Travel Nursing Pay Rates, Benefits, and More
Whether they're working as permanent staff or as travelers, registered nurses have their pick of well-paid employment opportunities across the nation.
Travel nurse pay and benefits packages tend to be significantly higher than those associated with staff positions. Besides highly competitive travel nursing salaries that can edge into six figures, travelers receive additional perks, including free private housing or a generous housing stipend, group health benefits, license reimbursem*nt, and free unlimited continuing education units.
Demand for Registered Nurses - and Nursing Salary! - is on the Rise
According to the U.S Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 9% between 2019 and 2030, which is tracking with the average. In fact, the BLS ranks registered nurses as the occupation with the sixth highest projected numeric change in employment during this period, with an estimated 276,800 jobs opening. This employment growth means more RN jobs and greater demand for registered nurses, which will likely translate to higher pay!
The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $77,600 in 2021. This is well above the median annual wage for all workers in the US.
Staff nurses can earn excellent compensation, and travel nurses have even more to look forward to than a healthy salary and the likelihood of growing career opportunities. In addition to excellent salaries, travel nurse compensation includes comprehensive benefits.
Today's Travel Nurse Pay Ranges
Starting from - Weekly:
$ 1,200
Max - Weekly:
$ 4,619
This estimated weekly gross pay is based on the specified number of hours per week for our RN positions -- nationwide in all specialties -- and includes available stipend amounts. Traveler eligibility is subject to company policy, as well as additional regulations and laws. The best positions can fill quickly, so contact your recruiter for detailed pay information based on your individual requirements and situation.
Search Our Travel Nursing Jobs
In addition to your travel nurse compensation, check out these incentives:
- Referral Bonuses – Increase your earning potential beyond your base travel nurse salary by finishing your travel jobs and by telling others about your exciting travel nurse career!
- Weekly Pay and Protection Plus Plan - Enjoy a reliable weekly paycheck.
- Travel Reimbursem*nts – Relax as you explore the country knowing that we’re providing generous travel allowance.
- Tax Advantage Plans - Bring home up to 15% more of your paycheck.
- Housing Allowance or Agency Arranged Housing–Collect a generous housing allowance and find exactly the housing you need and want -- or skip the effort of finding short-term housing and let us take care of you.
- Health, Life, Dental, and Vision Insurance including Day One Options – Get the coverage you need at a satisfyingly low cost.
Registered Nurse Salaries by State
Nurse salaries vary by state, which is why many travel nurses choose their destinations based on the pay offered in each locale. Very often it is a simple question of supply and demand. We have high paying nursing jobs from coast to coast; you'll find that travel nurse salaries vary depending on your desired location and area of specialization. Below is the median hourly rate for registered nurse salaries in several popular destinations, current as of 2020 according to the BLS:
- RN salary in California - Median Hourly: $59.62
- RN salary in Alaska - Median Hourly: $46.74
- RN salary in District of Columbia - Median Hourly: $47.38
- RN salary in Massachusetts: - Median Hourly: $46.46
- RN salary in Nevada - Median Hourly: $42.69
- RN salary in New Jersey - Median Hourly: $43.12
- RN salary in New York - Median Hourly: $44.86
- RN salary in Texas - Median Hourly: $38.04
- RN salary in Oregon - Median Hourly: $47.42
Annual Pay Rates of a Registered Nurse by State
While staff nurse salaries are not directly related to travel nurse compensation, they do correlate with one another. For example, comparable travel nurse jobs in California generally pay more than travel assignments in other areas. Below are the BLS-provided annual salaries for permanent nurses in several states with the highest RN staffing needs and correspondingly higher pay.
- RN salary in California - Median Annual: $124,000
- RN salary in Massachusetts - Median Annual: $96,630
- RN salary in Oregon - Median Annual: $98,360
- RN salary in Alaska - Median Annual: $97,230
- RN salary in Texas - Median Annual: $79,120
- RN salary in New York - Median Annual: $93,320
- RN salary in Pennsylvania - Median Annual: $76,000
- RN salary in Nevada - Mean Annual: $88,800
Travel Nurse Pay FAQ
How much do travel nurses make?
Travel nurses tend to out-earn their staff nurse counterparts. Between high travel pay, a competitive benefits package, and tax-free incentives, travelers find more money in their pockets - and bank accounts! Job boards place the pay differentiation between travel nurses vs staff nurses working similar positions and schedules as 10 to 40% higher. In times of extreme demand, the pay advantage of traveling can skyrocket. Annualized travel nurse salaries can reach into the six figures depending on geographic location, nursing specialty, and experience..
Why is RN pay in California higher than in other states?
Some states have a more acute demand for registered nurses than other states, which often leads to higher pay. California is one such state! California nursing salaries have been the highest in the country for more than five years. Remember, however, that while the typical nurse salary in states like California and New York may be higher than nursing salaries in Florida, Texas, and other states, cities in California and New York also tend to have a higher cost of living.
Do travelers really earn more than permanent staff?
If you have been in healthcare since the pandemic, you know that travelers earn far more than permanent staff on an hourly and weekly basis. Although to a lesser degree, that has been true long before COVID-19 and will be the case as the situation stabilizes. Traveler pay rates are a function of supply and demand. When the need is great in a given location, pay rates rise. Factor in benefits and bonuses and the compensation really adds up. We know that travel nursing isn't a perfect fit for everyone at every point in their career. But when it suits you, it can be truly rewarding.
Are there ways to boost my travel nursing pay?
There are a few tried-and-true ways to maximize your travel nurse salary, such as earning relevant certifications for your specialty, being geographically flexible, being prepared for assignment as soon as possible, and gaining experience through completed assignments.
Where can I earn the most?
Certain states (see those listed above) have long been known for paying travelers above the national average. Even within those locations, some areas are known to pay above the state average. For example, rates in Los Angeles tend to be higher than the rest of California. The NYC area rates are generally above those throughout the rest of New York state. Likewise, pay in Chicago tends to outpace other areas in Illinois. If big cities aren't your thing, there are also some rural areas where pay rates are exceptional - because the population is underserved and the healthcare needs are great. Your recruiter can give you all the pay information in your specialty and desired destination.
Interested in learning more? Our knowledgeable recruiters can help guide you towards our highest-paying travel assignments.
