at their locations. So, if you are looking for a flexible new position with great benefits in a fast-paced field, then a travel nursing job might be good for you.

How to Become a Travel Nurse in New Orleans , LA

1. BSN Degree

The first step to becoming a travel nurse is to receive a BSN. Most BSN degree programs take four years, though there are accelerated programs for students who already have an ADN. To apply for a BSN, you must have a high-school diploma or GED.

2. NCLEX Exam

In the US, all prospective RNs must take and pass the appropriate National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). The test includes sections on clinical practice, medical ethics, education, and theoretical knowledge.

3. Obtain Your License

Most states have their own nursing license requirements. Some states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so licenses have cross-state validity. If your state is a compact state, a license earned in another compact state is valid.

There are currently 39 compact states that have either full or partial implementation. You can receive a compact state license through the board of nursing in your state. Make sure you understand the parameters of your particular compact state.

4. Find a Job

Most travel nurse agencies require two years of experience. Candidates who have experience in a medical specialty such as OR, ER, ICU, or surgery tend to fare better in the job market.

5. Apply at a Travel Nursing Agency

Travel nurses find assignments through travel nurse agencies that match employees with opportunities. Recruiters find positions to fill in hospitals and other medical employers across the country. Agencies can match you with a position or company that fits your skills and expertise.

Click here for the full list of travel nurse jobs in Louisiana and our recommended 2022 staffing company .

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Travel nursing jobs fill staff shortages at locations that need extra help. When you start, you will get various assignments you can accept. Each job can range in length from just a few weeks to several months.

When you start your assignment, you will move to the location and stay for the duration of the job. Once the job concludes, you move on to the next assignment.

Many travel nurses will work on assignments, then take a few weeks off. They enjoy the freedom to plan their schedules more or less however they want.

You can choose to take assignments far away from home or accept opportunities closest to where you live. The only difference is that you won’t be able to get a housing stipend.

Requirements to Becoming a New Orleans Traveling Nurse

Generally speaking, you must be a registered nurse with a license to qualify for travel nursing jobs. Company policy may dictate that you have at least two years of experience. Beyond that, there are no additional standardized requirements.

However, many states currently are waiving licensure requirements due to labor shortages during COVID-19. Depending on where you want to work, you may not have to meet traditional license requirements to land a job. Speak with your recruiter to get more details.

Travel Nursing Jobs

Travel nursing jobs are largely the same as staff RN jobs, aside from the traveling part. As a travel nurse, you will work in various medical facilities with various nursing duties, including but not limited to:

● Meeting and examining patients

● Discussing symptoms and medical histories with patients

● Delivering effective medical treatment

● Providing patient care

● Performing medical research

● Collaborating with doctors and other hospital staff

Travel nursing jobs are largely the same as travel nursing jobs can vary significantly depending on your experience and specialty. In-demand nursing specialties will increase your chances of finding a higher-paying job. These include:

● Case management

● Critical care

● Labor and delivery

● Obstetrics

● Psychiatric

● Medical Surgeries

Travel nursing jobs have increased in popularity thanks to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. More RNs are looking for a flexible career and have found they can make a lot more money working travel nursing jobs.

So, if you have any interest in a travel nursing job, speak with a recruiter near you today!

Travel Nursing Salary

Travel nurse positions have competitive salaries, and many start at more than $3,000 per week. They also often receive complimentary housing and accommodations when they are on assignment.

Recent nursing shortages across the country mean that travel nurses can command a superior rate. Some assignments may offer tens of thousands for a 13-week stint. With these kinds of rates, it is easily possible for a travel nurse to earn over $100,000 a year.

Additionally, travel nurses save a lot of money as many contracts include living expenses as a perk. So, not only do you start at a higher salary, but you also keep more of your take-home pay.

Staff Nurse Pay vs. Travel Nurse Pay

Travel nurse pay is different from staff nurse pay. Staff nurses normally receive a set salary per year, with incremental raises over the years.

Travel nurse pay can vary from assignment to assignment and might include benefits such as tax-free stipend amounts, travel reimbursement, or tax-free daily allowances.

If you plan to be a travel nurse, you can expect a higher hourly rate with several excellent benefits to speak of.

Factors That Affect Travel Nurse Salary

Location heavily affects pay as different locations have different costs of living in addition to regional trends. Generally speaking, southern states have lower living costs and lower-paid opportunities. In contrast, travel nursing jobs in “destination” states, such as Hawaii, may have lower pay.

Your nursing specialty affects nursing pay heavily. Non-specialty positions have lower pay, while specialties such as ER, ICU, ophthalmology, or family nurse practitioners will have higher pay.

Most agencies and recruiters will offer higher pay for night shifts and multi-shifts. If you want to earn as much money as possible right from the beginning, you need to be flexible with scheduling. Travel nurses may also work on team shifts.

Travel Nurse Housing

Since travel nurses are always moving from city to city and state to state, most assignments include some kind of housing allotment. Accommodations can include a monthly housing stipend or furnished dwellings. Some companies will reimburse you for a portion of living costs, such as food and other essentials. Some travel nursing jobs also include a daily allowance to cover living expenses.

Why You Should Work with a Travel Nursing Agency in New Orleans, Louisiana

As a travel nurse, you have a lot of flexibility over where, when, and how you work. Here are just some of the benefits of working with a nursing recruiter company.

Provided Assignments

The typical assignment is about 13 weeks though assignments can vary between eight to 26 weeks. If you do not work with a recruiter, then it might take some time to find a job in the area.

A travel nursing agency will provide your next assignment, so you don’t have to worry or plan to find a position to fill. You can set your schedule with an agency to include vacations, time off, and more.

Most RNs who travel solo are independent contractors, meaning that they do not receive health insurance from the hospitals and clinics where they work. Travel nursing agencies provide full-time staff with benefits such as:

● Health and dental insurance

● 401(k) w/match

● Employee assistance (e.g., counseling, legal resources, financial assistance, etc.)

● Disability insurance

● Paid vacation

● Travelers insurance

● Housing stipend

● Continuing education funding

● Hazard pay for dangerous jobs

Agencies can bring peace of mind with job security, stability, and excellent benefits.

Many travel nursing agencies offer sign-on bonuses, overtime bonuses, shifter differential bonuses, and seasonal bonuses, depending on the workload. Some agencies will even offer referral bonuses if you refer a nurse to a position. There are always opportunities to get paid more if you opt for seasonal shifts, extra shifts, and emergency shifts.

As a traveling nurse, you will work in a wide array of team and clinical environments. Travelers have a unique opportunity to learn on the job in a competitive field. You will be in a fast-paced position that requires you to quickly build expertise in your field. Moreover, a well-run agency will always have some jobs lined up for you, so you never have a lull in work.

Industry Connections

Working as a solo nurse, finding jobs can be very difficult. Agencies can help you have a steady supply of nursing jobs thanks to their industry connections. Agencies that have been around for a number of years will have several professional contacts to help you find jobs.

Additionally, a travel job will give you possibilities for future employment. Through a travel nursing agency, you will get the training and experience you need to push your career even further.

Exclusive Contracts

Many travel nursing agencies have jobs and exclusive contracts with clients, meaning that only they staff them. Established agencies that have exclusive contracts with healthcare facilities in the area are more able to offer the best jobs and assignments to the adventurous travelers out there.

Travel nurses work at various hospitals and team members, so there is always something new on their plate from week to week. Whether you’re part of a team or going solo, you will work in different hospitals in different positions, so being adaptable is key.

In addition to the variety of work is the variety of traveling itself. One week you could be on the east coast and the next on the west coast. Travel nursing jobs also give you a small taste of what working long-term in one location feels like.

Flexibility

One of the best aspects of working for a nursing recruiter is the flexibility of the job. You can work a job for 12 weeks, then take a few weeks off before heading to the next assignment. Travel nursing agencies allow you to choose your own schedule so you can work as little or as much as you want, in a large team or a smaller operation.

Why Choose TravelNursing.io?

TravelNursing.io provides a streamlined way for traveling nurses to find high-paying jobs. Using our platform, you can find the best-paid nursing jobs and browse thousands of assignments. We are created by trusted travel nurses, so you can be sure we understand the industry.

We work with the top recruiter agencies to match nurses with jobs that suit their skills, handling all the details, whether it is compact state licensure or travel accommodation arrangement. Simply fill out a form, and we can start matching you with jobs.

Our recruitment team works with partners in all 50 states, so no matter what city or state you’d like, we can find a position for you.

If you would like to learn more about travel nursing jobs and positions or have any questions about travel nursing, contact us online or give us a call today at 101 123 456 789 to speak to a representative! We are always interested to hear from prospective nurses.

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