How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Travel nursing pays above-average hourly wages, often more than staff RNs with the same education and credentials earn. Travel nurses work through agencies that place them on assignments wherever nurses are needed, so total annual income swings widely based on the pay package, the location, and the specialty. Here is the latest on travel RN pay, benefits, top specialties, and the states with the highest demand.

Fast Facts About Travel Nurses

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

Average Pay for Travel Nurses

Travel nurse pay depends heavily on the assignment. Weekly earnings can run from $3,000 to $7,000 on a typical 36-hour week. According to the healthcare jobs marketplace Vivian, travel nurses averaged $2,183 per week as of September 2023, with top weekly pay reaching $10,882. Keep in mind that living on the road adds personal expenses, so the higher pay partly covers housing and travel.

• Max weekly pay: $10,882
• Average weekly pay: $2,183

Source: Vivian, September 2023

How Travel Nursing Pay Works

Travel pay differs from a salaried job because agencies set an hourly rate for each assignment, which lets nurses shop around for the best deal. Full-time RNs at hospitals and clinics usually depend on raises or added education to grow their pay.

Take-home pay is where it gets complicated. Agencies set their own terms, so packages vary. Some offer a base hourly rate plus stipends for housing and meals; others fold those costs into a higher hourly rate. Run the full package before accepting an assignment.

Highest and Lowest Paying States for Travel Nurses

Travel pay varies by state and region, and locations short on RNs tend to pay the most. Popularity matters too: less desirable locations may pay more, while sought-after ones may pay less. States with a higher cost of living usually offer higher wages relative to expenses. Vivian's 2023 data ranked New Jersey, California, and Alaska among the top-paying states for travel RNs.

Highest-Paying Travel Nurse Specialties

Specialties short on licensed practitioners tend to pay more, and higher-acuity facilities pay up for nurses who can handle their patients. Here are five in-demand specialties.

Labor and Delivery

Labor and delivery travel nurses care for patients through labor and birth and work with physicians and midwives on early postpartum care. The job leans on clear communication and adaptability.

• Salary: $72,170
• Job outlook: five percent growth, 2024 to 2034

Emergency Room

ER travel nurses treat patients with injuries and illnesses who need immediate care, following the care plan set by physicians or nurse practitioners and supervising nursing assistants. They administer treatments, monitor vitals, manage care plans, and update families. The work demands problem-solving, composure under pressure, and empathy.

• Salary: $76,260
• Job outlook: five percent growth, 2024 to 2034

Medical-Surgical/Telemetry

Med-surg and telemetry RNs care for patients before and after surgery, working with the care team to change dressings, run blood tests, and monitor conditions. Strong organization, communication, and prioritization are essential.

• Salary: $65,300
• Job outlook: five percent growth, 2024 to 2034

Critical Care (Intensive Care Unit)

Critical care travel nurses handle patients with acute or life-threatening conditions and need specialized training to do it. They work in medical, pediatric, neonatal, and cardiac ICUs and recovery rooms, and they have to stay steady under stress.

• Salary: $76,050
• Job outlook: five percent growth, 2024 to 2034

Operating Room

OR travel nurses care for surgical patients by managing equipment, monitoring vitals, and educating families. During procedures they keep instruments sterile and handle documentation. The job calls for composure, compassion, and strong communication.

• Salary: $81,050
• Job outlook: five percent growth, 2024 to 2034

Ways to Increase Pay as a Travel Nurse

Travel pay already tends to beat full-time RN salaries, but you can push it higher by targeting high-demand specialties, understaffed or unpopular shifts, and locations short on skilled RNs. Always weigh the full benefits package, since a high cost of living can eat into take-home pay if stipends do not cover it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Nursing Salaries

How much do travel nurses make? Pay varies widely, especially since the COVID-19 surge, and depends on location and specialty. Vivian's data put the average around $2,183 a week.

Do travel nurses earn more than staff RNs? Generally, yes, because they take assignments where shortages exist and agencies pay by the hour with added housing and meal stipends. Whether the premium is worth it depends on your lifestyle. A nurse with a family may value time at home over the extra pay; another may welcome the travel.

Do travel nurses get paid time off? Usually not, since they work hourly on temporary assignments. Assignments typically run 8 to 26 weeks, and most travel nurses schedule time off between them.