While the nature of a job shouldn’t be judged by salary alone, it does hold a critical place when deciding on one. So, the fact that the average travel nurse salary in the US is $114,602 per year[1] must say something positive about it. More so, in the post-pandemic era when salaries across industries are stabilizing, a travel nurse salary can still hit the range of $155,000 per year[2]!
| Average starting salary of a travel nurse | $82,850/year[3] |
|---|---|
| Median annual travel nurse salary | $81,220/year[4] |
| Average travel nurse salary in California | $139,130/year[4] |
| Average salary for travel nurse in NYC | $131,450/year[4] |
| Travel nurse salary growth projection | 6% from 2018-2028[5] |
However, such an enticing deal comes with the right mix of experience, specialty, location, and other factors that influence a travel nurse’s salary in the US in 2024. Well, you’re in luck for these are what we discuss in this guide on Travel Nurse Salaries for the US in 2024. Alongside, we shall also delve into the highest paying states for travel nurses in the US, benefits other than the salary for travel nurses, and how to increase your earning potential as a travel nurse.
Suggested Read: 2024 Salary Guide for US Nurse Practitioners
But before we kick off uncovering through the financial side of things, let’s first understand what the job of a travel nurse entails.
Travel Nurse Job in the US
Travel nurses are basically registered nurses (RN) who are stationed on a short-term basis (usually 13-26 weeks long) across various healthcare facilities in the US. They are typically employed by nursing staffing agencies. This concept came into being during the 1970s nursing shortage in the US[6]. It still prevails as nurses view it as an opportunity to build their resume by working at popular hospitals, assess a location before settling in there, or even as a way to discover different parts of the country.
Suggested Reading: Nursing Specialties for the Travel Bug Nurse
At a minimum, a traveling RN possesses 1-year of acute-care experience in a specialty of their choosing. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are also called for the travel nurses positions; however, preferred less.
How Much a Travel Nurse Makes in a Year, Month, and Hour
In general, it is understood that travel nurses make more than permanent nurses – and the extra amount is based on various factors including specialty earnings (that we discuss later). Now, since the U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics primarily mentions RNs (but not traveling RNs), we can assume that the national median salary of a traveling RN should be higher than $81,220 per year or $39.05 per hour[7].
However, looking into salary-reported data across job sites in the US, we figure that the average base salary of a traveling nurse typically ranges from $35.45/hour to $68.04/hour[1].
| Travel Nurse Pay | Per Hour | Per Week | Per Month | Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower end salary | $35.45 | $1,514 | $5,857 | $82,723 |
| Average base salary | $49.12 | $2,097 | $8,114 | $114,602 |
| Higher end salary | $68.04 | $2,905 | $11,241 | $158,768 |
Travel Nurse Salary & Benefits Breakdown
When compared to the average salary of US employees across all industries[8] – which is $11.1/hour – the salary of a travel nurse is certainly decent. But the cash is not all that a travel nurse makes. There are various components to their remunerations that make it even more appealing.
Hourly Pay
While a full-time RN receives a salary from the healthcare facility, travel nurse employers typically offer hourly wages. This means a travel RN salary has relatively more variable weightage based on specialty, location, and shift.
Travel Expenses
Travel nurses usually are reimbursed for their travel expenses like airfare and car travel. If not, they are directly arranged for by their employers.
Accommodation Stipend
The majority of the travel nursing pay package includes housing. Some employers also chip in for Meals, Incidentals, and Expenditures (MI&E) stipend.
Do note that although most travel nurse agencies take care of housing assistance, it can be more economical for travel nurses to arrange for their housing themselves per their preferences.
Bonuses
Depending on the agency or contract negotiated, a travel nurse can also benefit from bonuses for signing on, completing assignments, or extending contracts.
Tax-free Component
Much of a travel nurse’s compensation package may come within the tax-free component, such as housing stipends and health benefits, that reduce their tax liabilities significantly at the year-end.
Other Common Perks and Benefits for Travel Nurses
| 401(k) | Employee discount | Loan forgiveness |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k) matching | Flexible schedule | Paid sick time |
| AD&D insurance | Flexible spending account | Paid time off |
| Continuing education credits | Health insurance | Pet insurance |
| Dental insurance | Health savings account | Referral program |
| Disability insurance | License reimbursement | Tuition reimbursement |
| Employee assistance program | Life insurance | Vision insurance |
*source indeed.com[1]
In addition to these, travel nurses can look for the angle of Crisis Pay as well. In case of a lack of staff or sudden demand (like for COVID-19), healthcare organizations may be open to increasing wages to attract quality candidates in bulk.
So, before signing a contract with a travel nurse agency, do read between the lines, consult other travel nurses, and negotiate your travel nurse salary to the best of your opportunity.
Travel Nurse Salary by State
Of all the factors that affect the travel nurse’s pay, location is arguably the most critical. Across the US, state-based pay differences for travel nurses can range wildly from $62,920 (in South Dakota) to $132,660 (in California)!
| State | Annual Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $63,090 | $48,820 | $82,760 |
| Alaska | $102,260 | $80,950 | $127,280 |
| Arizona | $82,330 | $66,040 | $105,520 |
| Arkansas | $64,130 | $37,630 | $83,700 |
| California | $132,660 | $84,700 | $177,670 |
| Colorado | $82,430 | $66,130 | $107,260 |
| Connecticut | $95,210 | $71,050 | $119,600 |
| Delaware | $82,230 | $64,100 | $101,110 |
| District of Columbia | $98,970 | $66,260 | $135,260 |
| Florida | $77,710 | $61,190 | $100,060 |
| Georgia | $79,440 | $60,400 | $118,270 |
| Hawaii | $120,100 | $120,100 | $137,710 |
| Idaho | $77,940 | $61,530 | $100,440 |
| Illinois | $78,980 | $62,180 | $102,080 |
| Indiana | $73,290 | $55,200 | $95,600 |
| Iowa | $65,000 | $56,330 | $83,360 |
| Kansas | $66,460 | $52,010 | $93,120 |
| Kentucky | $75,800 | $56,120 | $98,540 |
| Louisiana | $73,180 | $57,500 | $95,540 |
| Maine | $77,340 | $61,170 | $100,910 |
| Maryland | $83,850 | $64,680 | $106,910 |
| Massachusetts | $98,520 | $67,480 | $154,160 |
| Michigan | $79,180 | $64,270 | $100,920 |
| Minnesota | $84,060 | $65,500 | $107,960 |
| Mississippi | $63,330 | $49,980 | $84,030 |
| Missouri | $71,460 | $51,440 | $94,340 |
| Montana | $76,550 | $62,930 | $98,970 |
| Nebraska | $74,990 | $58,900 | $93,230 |
| Nevada | $94,930 | $74,200 | $130,200 |
| New Hampshire | $80,550 | $62,790 | $104,270 |
| New Jersey | $98,090 | $76,650 | $118,150 |
| New Mexico | $81,990 | $64,510 | $106,300 |
| New York | $100,370 | $64,840 | $132,950 |
| North Carolina | $76,430 | $59,580 | $100,430 |
| North Dakota | $69,640 | $60,780 | $91,150 |
| Ohio | $76,810 | $61,860 | $98,380 |
| Oklahoma | $74,520 | $53,560 | $97,520 |
| Oregon | $106,680 | $81,470 | $131,210 |
| Pennsylvania | $78,740 | $61,450 | $101,450 |
| Rhode Island | $85,960 | $65,260 | $104,790 |
| South Carolina | $75,610 | $52,620 | $93,190 |
| South Dakota | $62,920 | $51,240 | $80,860 |
| Tennessee | $65,800 | $51,270 | $95,490 |
| Texas | $79,830 | $61,950 | $105,270 |
| Utah | $77,240 | $61,850 | $98,000 |
| Vermont | $77,230 | $60,900 | $101,570 |
| Virginia | $79,700 | $61,970 | $104,410 |
| Washington | $101,230 | $77,460 | $131,230 |
| West Virginia | $74,160 | $47,640 | $96,470 |
| Wisconsin | $79,750 | $65,110 | $100,820 |
| Wyoming | $77,730 | $60,910 | $102,010 |
*source: U.S. National Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022[8]
Overall, the annual median salary of travel nurses (RN) is $81,220. Breaking the numbers down in terms of percentiles, we get:
- 10th Percentile: $61,250
- 25th Percentile: $66,680
- 75th Percentile: $101,100
- 90th Percentile: $129,400
Highest Paying US States for Travel Nurses
The highest paying US state for travel nurses is California – offering a median salary of $132,600. According to a Nomad Health report[9], California also has the highest demand for travel nurses, with medical-surgical nursing being the specialty in highest demand.
Below is the list of the top 10 states with the highest median salary for travel nurses in the US.
| # | State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $132,660 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $120,100 |
| 3 | Oregon | $106,680 |
| 4 | Alaska | $102,260 |
| 5 | Washington | $101,230 |
| 6 | New York | $100,370 |
| 7 | District of Columbia | $98,970 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $98,520 |
| 9 | New Jersey | $98,090 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $95,210 |
To see which high-paying travel nurse position is open closes to you, join our community to stay updated.
Highest Paying US Cities for Travel Nurses
If you wish to be more specific about the location that pays the highest salary to the travel nurses, you can look at it on the city level. Then, again, 3 out of the top 5 cities come out to be from California; the top one being Sacramento with an average base salary offer of $151,894/year.
| # | City | Annual Average Base Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sacremento, CA | $151,894 |
| 2 | Minneapolis, MN | $135,185 |
| 3 | Los Angeles, CA | $130,068 |
| 4 | Torrance, CA | $123,199 |
| 5 | Portland, OR | $115,993 |
*source indeed.com[1]
Lowest Paying US States for Travel Nurses
When looking to find the best-paying travel nurse role, you may not land the narrow top spot, but it’s important not to land on the other extreme of things either.
Per the BLS data, South Dakota – at a median annual salary of $62,920 – evidently pays the least to travel nurses. Other lowest-paying US states for travel nurses that you must think through before deciding on are listed below.
| # | State | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | $62,920 |
| 2 | Alabama | $63,090 |
| 3 | Mississippi | $63,330 |
| 4 | Arkansas | $64,130 |
| 5 | Iowa | $65,000 |
| 6 | Tennessee | $65,800 |
| 7 | Kansas | $66,460 |
| 8 | North Dakota | $69,640 |
| 9 | Missouri | $71,460 |
| 10 | Louisiana | $73,180 |
While staring at salary figures for different states as a travel nurse you may be inclined towards moving to the highest-paying US states, but, remember: it’s not all about the top dollar. The cost of living, convenience of lifestyle, and other personal factors should also be considered to make your final choice.
Yet, worth stating here that per Indeed[1], 80% of travel nurses in the United States consider that their salaries are good enough to meet their living costs in their region.
Popular Employers for Travel Nurses and Their Offered Salaries
As mentioned earlier, travel nurses are generally employed by travel nurse agencies or nursing staffing agencies; and not directly by healthcare organizations.
Below are some of the top-paying agencies that you can look up to find your dream travel nurse job.
| Nurse Staffing Agency | Average Weekly Salary | Max Weekly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Kahu Malama Nurses | $7,710 | $8,000 |
| Catapult Healthcare | $4,633 | $4,633 |
| RKA Recruiting | $4,300 | $4,300 |
| Saratoga Medical Staffing | $4,238 | $4,238 |
| VitalSolution | $4,200 | $4,500 |
| Headwaters Healthcare | $3,981 | $4,077 |
| eTeam Inc | $3,910 | $4,501 |
| SojouRN | $3,756 | $4,397 |
| Nightingale’s List | $3,400 | $3,400 |
| CT Assist | $3,325 | $3,325 |
*Source: Vivian Health[10]
You can also join our community of nursing professionals to keep in the loop of the latest and most promising travel nurse roles.
Slary of International Travel Nurses
Some travel nurses in the US are increasingly exploring the idea of international nursing opportunities. These assignments typically last a year, with prerequisites like language proficiency and obtaining visas.
Listed below is the top 10 spots for international travel nurses by their average salary offered.
| Country | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Switzerland | $99,839.48 (USD) |
| Luxembourg | $94,923.53 (USD) |
| Denmark | $83,888.84 (USD) |
| Virgin Islands | $80,916 (USD) |
| Australia | $71,566.52 (USD) |
| Dubai | $71,383.88 (USD) |
| Canada | $70,482.40 (USD) |
| Norway | $69,754.12 (USD) |
| Ireland | $60,890.13 (USD) |
| Italy | $53,035.58 (USD) |
*Source: nurse.org [11]
While pay is generally lower overseas, some European countries offer higher rates, and regions like the Middle East have lower living costs. So, if interested to travel as a nurse outside the US economically, you are recommended to country with the right balance of salary, living cost, and lifestyle.
Travel Nurse Salary v/s Staff Nurse Salaries
In general, the median salary of a travel nurse is higher than a permanent staff nurse’s salary. However, since a lot of factors go into deciding a nurse’s salary, it’s difficult to do a conclusive comparison of their salaries.
Still, the table below gives us an idea about the average salary comparison for some of the most common staff nurse salaries against a travel nurse (RN) salary.
| Nurse Type | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant | $15.41 | $620 | $2,670 | $32,050 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $24.08 | $960 | $4,170 | $50,090 |
| Travel Nurse (RN) | $49.12 | $2,097 | $8,114 | $114,602 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | $55.55 | $2,220 | $9,630 | $115,540 |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | $90.96 | $3,640 | $15,770 | $189,190 |
Source: Nurseprocess.Org [12]
Travel Nurse Salaries Impacted by Various Factors
Location-based differences in pay rates
Arguably the most critical salary factor for travel nurses, pay differs wildly basis location. Even if we look at the highest-paying cities, the gap in annual average salary is a handful: from Sacramento, CA: $137,200 to New Orleans, LA: $112,818[1].
Plus, the location also dictates the government-set rules for stipends, overtime, and bonuses, too.
Demand-based differences in pay rates
Demand is directly proportional to the travel nurse’s salary. As evident from the fact that the annual median salary of the three states with the highest demand rate[13] for travel nurses, fluctuates almost proportionally to it.
| State | Annual Median Salary | Increasing Demand Rate for Travel Nurses |
|---|---|---|
| California | $132,660 | 9% |
| New York | $100,370 | 6% |
| Texas | $79,830 | 5% |
Specialization-based differences in pay rates
A travel nurse – just like an RN – can have any of the various specializations; and, their salary would depend upon it.
Some of the most-paying travel nurse specialties include the following:
| # | Travel Nurse Specialization | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Labor and Delivery | $72,170* |
| 2 | Emergency Room | $76,260* |
| 3 | Medical-Surgical/Telemetry | $65,300* |
| 4 | Critical Care – Intensive Care Unit | $76,050* |
| 5 | Operating Room Registered Nurse | $81,050* |
*Source: NurseJournal.org[14]
It’s noteworthy that the job outlook for each of these travel nurse specializations increases by 6% from 2022-2032.
Experience-based differences in pay rates
The year of work experience cause an interestingly notable trend on the travel nurse’s salary. With the increase in the number of years of experience, the salary increases first, and then after a point, it decreases. Plausible as an indication of the demand for decently-experienced professionals.
| Years of Experience as Travel Nurse |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 4 – 8 | $61,000 |
| 8 – 12 | $62,300 |
| 12 – 16 | $67,800 |
| 16 – 20 | $66,000 |
Education-based differences in pay rates
Unlike other factors that directly impact the travel nurse job prospect, the education level has a fluctuating effect.
| Education-level for Travel Nurses |
Percentage of Job Openings |
|---|---|
| High-school Diploma or GED | 16% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 41% |
| Associate’s Degree | 33% |
| Master’s Degree | 10% |
However, it is not to be misunderstood as the reflection of salary decline. The salary does go up as per your level of education for the travel nurse.
Travel Nurse Salary Trajectory in 2024 in US
According to Staffing Industry Analysts[12], COVID-19 had bumped up the demand for travel nurses by around 5x. Which also meant a candidate-driven market for the travel nurse salary.
However, demand for travel nurses is seeing a decline due to stabilized COVID-19 hospitalization rates and depleted relief funding. Yet despite a 30% contraction in the travel nursing market in 2022 and an estimated 5% shrinkage in 2024, projections indicate a 6% growth in RN employment by 2031 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[7].
So, qualified and dedicated nurses willing to travel can still find rewarding opportunities because of the nationwide enduring need for travel nurses.
Read More: 2024 Salary Guide for US Nurse Practitioners
How to Make the Most as a Travel Nurse in the US
Earn a higher certificate or license
Pursue degrees like a master’s or doctorate in nursing, or specialty certifications such as in HIV/AIDS care or hospice nursing to enhance competitiveness.
Look out for higher-paying shifts
Most healthcare facilities need RNs to care for patients around the clock, and they pay more for uncommon shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Shift to higher-paying region
Strategically go for job opportunities in higher-paying regions, where the trade-off of cost of living considerations and in-hand travel nurse salary offers a lucrative deal.
In addition to these, travel nurses are also known to explore tutoring roles for nursing students and volunteer for nursing gigs at community events to supplement their salaries.
Endnote
Like everything – salary, career growth, and the day-to-day grind – of a travel nurse has its unique attractiveness and challenges.
On one side you get the flexibility and freedom to explore various professional aspects, and on another, you get to make around 16% more than a staff nurse doing similar duty. One has to be mindful of the compromise involved in moving to a high-paying travel nurse state and the associated cost of living. Also, the fact that the market is stabilizing itself since the receding pandemic era, can mean lesser leverage of salary bargains to travel nurses. However, the typical perks that can come with the travel nurses salary package like housing, travel, and MI&E stipend keep the job in demand. Not to forget you can conveniently increase your earning potential by micro-certificates, upskilling, and even getting creative with using nursing skills for side hustle.
Overall, the job of a travel nurse remains as rewarding as it is lucrative.
Read More: Career as a Nurse in US in 2024
Join Our Community and Boost Your Earnings: Exclusive Travel Nurse Jobs Near You With Great Pay!
FAQs
Are travel nurses required to pay for their own travel?
Typically, travel nurses will receive a stipend or reimbursement for travel costs.
Do travel nurses get free housing?
The salary of a travel nurse often includes free or subsidized housing.
Can travel nurses make 200k a year?
Although uncommon, but, yes! Some travel nurses, especially those in high-demand specialties and locations, can make over $200,000 annually.
Can travel nurses make 7 figures?
It is highly unlikely for travel nurses to make 7 figures (over $1 million) annually. However, the salary of a travel nurse is good enough to lead a comfortable life.
What is the demand of travel nurses in US?
The demand for travel nurses in US has been declining after the COVID-19 era however, is still projected at a decent rate of 6% by 2031.
Why is travel nurse salary so high?
Travel nurse salaries are often higher due to the need to fill staffing gaps in areas with nursing shortages and the flexibility required for travel assignments.
What hours do travel nurses work?
Travel nurses typically work full-time hours, which can vary depending on the facility and assignment.
Can travel nurses choose where to work?
Yes, travel nurses can often choose their preferred locations to work based on the available assignments and their preferences.
References
[1] https://www.indeed.com/career/travel-nurse/salaries
[2] https://www.leaderstat.com/knowledge-base/travel-nursing-in-2024-what-to-expect
[3] https://www.nursingprocess.org/travel-nurse-salary/
[4] https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-The-Average-Travel-Nurse-Salary-by-State
[5] https://www.zippia.com/traveling-nurse-jobs/trends/
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travel_nursing
[7] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
[9] https://nomadhealth.com/faqs/healthcare-industry-news/nomad-health-q4-jobs-report
[10] https://www.vivian.com/nursing/travel/salary/
[11] https://nurse.org/articles/highest-paying-countries-for-nurses/
[12] https://stabilityhealthcare.com/what-the-travel-nursing-market-will-look-like-in-2024
