travel nurse annual salary

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

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

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

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

Fast Facts About Travel Nurses

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

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.

Learn More About Travel Nurses

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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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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) $2,152.10 Based on 2,474,638 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 $159.48 above average
• Host Healthcare 50,000+ jobs $113.16 above average
• Epic Travel Staffing (formerly Emerald Health) 50,000+ jobs $70.91 above average
• Aureus Medical Group 50,000+ jobs $67.75 above average
• MedPro Healthcare Staffing 50,000+ jobs -$6.35 below average
• TotalMed 50,000+ jobs -$16.04 below average
• Healthcare Staffing - IDR, Inc 20,000+ jobs -$54.61 below average
• Job Availability
• Aequor Healthcare 50,000+ jobs -$92.52 below average

Top Locations Nationwide

• New York 50,000+ jobs $227.14 above average
• California 50,000+ jobs $223.76 above average
• Massachusetts 50,000+ jobs $197.18 above average
• Illinois 50,000+ jobs $55.02 above average
• Ohio 50,000+ jobs $44.85 above average
• Washington 50,000+ jobs $34.93 above average
• Virginia 50,000+ jobs -$37.60 below average
• Texas 50,000+ jobs -$156.29 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.

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Your days of being underpaid are over.

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Travel Nurse Career and Degree Guide

• Travel Nurse Overview
• International Travel Nursing

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

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

In this Article

Median Salary | Other Financial Benefits | Tax-Free Compensation | Highest Paying States | Job Growth | Per Diem Salaries | International Salary | Boost Your Salary

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

How Much Can Travel Nurses Make?

Travel nurses who are registered nurses (RNs) may make as much or more than the average RN salary of $86,070 per year, while advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) salaries often exceed the annual average of $132,680. (While travel nurse positions are also available for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), they are less common.) Crisis assignments may pay more than the average nursing salary, and things like housing stipends can boost your pay as well.

National data

Median Salary: $86,070

Projected job growth: 5.6%

10th Percentile: $63,720

25th Percentile: $75,990

75th Percentile: $104,670

90th Percentile: $132,680

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

Travel Nurse Pay May Exceed the Average

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Other Financial Benefits Are There?

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

Accommodations or Housing Stipend

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

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

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

Travel Expenses

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

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

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

What Is Tax-Free Compensation?

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

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

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

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

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

Highest-Paying Cities & States for Travel Nurses

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

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

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

What Kind of Job Growth Is Expected?

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

How Travel Nurse Salaries Compare to Per Diem Nursing

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

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

Salaries and Benefits for International Travel Nurses

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

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

How to Boost Your Travel Nurse Salary

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

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

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

Written and reported by:

Stephanie Srakocic

Contributing writer

With professional insight from:

Parth Bhakta

CEO and founder, NurseFly

Rachel Norton, RN

Travel critical care nurse

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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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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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How Much Do Travel Nurses Make In A Year? | Salary 2023

Travel nursing has been all the rage for the last few years. Travel nursing positions come with plenty of perks, such as high travel nurse salaries, incentives like sign-on bonuses, and the opportunity to work in glamorous places like Hawaii and Florida.

But, do travel nurses really make more money? The answer is yes…usually. However, the exact amount of money you can make as a travel nurse really depends on a variety of different factors.

Below is a breakdown of a travel nurse’s salary and why travel nurses tend to get paid more than nurses in traditional roles.

Find available, high-paying travel nurse opportunities.

Do Travel Nurses Make More Money?

In general, travel nurses have the opportunity to make more money than staff nurses for two main reasons:

1. High need = higher pay

Travel nurse staffing agencies work specifically with hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that have a high demand for nurses, which means they are willing to pay more to reach adequate staffing levels or to cover a known leave of absence.

2. Additional monetary incentives.

Unlike regular staff nurses, travel nurses are paid a “total pay package” that includes an hourly base wage pay plus additional monetary incentives, like the following:

• Sign-on or referral bonuses
• Travel reimbursements
• Stipends for housing
• Food, mileage, or job-related expenses

Because these extra stipends are classified as reimbursements and not income, they’re non-taxable, so a travel nurse can bring home a higher total pay when compared to a staff nurse, who pays taxes on all of the income they bring home.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

The average salary for travel nurses in 2023 was $126,384, according to Indeed.com . That is significantly higher than the average salary for staff nurses of $93,042 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The exact salary you can expect to make as a travel nurse will vary widely based on where you choose to work, the type of nursing position it is, and the length of the contract.

For example, you may make more in a month as a travel nurse compared to a staff nurse, but if you only work one- or two-month-long assignments, your annual pay will be lower. However, if you take several assignments in a 12-month period, then you could make significantly more in one year than you could as a staff nurse.

Your total travel nursing pay package will look different than that of a staff nurse because it’s made up of your “base wage” pay — the hourly rate you earn for your nursing duties — and additional stipends, which are classified as non-taxable reimbursements and not considered income. As an example, a standard total travel nurse pay package could look something like this:

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

You should consult your own certified financial planner if you have concerns before you start travel nursing. It may help you evaluate if a travel nurse pay package is right for you based on your overall financial goals.

Find travel nursing assignments by speaking with a recruiter today!

Do Travel Nurses Get Benefits?

Some travel nurse staffing agencies also offer travel nurses additional benefits, such as retirement options and health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Keep in mind, retirement options that include a 401(k) may not be the most effective option if your taxable income is already low. It may make more sense to invest in a Roth IRA or other retirement account. But again, consult with your tax professional before making any major decisions.

Most travel nursing companies also require that you work a certain number of months before the 401(k) becomes available for travelers.

Why? One of the main benefits of a 401(k) is that it allows you to contribute your income before it’s taxed, but a large portion of most travel nurses’ total pay packages is non-taxable. Contributing to a 401(k) can decrease a travel nurse’s overall taxable income considerably and may lead to issues down the road — if they need to qualify for a home loan, for example.

Highest Paying Locations for Registered Nurses

Where you choose to work as a travel nurse also plays a large role in how much you will make. Certain cities and states offer higher pay because they have such a high demand for nurses, while other areas pay more based on the time of year.

For example, if you’re willing to travel to Alaska in the winter, you have the opportunity to make more money than if you worked in Hawaii in the winter months. Travel nurses who are willing to relocate to “less popular” areas throughout the year stand to increase the amount of overall pay they can make over the course of the entire year.

You could also seek out assignments in the highest-paying states and cities for travel nurses . For example, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the top 10 highest-paying cities for RNs (not specifically travel nurses) currently are:

Source: ZipRecruiter

The Top Highest Paying States for RNs in 2023 – based on all specialties

• District of Columbia

Source: BLS

Keep in mind that the Bureau of Labor Statistics data lists average salaries for RNs, so the potential for travel nurses specifically in those areas is even higher. However, you also have to consider the cost of living in those areas and if the stipends you’ll receive for housing, food, and other expenses will adequately cover those costs.

Read more: Best Cities for Travel Nurses

A Note on Nursing Specialties

Working a travel nursing assignment in a high-paying state or city is one way to increase your take-home salary. However, you can also increase your pay as a travel nurse by working in an in-demand specialty.

The average travel nurse’s salary does vary based on specialty. For example, travel nurses who work in the following in-demand specialties have the opportunity to make more pay (or negotiate for higher pay). Did you hear that? You can negotiate!

Some of those specialties include:

• Critical Care
• Labor and delivery
• Orthopedics

If you have experience in an in-demand area, you should highlight that on your travel nursing application, as well as bring it to the attention of the travel nurse recruiter to maximize your pay.

Additionally, you may be able to make even more money if you seek out specialty certification in your area on your own prior to signing with a travel nursing agency.

Having a nurse who is “ready to go” in a specialty area may be more lucrative to a staffing agency than a nurse who is simply willing to be trained, but not yet certified.

Travel Nursing Salary: Beyond a Paycheck

Travel nursing can be a profitable way to boost your savings and overall take-home pay. But the benefits don’t stop with just your paycheck. Travel nursing has so many other perks:

• Expand your resume
• Gain valuable hands-on nursing experience
• Learn skills on the job
• Increase your confidence
• Find hospitals or coworkers you may want to work with as a staff nurse in the future
• And ultimately, advance your career

As a travel nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to work in fields you may not have access to close to home or receive additional training to further your nursing skills as well. Also, because travel nursing is flexible and can accommodate both short and long-term positions, many nurses can try temporary nursing assignments whether they’re single, partnered, married, child-free, or have a family.

And, of course, travel nursing is a great way to experience other parts of the country to live in, see, and explore.

RNs can earn up to $2,300 per week as travel nurses. Speak to a recruiter today!

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Home > Career Advice > Healthcare Talent > Travel Nurse Salaries Guide: Earnings, Specialties, and Tips

Travel Nurse Salaries Guide: Earnings, Specialties, and Tips

Embarking on a journey as a Registered Nurse (RN) is not just about healing. It’s about embracing new horizons and fostering your career in extraordinary ways. If you’ve ever considered the thrill of becoming a travel nurse while wondering about the financial rewards, you’ve landed at the crossroads of curiosity and possibility. In this guide, we delve into the intricate tapestry of travel nurse salaries. By deciphering the figures and unraveling strategies we will help you understand your earnings. Just like a seasoned traveler navigates uncharted waters. 

As of May 2023, the average annual salary for travel nurses in the United States stands at $105,021. This is equivalent to an hourly rate of $50, according to data from ZipRecruiter. This figure is remarkably higher than the overall average salary for registered nurses, which is $77,600 per year or $37.31 per hour, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. 

The Landscape of Travel Nurse Salaries 

It’s essential to recognize that travel nurse salaries vary nationwide. At the lower end of the spectrum, some earn around $40,000, while top earners command an impressive $155,500 annually.  Here are some examples of travel nurse salaries by specialty: 

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs): CRNAs are the highest-paid nursing specialty, with an average annual income of $194,352 or $93 per hour. The top earners in this category can even make up to $311,500. 

Operating Room (OR) Nurses: Operating room travel nurses earn an average annual income of $181,460, with the highest earning up to $286,000. 

Emergency Room (ER) Nurses: ER travel nurses have an average annual income of $83,503, but the top earners can make as much as $171,500. 

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurses: ICU travel nurses earn an average annual salary of $143,416, with the highest earners potentially reaching $263,500. 

Travel Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Travel NPs earn an average of $140,086 per year or $67 per hour, with the highest earners making as much as $243,500. 

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurses: NICU travel nurses earn an average of approximately $173,017 annually or $83 per hour, ranging from $56,000 to $281,500. 

Med-Surg Nurses: Med-Surg travel nurses earn an average annual income of $118,997 or $57.21 per hour, with potential hourly earnings reaching as high as $134.38. 

Telemetry Nurses: Telemetry travel nurses earn an average annual income of $124,122 or $60 per hour, with top earners bringing in as much as $174,500. 

Factors Influencing Travel Nurse Salaries 

Several factors play a pivotal role in determining travel nurse salaries. These factors include: 

• Location: Where you practice matters. Cities and states with higher living costs tend to offer higher compensation to travel nurses. For instance, working in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle often generates significantly higher earnings than lower-cost-of-living areas. 
• Full-Time or Part-Time Employment: The number of hours you work each week can influence your salary. Full-time positions generally offer more substantial compensation than part-time roles. 
• Shifts: The shifts you work, such as day shifts, night shifts, mid-shifts, or weekends, can impact your pay. Nurses working less desirable shifts receive higher hourly rates. 
• Bonus Income: Travel nurses can earn additional income through bonuses. These include agency bonuses, retention bonuses for referring colleagues, and crisis or strike pay during urgent situations.

The Top-Paying States for Travel Nurses 

   Here are the states where travel nurses can potentially reap higher rewards for their skills and dedication:    

• New York: Nestled in the vibrant bustle of the city or the serene landscapes upstate, New York offers an average annual salary of $128,277 or $61.67 per hour. 
• Arizona: With its warm climate and diverse communities, Arizona beckons travel nurses with an average annual income of $109,776 or $52.78 per hour. 
• Wyoming: The open plains and rugged beauty of Wyoming come with an average annual salary of $109,765 or $52.77 per hour. 
• Hawaii: The allure of island life accompanies a tempting average annual salary of $109,653 or $52.72 per hour. 
• Tennessee: From the music scene of Nashville to the scenic beauty, Tennessee offers an average annual income of $107,708 or $51.78 per hour. 
• Massachusetts: Enriched with history and innovation, Massachusetts boasts an average annual salary of $107,000 or $51.44 per hour. 
• New Jersey: From its bustling cities to its serene shorelines, New Jersey offers an average annual income of $106,901 or $51.40 per hour. 
• Washington: The Evergreen State presents an average annual salary of $106,086 or $51.00 per hour, inviting travel nurses to explore its natural wonders. 
• West Virginia: Known for its Appalachian beauty, West Virginia offers an average annual income of $106,044 or $50.98 per hour. 
• New Hampshire: The charming landscapes of New Hampshire come with an average annual salary of $105,438 or $50.69 per hour. 

Strategies for Increasing Your Travel Nurse Salary 

Want to boost your earnings as a travel nurse? Here are some effective methods to consider: 

• Location Flexibility: Opt for assignments in cities or states with higher costs of living to secure a higher rate of compensation. 
• Leverage Specialties: Explore which ones offer the highest pay through your agency if you have cross-training in multiple nursing specialties. 
• Per Diem Pay: Check if you qualify for per diem pay, which covers housing, incidentals, and meals during assignments. 
• Selective Shifts : Be open to working less favorable shifts like nights, mid-shifts, and weekends, often with higher hourly rates. 
• Bonus Opportunities: Understand your agency’s bonus structure and look for ways to earn retention bonuses, and crisis or strike pay. 
• Agency Comparison: If unsatisfied with your current agency’s pay rates, explore other agencies offering more competitive compensation. 
• Housing Stipends: Some agencies provide a housing stipend and handle housing arrangements. Consider finding your housing to save money. 

Conclusion 

As a travel nurse, various factors may influence your salary potential, including your nursing specialty, location, shifts, and bonuses. By strategically navigating these factors and making informed choices, you can earn a competitive salary. Also, you can enjoy the unique experience of practicing nursing while exploring different parts of the country. Remember that salary figures can vary over time and across various sources. So, it’s advisable to gather information from multiple reputable sources and stay up-to-date with industry trends.  

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2024 Travel Nurse Salaries: Earnings & Benefits Guide

By HealthJob Editors

Table of Contents

As a travel nurse, you choose your assignments, meaning you have control over your salary and benefits. After analyzing more than 7,000 registered nurse travel job listings on HealthJob's travel nurse job board in January 2024, we found that, on average, travel nurses earn $2,058 per week.   At current rates, a travel nurse working 52 weeks in a year would have an annual salary of $107,016. However, travel nurse salary and compensation will depend on several factors. Your assignment’s location, the number of hours you work, and your benefits all play a role when comparing compensation packages.

Looking for a remote nursing job? Check out HealthJob's Remote Nursing Job Board .

Where Can Travel Nurses Earn The Most?

Currently, Nevada is the highest-paying state for travel nurses, with a median rate of $2,486 per week. 

Nevada has long faced a nursing shortage. A report from the University of Nevada Reno’s Health Workforce Research Center in 2022 found that the state needs more than 4,000 new registered nurses to meet the national RN-to-population average. 

Nevada has surpassed New Jersey to become the highest-paying state for travel nurses. Previously, New Jersey had claimed the top position due to a nurse strike at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. During this strike, the average weekly contract for travel nurses in New Brunswick, New Jersey — the hospital's location — was significantly higher than the national average, at $4,405 per week compared to $2,153. In December, the two parties came to an agreement, ending the strike. 

Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses

The following states had the highest median travel nurse salary. Nevada has a median travel nurse salary that is 21% higher than the national average. 

Highest Paying Cities for Travel Nurses

California cities took seven of the top-10 highest-paying cities for travel nurses. Only three cties, Santa Clara, Clovis and Bakersfield had averages rates of more than $3,000 per week.

What Are the Highest Paying Travel Nursing Specialties Today?

Travel nurse pay depends not just on the location but also on a travel nurse's specialty. Contracts that are difficult to fill can often command a premium. The highest-paying travel nurse specialties in January 2024 are as follows.

What Are The Most In-Demand Travel Nurse Jobs?

The specialty with the most job openings in January 2024 is the Emergency Department, ED. These are the salaries for the most in-demand travel nurse jobs.

‍ What Benefits Do Travel Nurses Get?

Your hourly rate is just the beginning of your compensation. When comparing contracts, you must take your benefits into account as well. Benefits can make up a large portion of your total compensation.

• Travel Reimbursements: Some assignments will reimburse you for traveling to and from your assignment. Travel reimbursements typically come at a flat rate but can also come as a per-mile reimbursement based on the distance you’re traveling. You might also get a flight reimbursement if your assignment is in Alaska or Hawaii.
• Licensing Reimbursements: If you need to get licensed in a new state, your staffing agency may reimburse you for getting a new license.
• Benefits: Staffing agencies often offer 401k plans, life insurance, and other benefits.
• Housing: Most staffing agencies will provide housing support, either in the form of a housing stipend or housing provided by the agency.
• Tax-Free: You may get tax benefits by working in a state that is not your primary residence.
• Overtime or extra time: In addition to your contracted hourly rate, some staffing companies also have an hourly rate for additional hours worked. You may be able to negotiate this rate, which will help increase your overall earnings.

As a traveler, you have more control over all aspects of your career—your salary is just one of them. In addition to pay, you choose where you want to work, the communities you will serve, and the amount of time you have off. Knowing the average travel nurse's salary can help you make informed decisions about your next assignment.

Do Travel Nurses Earn More Than Staff Nurses?

Travel nurses earn $2,058 per week, more than the average weekly wage for registered nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average travel registered nurse's salary is $81,220. Assuming a year is 52 weeks, the average weekly wage for registered nurses is $1,561.92 per week. Determining the average annual salary for travel nurses can be challenging because they decide where and when they take contracts.

Learn More:   Everything You Need to Know About Travel Nursing

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Travel Nurse Benefits & Salary

Unparalleled Benefits for Your Travel Nursing Adventure

Your Journey. Your Reward.

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

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

Competitive Travel Nurse Salaries

Your Expertise. Your Pay.

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

Earn What You Deserve

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

Housing and Travel Stipends

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

Travel Bonuses and Incentives

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

Guaranteed Weekly Pay & Direct Deposit

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

Comprehensive Travel Nurse Benefits

Your Wellness. Your Care.

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

Health, Wellness, and Life Coverage

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

401k Retirement Plans

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

Flexible Scheduling for Your Lifestyle

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

Personalized Support for Your Journey

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

Salary and Benefits FAQs

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

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

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

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

Your Setting. Your Next Travel Nursing Job.

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

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

Featured Travel Nurse Blogs

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

Nursing Onboarding Process: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Clinician Life Blog

9 Questions About Nursing Jobs: Ask a Healthcare Recruiter

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The Most Important Questions to Ask a Travel Nurse Recruiter

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Registered Travel Nurse Salary

How much does a Registered Travel Nurse make? The average Registered Travel Nurse salary is $83,871 as of April 24, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $75,930 and $93,028 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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How Much Do Travel Nurses Make? Salary & Career Outlook

17 Mar, 2023 | By: AIAM Author

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

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

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

What Is a Travel Nurse?

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

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

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

Travel Nurse Salary

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

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

Highest-paying states for travel nurses

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

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

Salary based on the type of travel nurse

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

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

Salary based on experience

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

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

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

How To Increase Your Travel Nurse Salary

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

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

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

Travel Nurse Job Outlook

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

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

The Bottom Line

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

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

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

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How Much Do Nurses Make?

Table of contents.

The short answer is that it varies quite a bit depending on what state you live in, the type of facility you work for, and the specialty in which you work. Regardless of the variation in different nursing salaries, nursing overall consistently offers job security. Even the lower end of nursing jobs still provide a reasonable income and there will always be a high demand for nurses in the workforce. 

This article will give an overview of what nurses’ salaries look like in 2023, including some examples of how nursing specialties vary across different specialties and job settings. 

What is the Average Nurse Salary in the United States?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average annual salary of nurses in the United States is $89,010. The average hourly wage is $42.80. Nursing salaries vary significantly by state, mainly because the cost of living is so different in different parts of the country. 

What state has the highest nurse salary?

The states with the highest nursing salaries are listed below:

• California. Average annual nurse salary, $133,340. Average hourly wage, $64.10.
• Hawaii. Average annual nurse salary, $113, 220. Average hourly wage, $54.43.
• Oregon. Average annual nurse salary, $106,610. Average hourly wage, $51.26.
• Massachusetts. Average annual nurse salary, $104,150. Average hourly wage, $50.07.
• Alaska. Average annual nurse salary, $103,310. Average hourly wage, $49.67. 

What is the Average Travel Nurse Salary?

One way to seriously increase your income as a registered nurse is becoming a travel nurse. Travel nurses serve to fill staffing shortages at different hospitals throughout the United States. Travel nurse contracts are usually around 13 weeks long. After your contract ends, you can either take on another travel nurse job or you may be able to extend your contract if you like where you are. 

Travel nurse pay is usually offered on a weekly basis. The average weekly salary of a travel nurse is $2,153 per week. This comes out to being about $111,956 per year, if you work as a travel nurse for the full year. 

How Nurse Salaries Vary Across Different Specialties

Salaries for nurses can differ based on the role and specialty. Specialized departments often require higher skill levels and more experience. For example, nurses who work in the intensive care unit (ICU) will need a higher skill set than those working in Med/Surg, since ICU patients are in much more critical condition. 

Also, some nursing specialties pay more in an attempt to fill staffing shortages. For example, psychiatric nursing is one of the highest-paying nurse specialties due to difficulty in recruiting nurses willing to work in potentially challenging environments.

Below, I’ve listed some salary ranges based on different nursing specialties, including:

• Labor and delivery
• Psychiatric nursing 

Labor and delivery nurse salary

Labor and delivery nurses work alongside obstetricians and midwives to help women safely deliver their babies. The average labor and delivery nurse salary in the United States is around $80,100 . 

Pediatric nurse salary

Pediatric nurses work in a variety of different settings, including pediatric intensive care units, pediatric emergency departments, and pediatric medical/surgical units. The average pediatric nurse salary in the United States is $78,400 per year. 

ICU nurse salary

ICU nurses work in the intensive care unit, caring for critically ill patients. The average ICU nurse salary in the United States is $84,008 . 

NICU nurse salary

NICU nurses work in the neonatal intensive care unit, caring for newborn babies who require close monitoring due to birth complications. The average NICU nurse salary in the United States is $75,126 per year. 

ER nurse salary

Emergency room nurses swoop in to help during emergency situations. These nurses make an average of $76,826 per year. 

OR nurse salary

OR nurses support patient care in a surgical setting, helping to support a team of doctors and other health care professionals during surgery. The average salary of an operating room nurse in the United States is $85,405 . 

Oncology nurse salary

Oncology nurses work with cancer patients in a variety of settings, including in outpatient clinics and at the hospital. Oncology nurses in the United States make an average of $84,000 per year. 

Dialysis nurse salary

Dialysis nurses work with patients who have kidney failure to deliver dialysis treatments to help filter extra fluid and waste from the body when the kidneys aren’t able to. Dialysis nurses make an average of $87,023 per year. 

Psych nurse salary

Psych nurses work on psychiatric units of hospitals to help patients who are struggling with mental illness. This nursing specialty boasts a high salary, with some estimates averaging at $132,924 per year. However, many nurses find this to be a challenging field of work since psych nurses frequently deal with patients who have unpredictable behavior and may be dangerous at times. 

Every nursing specialty offers a different average salary. Your salary will also vary depending on the hospital where you work and your experience level. 

Non-Hospital Nursing Job Salaries

There are many different jobs for nurses outside of the hospital. If you are considering taking a less traditional nursing job and working outside of the hospital, it helps to know what type of salary to expect from these roles. Some non-hospital nursing salaries are listed below for the following jobs: 

• Forensic nurse
• School nurse
• Home health nurse
• Flight nurse
• Hospice nurse
• Nursing home nurse

Forensic nurse salary 

Forensic nurses work with victims of violent crimes to help with wound care and emotional support. They also sometimes assist in courtroom testimonies. The average salary of a forensic nurse in the United States is $62,263 per year. 

School nurse salary 

School nurses work in a school setting, addressing the health needs of sick students as well as  those who have disabilities or chronic diseases. The average salary of a school nurse in the United States is $55,149 per year. 

Home health nurse salary 

Home health nurses go to the homes of patients to provide them with care. Nurses in this role may help with simple daily tasks, such as bathing and using the bathroom and they will also check vital signs, draw blood when needed, and provide care to any wounds. Home health nurses make an average of $84,472 per year. 

Flight nurse salary

Flight nurses work on life flight helicopters to help stabilize patients when being transferred from an accident scene to the hospital. The average salary of flight nurses in the United States is $93,890 per year. 

Hospice nurse salary

Hospice nurses work with patients who are terminally ill, providing support at the end of their lives to help keep them comfortable. Hospice nurses make an average of $83,390 per year. 

Nursing home nurse salary

Nursing homes are a place where elderly patients who are unable to care for themselves live. Nurses who work in nursing homes make an average of $68,691 per year. 

What Nursing Job Pays the Most?

The highest paying nursing job is a CRNA, or a certified registered nurse anesthetist, averaging at about $211,836 per year. This field of nursing requires you to obtain a graduate degree which can take anywhere from 3 to 4 years. 

If you want to get the most out of your undergraduate degree, then becoming a travel nurse is a great way to increase your income without going back to school. Travel nurses tend to make a much higher salary than typical floor nurses (and you’re doing the same job). This job does require that you change jobs frequently and it allows you the opportunity to travel around the country. 

It’s Not All About the Money

While the expected income is an important factor to consider in career choices, it is important to keep in mind that money isn’t everything. When choosing the best nursing job for you, the salary should only be one of many factors that you consider. You want to choose a specialty that you actually enjoy, and that very well may be one of the lower-paying jobs.

For example, many nurses are recently leaving the bedside to do slower-paced work, such as working as a school nurse. School nurses make significantly less money than nurses who work in a hospital, but some nurses choose to take the pay cut in order to have a lower-stress work environment and a better work life balance. 

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the wide range of nursing incomes that exist across the United States, choosing a career in nursing is a financially secure choice. There will always be a demand for nurses and with so many different types of nursing jobs out there, you’ll always have the option to change it up if you decide that one job isn’t suiting you anymore. 

My name is Sophia. I am a Registered Nurse with experience working as a floor nurse on a Renal Care Unit and Hematology/Oncology Unit.

Further Reading

All About Maintaining Your Nursing License and Handling Your Credentials

“Nurses Eat Their Young”: What Is Really Behind the Old Stereotype

Alternative Careers for Nurses: 5 Unexpected Jobs to Pursue as an RN

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