For registered nurses seeking adventure and career growth, travel nursing presents a compelling path. Beyond the opportunity to explore new locations, a significant draw to this profession is the potential for a higher income. Travel nurses step into healthcare facilities facing staffing shortages across the nation, filling critical roles for limited periods, typically between 4 to 13 weeks. This demand directly translates into competitive compensation packages, making Travel Nurse Income a key topic for nurses considering this career trajectory.
Decoding the Average Travel Nurse Income in the US
Pinpointing an exact average annual travel nurse income can be nuanced due to the variable nature of assignments and compensation structures. However, reliable job platforms like ZipRecruiter offer valuable insights into earning trends. According to ZipRecruiter data from July 2024, the average annual travel nurse salary in the United States stands at an impressive $101,132. This breaks down to a monthly income of approximately $8,427, and an hourly wage of $48.62.
It’s important to understand that this figure represents an average, and actual earnings can fluctuate based on experience, specialization, location, and the specific terms of each contract. The salary distribution across percentiles illustrates this range clearly:
| Percentiles | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25th Percentile | $73,500 | $6,125 | $1,413 | $35 |
| 50th Percentile (Average) | $101,132 | $8,427 | $1,944 | $49 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,500 | $10,208 | $2,355 | $59 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $132,500 | $11,041 | $2,548 | $64 |
As you can see, top-earning travel nurses can command significantly higher travel nurse pay, exceeding the average by a substantial margin. This percentile breakdown highlights the income potential achievable within travel nursing.
State-by-State Breakdown of Travel Nurse Income
Geographic location plays a significant role in determining travel nurse income. States with higher costs of living or greater demand for nurses often offer more competitive compensation packages to attract travel nurses.
New York currently leads as the highest-paying state for travel nurses, boasting an average annual travel nurse salary of $120,132, translating to an hourly wage of $57.76. This figure surpasses the national average by approximately $19,000, likely reflecting New York’s high cost of living and consistent need for healthcare professionals. Following closely behind are Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, offering average annual salaries of $110,003 and $107,568 respectively.
Conversely, states like Arkansas, Florida, and Michigan represent the lower end of the spectrum for travel nurse pay. Arkansas reports the lowest average annual salary at $78,186, with Florida and Michigan also falling below the national average. These variations underscore the importance of considering location when evaluating travel nursing opportunities and potential income.
For a detailed state-by-state comparison, refer to the table below, ranking states from highest to lowest average annual travel nurse salary:
| State | Yearly Travel Nurse Salary | Hourly Travel Nurse Wage |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $120,132 | $57.76 |
| Pennsylvania | $110,003 | $52.89 |
| New Hampshire | $107,568 | $51.72 |
| New Jersey | $105,937 | $50.93 |
| Wyoming | $104,792 | $50.38 |
| Washington | $104,650 | $50.31 |
| Wisconsin | $103,900 | $49.95 |
| Massachusetts | $103,897 | $49.95 |
| Alaska | $103,624 | $49.82 |
| Oregon | $102,785 | $49.42 |
| Indiana | $102,621 | $49.34 |
| North Dakota | $102,597 | $49.33 |
| Hawaii | $100,605 | $48.37 |
| Arizona | $100,500 | $48.32 |
| New Mexico | $99,875 | $48.02 |
| Colorado | $99,215 | $47.70 |
| Minnesota | $99,190 | $47.69 |
| Montana | $98,985 | $47.59 |
| Nevada | $97,980 | $47.11 |
| Alabama | $97,749 | $47.00 |
| South Dakota | $96,965 | $46.62 |
| Vermont | $96,810 | $46.54 |
| Ohio | $96,754 | $46.52 |
| Rhode Island | $95,205 | $45.77 |
| Iowa | $94,062 | $45.22 |
| Delaware | $93,936 | $45.16 |
| Connecticut | $93,761 | $45.08 |
| Virginia | $92,849 | $44.64 |
| Mississippi | $92,469 | $44.46 |
| Tennessee | $92,377 | $44.41 |
| Utah | $91,903 | $44.18 |
| Illinois | $91,626 | $44.05 |
| Georgia | $91,059 | $43.78 |
| Maryland | $91,041 | $43.77 |
| California | $90,766 | $43.64 |
| Nebraska | $89,294 | $42.93 |
| Maine | $88,882 | $42.73 |
| Missouri | $88,224 | $42.42 |
| South Carolina | $87,358 | $42.00 |
| Kansas | $87,039 | $41.85 |
| Idaho | $86,655 | $41.66 |
| Louisiana | $86,599 | $41.63 |
| Oklahoma | $86,474 | $41.57 |
| Texas | $85,915 | $41.31 |
| North Carolina | $85,555 | $41.13 |
| West Virginia | $84,957 | $40.84 |
| Kentucky | $82,385 | $39.61 |
| Michigan | $82,194 | $39.52 |
| Florida | $80,586 | $38.74 |
| Arkansas | $78,186 | $37.59 |
Specialization Matters: Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs
Beyond location, your nursing specialization significantly impacts your potential travel nurse income. Certain specialties, particularly those requiring highly specialized skills and critical care expertise, command premium pay rates.
According to ZipRecruiter, NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) travel nurses and PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) travel nurses are among the highest earners. NICU travel nurses can achieve annual salaries reaching up to $154,500, while PACU travel nurses can earn up to $147,500 annually. Other high-demand, high-paying specialties include Oncology and ICU (Intensive Care Unit) nursing.
Conversely, roles like visiting nurses, while still valuable, tend to have a lower travel nurse pay range. Understanding the income potential within different specializations is crucial for travel nurses aiming to maximize their earnings.
| Roles | Lowest Annual Salary (25th %ile) | Highest Annual Salary (75th %ile) |
|---|---|---|
| NICU Travel Nurses | $93,000 | $154,500 |
| PACU Travel Nurses | $110,500 | $147,500 |
| Oncology Travel Nurses | $105,500 | $144,000 |
| ICU Travel Nurses | $104,000 | $143,000 |
| Average Travel Nurse Salary | $97,500 | $140,500 |
| Visiting Nurses | $70,000 | $105,500 |
Travel Nurse Income vs. Traditional Nursing Roles
A primary motivator for many nurses to transition to travel nursing is the enhanced earning potential. On average, early career travel nurse income surpasses that of staff registered nurses. The starting travel nurse salary can be approximately $6,652 higher annually than a staff RN’s salary, translating to roughly $3.20 more per hour.
However, when comparing travel nurse pay to other advanced nursing roles, such as ICU nurses or Nurse Practitioners, the landscape shifts. ICU nurses and Nurse Practitioners often command higher average salaries than travel nurses. Specifically, ICU nurses may earn around $17,593 more annually, and Nurse Practitioners can earn significantly more, approximately $27,358 higher than the average travel nurse.
Despite these comparisons, the financial advantages of travel nursing compared to staff RN positions remain clear.
Is Travel Nursing a Sound Financial Choice?
Considering the income potential, is travel nursing a financially sound career move? For many registered nurses, the answer is a resounding yes. The opportunity to earn a higher travel nurse income compared to a traditional staff nurse role is a significant advantage. With similar educational requirements (ADN or BSN), travel nursing offers a pathway to increased financial reward.
It’s essential to acknowledge the trade-offs. Travel nursing may involve less schedule flexibility, potentially less job security between assignments, and variable pay depending on contracts. Benefits like paid leave and comprehensive employer-provided benefits might also differ compared to permanent staff positions. Ultimately, the decision to pursue travel nursing hinges on individual priorities and adaptability to a dynamic work environment. For nurses prioritizing higher income and the allure of travel, the financial benefits of travel nursing are undeniably attractive.
