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We make the travel healthcare experience easy by taking care of all the details. We listen to what you want, match you to your dream position, and help you transition into your new travel healthcare experience smoothly, with 24/7 support and premium benefits. You’ll be comfortable and confident to enjoy the adventure from the moment you land.

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The job you want, in a place you love. That’s our #1 priority. Good thing we have exclusive access to thousands of great healthcare positions in all 50 states.

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Looking for perks? We’ve got them! We’re talking day-1 medical coverage that stays active between assignments less than 30-days apart, plus day-1 401K, travel reimbursements and your very own housing support team.

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From the moment you start with Host Healthcare, we’re available 24/7 if anything comes up — just give us a call. Or, feel free to shoot us a text, connect via live chat or DM us if you have questions.

We Specialize in Nursing, Allied and Therapy travel healthcare jobs

Our team works exclusively with Nursing, Allied, and Therapy travel healthcare professionals so you know you’re getting a true expert in your field. Get access to specialized, knowledgeable, responsive recruiters as well as on-staff clinicians and travel healthcare professionals to answer specific questions related to any Nursing, Allied or Therapy specialties.

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The best thing about working with Host Healthcare was my recruiter, Chris Murillo. He exemplifies the model for responsive, timely, and enthusiastic service. Chris also makes the effort to develop personal relationships with his clients. This is a man who truly cares about me as a person. Kudos to Host Healthcare for hiring and retaining this quality individual.

I’ve had a great experience with Host Healthcare. Lauren Pollacci is an excellent recruiter and easily the best one I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, she made the entire process painless. She is always extremely helpful with any need or concern I may have. I couldn’t imagine working with another recruiter at this point!

I've been working with Host Healthcare as a travel nurse for three years now and wouldn't change a thing. My recruiter Kat Cook has made the transition from staff nursing to travel nursing so easy. She is always available, listens to the needs of both myself and my wife (travel pair), and finds us the best jobs in the best locations! 10 out of 10 would recommend her and the agency every time.

Just started my 7th PT contract with Host and every contract has been a smooth transition. I’ve had great communication with my recruiter Kathryn Cook who has helped me land some great jobs and help with the credentialing process. I plan on staying with Host for many more years.

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

With RNnetwork, you get:

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

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

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

The best experience is easier than you think.

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

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

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

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

–Kelly Kilcoyne, NICU travel nurse

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Coast Medical Service is a leading healthcare staffing agency that specializes in providing travel nursing and allied healthcare opportunities since 1979. We have helped thousands of registered nurses, allied healthcare workers, and licensed vocational nurses expand their personal and career horizons through travel roles. We work closely with hospitals across the United States to match healthcare professionals with high-quality temporary positions that meet their unique needs for weeks or months at a time.

Our commitment to excellence sets us apart, as we strive to deliver effective, efficient, competent, and safe patient care by linking top-tier medical professionals with top-notch medical care providers. When you join Coast as a traveling nurse or allied healthcare professional, our passionate team will aggressively work to create a work environment where you and your employers are deeply valued and highly respected. We see our clients as family and listen to their needs to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling travel healthcare experience.

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Coast is committed to delivering the highest standard of service to our clients. We received our Health Care Staffing Services (HCSS) certification from the Joint Commission, the nation’s number one accreditor, after undergoing a comprehensive evaluation of our expert staffing agency services for travel nurses and other healthcare professionals. Our certification showcases the quality and safety of Coast’s services nationwide.

Our goal is to always provide a consistent level of service. If for any reason there is dissatisfaction with our service or the service provided by one of our healthcare professionals or facilities, we encourage you to contact Coast to discuss the issue. Any individual or organization that has a concern about the quality and safety of patient care delivered by Coast Medical Service’s healthcare professionals or client facilities, which has not been addressed by Coast Medical Service management, is encouraged to contact the Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org or by calling the Office of Quality Monitoring at (630) 792-5636.

Ready to start your journey with Coast? Contact us today!

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21 Best Travel Nursing Agencies Ranked [Updated For 2024]

• Kimberly Hennerfeind
• Last Updated: April 17, 2024

Looking to start your journey as a travel nurse and want to explore all of the best travel nursing agencies? Then we’ve got you covered!

While there are an overwhelming number to choose from, we aggregated data from Indeed and Glassdoor in order to determine the top-rated travel nursing agencies for 2023/2024. Best of all, the ratings on these sites come from real travel nurses who have actually worked with these companies.

So, in this post, you’ll see the top-rated travel nursing agencies and learn a little more about each one. If you want to explore an agency further, just follow the links to read our full, in-depth reviews.

We’ll also start with some recommendations based on our research to help you find companies with the best benefits, support, and more.

By the end, you’ll have a good idea of what each company offers, so you can choose the right travel nursing agency for your career goals.

Table of contents

What is the best travel nursing agency, best travel nursing agency for support, best travel nursing agency for benefits, biggest travel nursing agency, 1. axis medical staffing, 3. triage staffing, 4. fusion medical staffing, 5. travel nurses inc., 7. prime time healthcare, 8. medical solutions, 10. onestaff medical, 11. aya healthcare, 12. fastaff travel nursing, 15. travel nurse across america, 20. trustaff, what is the highest-paying travel nursing agency, start working with the best travel nursing agencies.

Axis Medical Staffing is the best travel nursing agency based on ratings from travel nurses on Indeed and Glassdoor.

However, always remember that while one agency may be a perfect fit for one travel nurse, it may be a different story for someone else.

For example, while one travel nurse may value a close relationship with their recruiter, another might be more concerned with salary or benefits.

Host Healthcare is the best travel nursing agency for those looking for robust support from recruiters. As soon as you start working with this company, you’ll have access to 24/7 support.

So, anytime you have a question or concern, you can call, text, or DM to get a quick answer. This makes it a great option for those who are new to travel nursing and might need a little extra guidance.

Of course, whether you’re a new travel nurse or a seasoned pro, there will always be times when you need to get in touch with your agency quickly.

Additionally, Host gives you access to jobs in all 50 states. All you need to do is select your desired contract location, and the company will help you find placements.

If you’re looking for a travel nurse agency with great benefits, you should check out RNNetwork . The company offers Day One benefits, meaning you’ll have access to them on the first day of your contract.

They offer a host of benefits including:

• Zero-Premium Health Insurance: Fully paid by RNnetwork, with dependant and life partner coverage.
• Prescription Pay: No-deductible for medications.
• Dental Plan: 100% coverage for preventive services and children’s orthodontic coverage.
• Vision Benefits: Coverage for lenses, glasses, frames, and exams nationwide.
• Continuing Education: Access to free, unlimited courses and licensure assistance.
• Credentialing Assistance: Full support and substantial cost coverage for licensing and certifications.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to expert advice for financial, mental, behavioral, and legal issues.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: $50,000 coverage without requiring enrollment in a medical plan.
• Teladoc: 24/7 physician consultation services over the phone.
• Sanvello: Free access to a mindfulness app for stress, anxiety, and depression relief.
• Talkspace: 24/7 access to licensed therapists online.

We discuss some of the other reasons to choose RNNetwork later on in the complete rankings.

The largest travel nursing agency is AMN Healthcare . In fact, they owned nearly 20% of the entire market share of the industry according to a report from a few years ago.

Working with the largest agency comes with a number of advantages, like the number and diversity of available job opportunities. Additionally, you’ll receive robust support and comprehensive benefits, like free housing, 401(k), and life insurance.

Given that AMN is such a big company that’s been around since 1985, you also know they have an established reputation. The company even has exclusive deals with healthcare facilities, giving you access to even more jobs.

Overall, AMN healthcare is a option for those looking for a large travel nursing agency with access to lots of resources.

21 Best Travel Nursing Agencies Ranked

Below we ranked the best travel nursing agencies based on reviews left on Indeed and Glassdoor. In instances where there was insufficient data on these sites, we substituted Facebook reviews.

Axis Medical Staffing earned the title of best travel nursing agency for 2023 based on our aggregated data from ratings by travel nurses.

This agency was founded in 2004 and boasts lots of benefits, including:

• Assignment opportunities in every state
• A “personal touch” unrivaled by other agencies
• A nice payment structure

Though it’s a highly-rated company and travelers are eligible for healthcare benefits the first of the month following their date of hire but it is something to be aware of as there is a month wait. If this is key in your decision, there are other options that offer day-one benefits.

However, if you’re in it for the adventure, this is a great agency to work with.

2. Host Healthcare

We mentioned earlier that Host Healthcare is one of the best travel nursing agencies when it comes to support. You can contact them with questions 24/7, and their recruiters will try to find your ideal placement.

However, Host offers a number of other great benefits too. For example, the company provides access to thousands of exclusive contract positions all across the country. Some other amazing benefits they provide include:

• Day one medical coverage that lasts up to 30 days between assignments
• 401(k) matching
• Travel reimbursements
• A dedicated housing support team

Overall, because Host Healthcare offers such comprehensive support, it’s a great option for those who are new to travel nursing. However, experienced travel nurses can also benefit from working with them.

Triage Staffing operates by the motto of “real and ready.” There are tons of great reviews from their employees, and they emphasize clear and open communication.

If you’re looking to build long-term relationships and communicate with your recruiter regularly, this may be a perfect option.

Just keep in mind that they do promote a more fun and casual culture, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Also, you’ll need two years of experience if you want to work with them. However, if you don’t have the experience yet, they still encourage you to get in touch and build a relationship while you gain that experience.

Fusion Medical Staffing is the next company on our list of best travel nursing agencies.

It began as a small business in 2009, but since then has grown rapidly. They’ve even won awards for being one of the fastest-growing companies and having an excellent workplace culture.

Some of the reasons to choose Fusion include:

• They accept new graduates and provide a mentorship program
• An emphasis on social responsibility and volunteering
• An inclusive culture; for example, participating in LGBTQ+ pride events, disability fundraisers, and more

While the company does hire new graduates, the information on their website isn’t all that thorough. This can be a little scary for new travel nurses, so make sure you ask the right questions so you can decide if Fusion meets all of your needs.

Travel Nurses Inc. has been in business for over 30 years and features 24/7 clinical support. They also won the ClearlyRated Best of Staffing in both 2021 and 2022.

The agency has a robust job board, and even features a “Furnished Finder” tool that allows you to book housing options right on their website.

They provide day-one healthcare coverage and make contract transparency a priority. Your recruiter will schedule a review of your contract before you begin an assignment, ensuring all your needs are met.

While the ratings for this company on Indeed and Glassdoor are a bit sparse, this agency has lots of glowing reviews on Facebook and Google that are worth checking out.

The only thing to keep in mind is that you will need one year of experience to work TNI.

6. Atlas MedStaff

Atlas MedStaff is next in our rankings of the best travel nursing agencies, and has been around for over three decades. They place a focus on working closely with travel nurses and tailoring their contracts to fit their needs.

For example, each contract includes an “ Atlas Adventure ,” which is a unique experience that could include anything from skiing to going to see your favorite professional sports team.

Other reasons to work with this agency include:

• Great insurance and benefits options
• Paid private housing options
• Transparent and long-term relationships

Just make sure you get set up with and develop a good relationship with your recruiter. As with many other of the best travel nursing agencies, this could make or break your experience.

Prime Time Healthcare has been recruiting healthcare professionals for over 15 years.

If salary is a top priority, this may be a good agency to work with. Their travel nurse salary tends to go above average and offer great secondary perks, like:

• An excellent range of benefits
• Referral bonuses
• Paid travel

Keep in mind that Prime Time tends to work with elite-level healthcare professionals.

Also, this agency doesn’t only find placements for travel nurses. They also fill positions for per diem nursing and permanent positions.

If you want an agency solely focused on travel nursing, you may want to look somewhere else. However, if you want to build a long-term relationship with a company and eventually move out of travel nursing, this could be a perfect fit.

Medical Solutions is an agency that focuses on custom-tailored contracts for their travel nurses.

In fact, before a nurse agrees to a contract, a consultant from the agency will speak with them about what is most important to them.

While each contract will be different depending on the needs of each nurse, you can expect:

• An excellent 401(k) plan
• Loyalty bonuses
• Health benefits
• Employee assistance program

While the contract flexibility and customization can be great for travel nurses who know exactly what they want, all the options could be overwhelming if you’re not sure.

If you’re new to travel nursing, it may be better idea to go with an agency offering standard contracts that have been tried and tested by lots of nurses before you.

9. RNnetwork

RNnetwork ranks number four on our list of best travel nursing agencies.

This agency gives you the best of both worlds. While they have a personal and friendly approach to working with travel nurses, they also have the resources of a huge staffing company. This is because they are owned by a parent company called CHG Healthcare Services.

Other benefits of working with RNnetwork are that they:

• Only focus on travel nursing
• Provide great compensation and benefits
• Have an easy-to-use job search platform

Just be wary of the fact that your experience may vary depending on the recruiter you are matched with. The wrong recruiter could leave you with a subpar experience.

OneStaff Medical boasts experienced recruiters and dedication to the nurses they work with.

If you choose this agency, you’ll be able to contact a representative 24/7, 365 days a year. This way, if any problems come up, you can start finding solutions immediately.

They also provide communication on assistance with career goals and help in meeting your travel expectations.

Like most of the agencies on this list, you’ll have access to standard benefits and plenty of housing options.

However, OneStaff tends to work with travel nurses with at least two years of experience.

There have also been complaints of lack of cooperation between the agencies’ departments. Though they may be isolated instances, it’s a good idea to be wary.

Aya Healthcare is one of the biggest and best-known travel nursing agencies in the United States.

Due to their size and reputation, they feature a huge selection of assignments to choose from.

Other advantages of working with this agency include:

• Day-one benefits
• Credentialing and paperwork support
• Scholarships and education assistance

If you want to work with an agency with lots of resources, you should definitely consider Aya.

However, just remember that their size may mean you can’t build the same type of relationship you could with a smaller agency.

If having a “personal touch” is important to you, this may not be the best option.

Fastaff Travel Nursing specializes in “Rapid Response” healthcare staffing. This means they staff facilities in desperate need of nurses during times of crisis, like environmental disasters or extreme staffing shortages.

This agency offers some of the highest pay rates to travel nurses. However, this is largely because the assignments tend to be more difficult given their “Rapid Response” specialization.

If salary is top priority, this may be just the agency for you.

However, keep in mind that you’ll likely need to be ready to start working within 48 hours of accepting a position.

These more difficult assignments also tend be a better fit for more experienced nurses. Their culture is more professional and less friendly because of the urgent nature of most of their placements.

We mentioned earlier in this article that AMN is the largest travel nursing agency, giving you access to a bigger pool of exclusive jobs and resources.

However, there are lots of other great things about this travel nursing agency too. For example, they offer a host of benefits, like:

• Free and high-quality private housing
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and flex spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Free continuing education courses
• Discounts on things like computers, cell phones, hotels, car rentals, gym memberships, and more

Perhaps most noteworthy is their mobile app. With the AMN Passport app, you can receive personalized job alerts, view time and pay details, and organize your credentials.

Overall, AMN is likely best for travel nurses with a bit of experience under their belt. However, if you’re looking for an agency with robust resources and great benefits, this could be the right fit.

14. Aureus Medical

Aureus Medical has been around for over 35 years, and they promote a highly-personalized approach to travel nursing.

Every nurse has a dedicated recruiter. However, if the recruiter is unavailable, there is always someone to offer support 24/7.

The agency also boasts:

• Long-standing relationships with healthcare facilities
• A dedicated housing and travel department
• Robust benefits

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the agency is rather large. So, despite having a dedicated recruiter, you may have to deal with a number of different staff members.

Unfortunately, this means information can sometimes slip through the cracks, meaning you may have to repeat yourself if your information isn’t passed along by their staff members.

Travel Nurse Across America has been around since 1999. They’ve often been featured in top ten lists for travel nursing agencies, and they’re considered one of the most reputable in the nation.

The agency boasts great relationships with its client facilities and a clear and transparent company culture.

One of the best things about TNAA is their benefits. They send an Assignment Benefit Summary before each assignment begins.

If you’re looking to put in some extra hours, you may also be able to take advantage of “TNAA Boost Pay.” This is a special rate you receive if you work an extra shift.

The agency also features other typical benefits, and even pay protection if one of your shifts gets cancelled.

While the company does boast a robust job board, it doesn’t publish pay rates on third-party sites when promoting job opportunities. This could be frustrating when looking for a position that fits your compensation needs.

16. Krucial Staffing

Krucial Staffing specializes in staffing healthcare facilities in urgent need of nurses.

This means the assignments tend to be in more high-risk, emergency areas. It also means you’ll typically need to be ready to start working within 48 hours.

While these assignments are certainly more challenging, you’ll also be compensated for that extra difficulty.

Additionally, you’ll receive:

• Extra benefits through Krucial’s partnerships
• Excellent housing options

If you’re up for a challenge and want access to a wide variety of assignments that tend to be shorter in length, this may be the right option for you.

NuWest has been around for about 25 years and prides itself on the quick deployment of travel nurses. In fact, they typically send nurses to an assignment within 72 hours.

This agency has a smaller feel and a more personal touch. It also offers competitive pay rates and all the benefits you’d expect from a travel nursing company.

The downside is that they have a smaller number of available assignments compared to some other agencies. They mainly staff facilities in:

However, if you’re a travel nurse looking to work in one of these states and you’re prepared for quick deployment, NuWest may be a good fit.

18. TotalMed

TotalMed Staffing provides healthcare facilities travel nurses and helps nurses find local jobs.

If you’re a travel nurse looking to cover all your basics, this agency may be a good option. They have a large network and robust online job board, meaning you’ll have lots of assignments to choose from.

The company also provides:

• Day one benefits
• Credentialing and paperwork assistance
• Educational and professional support

One thing to be wary of is that some nurses have complained about a long onboarding process. However, for most nurses, the process has not been a problem.

Maxim Healthcare Staffing has been around for over three decades. In addition to travel nurses, they also staff for home healthcare and wellness services. The company employs more than 65,000 healthcare professionals in the United States.

The agency offers competitive pay rates and placements at some of the best facilities in the country.

Like some of the other travel nursing agencies on this list, a lot of the travel nursing assignments tend to be in high-stress, high-volume areas.

While this will earn you a higher paycheck, it may not be the best fit for newer nurses.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the agency has been a bit slow to resolve paycheck issues in the past. While the problems were always resolved, it could add more stress to an already stressful placement.

Trustaff has been matching travel nurses with hospitals for over two decades.

One thing that makes this agency stand out is their superb communication and helpful staff. They have an active support line with people ready to help you out.

They offer everything you’d expect from a travel nursing company, including:

• Health insurance
• Start and completion bonuses

However, assignment length can be inconsistent when working with Trustaff. Most assignments last 13 weeks, but they could end up being shorter or longer.

If you need a more consistent schedule, this may not be the best fit.

Nomad boasts one of the best and most streamlined digital marketplaces for finding travel nursing assignments. Also, their pay packages tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum.

A few other upsides to working with this agency include:

• Licensure reimbursement
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits

However, some travel nurses that worked with the company reported that there was poor communication. This could be a huge problem, especially if you’re new to travel nursing.

Nomad Travel Nursing is part of the broader Nomad Health platform, so it may be easy to get lost in the shuffle of such a big company.

It’s worth noting that there are plenty of both 5 and 1 star ratings, so it may just depend on the recruiter you end up working with.

There is no single travel nursing agency that pays the most. In fact, all the agencies on this list provide competitive rates.

If you’re looking to make as much money as possible from your contract, you should focus on factors like location and the type of contract.

For example, travel nurses have a much higher earning potential in states like California or New York compared to states like Arkansas or Kentucky. Just keep in mind that the cost of living is also greater in the former states than the latter.

Additionally, a more specialized nursing role will typically pay more than a general RN role. So, if you want to make more money, consider earning certifications or getting an advanced degree.

Whichever agency you choose, travel nursing salaries are much higher than resident registered nursing salaries. The average annual salary for a travel nurse is $106,030 per year, compared to resident RN salaries at $82,750 per year.

While Axis Medical Staffing is the top-rated travel nursing agency in 2023, the company that’s right for you will depend on your priorities.

Don’t be afraid to explore multiple options before making your final decision. This will ensure you secure the best contract possible.

If you’re reading to start working as a travel nurse, then start traveling now !

Kimberly Hennerfeind is a freelance writer and registered nurse with expertise in health, medical and legal content at Nursing Notes, LLC. Her almost 30 years of nursing include neonatal/pediatric critical care, and legal nurse consulting. She spent several years as a travel nurse in Tennessee and Texas in large children’s hospitals. She lives near Nashville, TN with her family and beloved dogs.

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Low Cost States for Travel Nurses

Table of Contents

A travel nurse's average base salary is typically higher than a staff nurse's . When looking for travel nursing jobs, some of the highest paying states may seem lucrative. However, you'll also need to consider housing and cost of living expenses, which can cut into your final take-home pay. Let's review some of the low-cost states for travel nurses and tips to evaluate your travel nurse salary versus cost of living.

What Is Travel Nursing & Why Is It So Popular?

Before diving into the lost cost state for travel nurses, let's discuss travel nursing and why it's become so popular. Travel nurses accept travel nursing jobs throughout the country, where there is a high demand for nurses. While they perform the same responsibilities as staff nurses and solidify patient care practices, they do not work for a particular hospital or healthcare system. They work for travel nurse companies. Travel nurses have the same specialties as staff nurses, ranging anywhere from pediatric to perioperative to the post-anesthesia care unit. They get to work in some of the country's highest - ranking medical centers .

While travel nursing jobs have been around for decades, travel nursing has become more popular over the past several years. This is because nurses are finding that traveling nurse jobs offer a higher average base pay or average base salary when compared to staff nurses. You can earn more money travel nursing. Who wouldn't want to earn more money travel nursing for the same job?

Evaluating the Cost of Living vs. Your Nurse Salary

A travel nurse salary is determined by many factors in a compensation package. Compensation packages can include average base pay, a housing stipend, and meal stipends. They can also include other items such as travel reimbursement, bonuses, and overtime pay. Due to the varied nature of a travel nurse’s average base pay rate , it can be challenging to definitively say where a travel nurse will make the most (or the least) money. The travel nurse’s experience, specialty, and the hiring unit’s level of need all play a part in determining a traveling nurse's take-home pay. For example, specialties such as the post-anesthesia care unit may get paid more than those on a medical-surgical unit. However, this does depend on the assignment location and demand at the time.

As a travel nurse, you must evaluate each of your traveling nurse jobs or assignments individually. While you may find a higher-paying assignment, it's important to consider the cost of living in the area. An area with a higher cost of living (many east coast travel nursing jobs) will eat into your expenses and net pay. You may find that even though the weekly pay is higher, your net pay is smaller. In some of the lowest-paying states, your take-home pay may be higher. Thus, it's important to estimate the cost of living when looking at your travel nurse salary.

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Average Travel Nurse Salary

As mentioned, the average travel nursing salary depends on various factors. These factors include assignment location, specialty, experience level, and current demand. Also, take into account housing costs, cost of living expenses, and travel. Below we review some of the low-cost states for travel nurses to help increase your take-home pay.

CNBC used the Council for Community and Economic Research’s 2016 annual average Cost of Living Index to compile a list of the most expensive states in which to live. The determination was made based on common grocery costs, energy bills, doctor visits, and home prices and is, therefore, not overly scientific, but it gives a good indication of where a travel nurse might have more money going out than into their wallet.

Oklahoma is the fifth-cheapest state in the country based on CNBC’s analysis of the state’s average home price, common grocery prices, and energy costs. Working in Oklahoma can be low on a travel nurse’s list of desired destinations, which may work in your favor if maximizing pay is your main goal. There are many traveling nurse jobs available at top medical centers.

Travel nurses heading slightly southeast will find the fourth-cheapest state (if looking at the cost of living). You can secure an apartment for roughly $700 per month. This is roughly six times less than an apartment in Boston. Plus, an apartment in Boston will likely be much smaller due to urban living. And it will cost you half as much to heat or cool that space as it does in Boston!

Michigan is the third cheapest of all U.S. states when considering the cost of living. The University of Michigan Hospitals are some of the highest - ranking medical centers in the world . Detroit is making a comeback, and the Great Lakes are an excellent travel nurse destination. Gasoline, groceries, housing, and energy prices are all reasonable, ensuring the money you make stays in your pocket. Even better, Michigan is the 21st-best paying state in the country for nurses! The median hourly rate is more than $32 per hour. Michigan is the perfect combination of high pay and low cost of living for travel nurses.

The next least-expensive state in the country is Indiana. This Midwest state boasts modest home and energy prices, as well as inexpensive groceries. Great state parks and up-and-coming city life just might secure Indiana a spot on your travel destination list. The average travel nursing salary in Indiana is around $2,300 per week.

MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi is the cheapest state in the nation in which to live. The average home price is less than $200,000 (roughly a 10th of that in the most expensive state in the country). Unfortunately, it is also the third-lowest paying state for nurses, with a median hourly rate of less than $27. It might still make your list for its fascinating history and beautiful gulf beaches.

Nurses who travel have a myriad of motivations for their journey. While money isn’t everything, expenses do pop up, and those expenses are lower in some states than others. When deciding on your next travel nursing contract , consider the cost of living so you can make the most of your time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state pays best for travel nurses.

While east coast travel nursing offers decent pay, not every high-paying state is located on the east coast. Some of the highest-paying states for travel nurses include California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and New York. For most travel nursing specialties, California is the most consistent, highest-paying state on the list. However, you'll also have to account for the cost of living expenses.

Where is the highest demand for traveling nurses?

The demand for travel nurses and travel nursing jobs follows where there are nursing shortages. Nursing shortages can vary on patient volume and acuity or depending on the time of year and season. For example, during influenza season, there will be a spike in travel nursing demand. Some of the consistently high travel nursing demand places are in larger metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles and New York City.

What state do travel nurses pay taxes in?

Travel nurses will pay taxes in every state where they worked a traveling nurse job during the year and in their tax home state. Your tax home state is where you claim permanent residence. States where you do not pay state income taxes include Alaska, Nevada, Florida, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Texas, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.

Is travel nursing worth it in 2023?

If you're looking to earn a higher income, while having the opportunity to travel, travel nursing is worth it . Travel nurses make a higher average base pay or average base salary than staff nurses, even for some of the lowest-paying states. Also, travel nurse companies, such as HCTN, offer their travel nurses many great benefits .

Learn More about Health Carousel Travel Nursing

Ready to nail down your next travel assignment in one of the cost-friendly states listed above?

Health Carousel Travel Nursing has many travel nursing jobs available! With our On Demand platform, you can search and apply for jobs easily. You can view your application status and quickly upload your nursing documents.

Health Carousel Travel Nursing also offers a variety of benefits to its travel nurses. If you aren't sure how to utilize or maximize your benefits, check out our full circle of support .

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East Coast vs. West Coast: Which Fits You Best?

Which coastal lifestyle and attitude appeals for your travel nursing jobs?

By E’Louise Ondash, RN, health and travel writer

I was a nursing student when I met my first West Coaster. The occasion was a party; guests were East Coasters and Midwesterners who were dressed in conservative attire, except for LA Girl.  She wore iridescent yellow and glowed like a lemon among the Haas avocados. (Google it, East Coasters.)

Fashion is just one of the markers that distinguishes East Coasters from West Coasters. There are plenty of other markers, too--culture, leisure activities, attitudes, mores, mood and food.  If you are in the enviable position of having the opportunity to choose one of the coasts for your next travel nursing assignment , maybe this quick list of comparisons (with a nod to humor and hyperbole) will help you decide.

East Coast – “How's by you?” “Howahya?” “Hey, what's it to ya?” West Coast – “Duuuude...”  “Whatzup?”

East Coast – “So…whadayawant?” West Coast – “Hello, my name is Heather and I’ll be your server. What can I get for you today?”

Culcha (Culture)

Interpersonal relationships:     East Coast – Tell it like it is: “Your idea stinks.”     West Coast – Be polite, politically correct and don't hurt anyone's feelings: "Your idea is creative and may have merit, but let's explore additional possibilities."

Sense of time:     East Coast – 2 p.m. means 1:55 p.m.     West Coast – 2 p.m. means "Whenever…" or "Sorry, I got caught on the 405."

Chutzpah/Attitude:     East Coast – "Hurricane, schmurricane. We're havin' that party!"     West Coast – "Hey, it's drizzling. We'd better stay home."

Getting around:    East Coast – Subway, bus, taxi, train    West Coast – Cars, trucks, SUVs, luxury crossovers

Tradition:      East Coast – "We've always done it that way."      West Coast – "Whatever, dude..."

East Coast – Negatives: Blizzards, hurricanes and humidity. Positives: In the fall: spectacular colors in the parks and right on your own street. In the spring: The Bloom – peonies, azaleas and lilacs, and the glorious feeling that comes with knowing winter is over.

West Coast – Negatives: The four seasons are fire, flood, earthquake and drought.  Positives: Throw away the snow shovel. Walks on the beach in February and, heck--all year long! Lack of humidity and mosquitos in the summer and, heck--all year long!

East Coast – Rule: Wear black until you can find a more depressing color. Also necessary: Real shoes, boots, coats, sweaters in the summer (for the air-conditioning), and don't forget the umbrella.

West Coast – Three words: layers, layers, layers--and keep it casual. Workout clothes and flip flops acceptable for nearly all daytime occasions. No need for a winter wardrobe and a summer wardrobe, and sweaters necessary for summer nights.

Food favorites  

East Coast – Bagels; pastrami sandwiches; New York strip; casseroles; grinders; frozen custard (to die for); cannolis; Boston cream pie; and lobstah and chowdah.

West Coast – The "foodies" opt for local, free-range, fresh, organic, vegan, vegetarian, anti-oxidant, fusion, gluten-free, low-cal and GMO/hormone-free--and kale.  Everyone else: Bring on the fish tacos (yes, they really are good); guacamole; frozen yogurt; Monterey Jack; strawberries (in February!); cioppino; and sushi, sushi, sushi.

Pizza (yes, it merits its own category)

East Coast – It's all about the crust and the pepperoni. (Please! Pineapple does NOT belong on pizza.)

West Coast – Gluten-free crust, soy cheese, garlic sauce, and be generous with the locally-sourced veggies.

RELATED: Finding “Good Eats” on the Road

East Coast – Wines from the Finger Lakes region (Google it, West Coasters); egg creams; Manhattans; pop.

West Coast – Craft beer, margaritas, Arnold Palmers, California wines, including Two Buck Chuck.

Vacations within striking distance  

East Coast – Nantucket; the Adirondacks; skiing in Vermont; drives up the Hudson Valley; the Maine coast; the Hamptons; the Jersey shore; and Disneyworld.

West Coast – National parks; skiing in Utah and Colorado, Death Valley; Lake Tahoe; San Francisco; 17-Mile Drive; Napa and Sonoma; Disneyland; San Diego; and Vegas, baby!

East Coast – Waving grasses, drifting sands, warm water and a place to watch the sun come up.

West Coast – Sand that stays put until the next big storm; rugged, scenic coastline; surfers; cold water; and a place to watch the sun go down.

Still not sure?

If you are still wavering on whether to take that coastal assignment, consider this: The cost of housing and hotels on both ends of the country is astronomical (fagedaboutit!), so if you have the chance to live there while someone else foots the bill during your travel nursing job, GO FOR IT!

APPLY for top travel nursing jobs, from coast to coast.

© 2016. AMN Healthcare, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Fall in love with nursing again.

The burnout rate in nursing has never been higher. You don't have to feel helpless or frustrated. Control your career like never before, with travel nursing.

Canadian Travel Nurse Agency

We connect nurses with jobs that fit like a glove...

While also providing true community & strong support..

Northern Med is a preferred Canadian travel nurse agency, proudly based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We specialize in recruiting quality healthcare professionals and connecting them to Canadian communities, from coast to coast.  In addition to rewarding assignments, exceptional wages, and paid travel + accommodations, NMC fosters a strong sense of community and ensures each member of the team is supported at every stage of their travel nurse journey.

Your happiness matters.

We don't simply place nurses wherever there's a need & hope it works out. we match nurses to their ideal positions - which means happy nurses providing exceptional levels of patient care..

As a point of pride, Northern Med spends an incredible amount of time ensuring our nurses are placed in positions that fit them perfectly.  Unlike most agencies during the matching process, we evaluate placements through a thorough lens; considering things like professional competency & skill, family needs, geographical preferences, work-life balance requests, and a number of other metrics. The result is happy nurses who excel in their jobs and provide exceptional levels of care.

Hear from our nurses across the country...

We are so proud of our Northern Med nurses; super heroes doing incredible work in their field.

I would recommend travel nursing to anyone and would highly recommend working with Northern Med!

"With my first travel nursing contract in Gander, Newfoundland complete - I can honesty say that I have made so many friendships and connections here that will last a lifetime! 🤍 I had the opportunity to work in a new place and to explore a lot on my days off, independently and with friends. I also got to visit a piece of France with my amazing grandparents. Both staff and travel nurses alike have been so good to me and welcomed me to this amazing province. You are all incredible people, and have made this experience the best in the world - I can’t wait to come back! A huge thank you to Northern Medical Connections for being so amazing and supportive through this entire process - you truly made this the BEST experience! I would recommend travel nursing to anyone and would highly recommend working with Northern Med! On to my next adventure! ✌️✈️”

"Everyone at Northern Med has been so kind and they really do care!"

“I'm very happy I decided to take a contract with Northern Med! The staff that I have interacted with have all been so kind and they really do care and make an effort to check in with you. Whenever issues came up, they were quick to address the situation. I loved Nova Scotia so much that I actually extended my contract! I made lots of friends and was able to explore a part of Canada that I probably wouldn't have if it wasn't for travel nursing.”

"I remember always being told my full-time line was the end goal as a new nurse, yet I still felt there had to be more out there for me."

“One year ago, I took a leap of faith. I remember always being told my full-time line was the end goal as a new nurse, yet I still felt there had to be more out there for me. I quit my line, gave away my belongings, signed my first contract and haven’t looked back since. Life has always been good to me, but this season of full-time travel nursing has been unparalleled. Big thanks to NMC for being such a supportive agency and for proving that a fulfilling career and a beautiful adventurous life should exist simultaneously. We don’t need a vacation from a life like this.”

Don't burn out. Burn bright.

Northern Medical Connections (NMC) is a preferred Canadian travel nurse agency, proudly based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

© 2015 Northern Medical Connections Inc.

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Travel Nurse Enjoys Races Big Or Small

Photo by Shelley Hanson Travel nurse Michael Noble of Charleston, South Carolina, prepares to run the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon on Saturday.

WHEELING – Travel nurse Michael Noble of Charleston, South Carolina, decided to try the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic for the first time on Saturday.

He has been working up and down the East Coast and is now on assignment at a Pittsburgh hospital.

“I’ve never been to West Virginia. I like the mountains; they make me feel like loose,” he said.

Noble said he ran the Pittsburgh Marathon a couple weeks ago and figured the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic would be a piece of cake. He admitted he did not know about the race’s famous hills before signing up for it.

“After the Pittsburgh Marathon, I thought everything else would be easy,” he said.

Noble said he enjoys road racing and running because it makes him feel good and like he is accomplishing something. After years of living a not-so-healthy lifestyle he decided to get in shape and run. Noble enjoys setting goals and meeting personal records while racing.

He encourages others to try running or just getting out there and moving one’s body. As a travel nurse, Noble said he sees a lot of patients who are not able to use their bodies like others.

“Enjoy the moment … be grateful for the moment you can run,” he said.

Noble said he enjoys running because it makes him happy. He also enjoys the community of runners.

“I like racing wherever I’m at. Big or small I like to run and compete,” he said.

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Travel Time Calculator

Quick links, travel duration calculator.

Travelmath provides an online travel time calculator to help you figure out flight and driving times. You can compare the results to see the effect on the total duration of your trip. Usually, the flight time will be shorter, but if the destination is close, the driving time can still be reasonable.

Another popular tool is the time difference calculator, which can be used to check the time zone change anywhere in the world. This is especially useful if you're making international calls, since you can find the best time to schedule your phone call.

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