Travel nursing offers a unique blend of professional fulfillment and adventure, attracting healthcare professionals who desire both career growth and the opportunity to explore new places. A major draw for many is the financial aspect. But just How Much Does A Travel Nurse Make A Year? The answer might be more appealing than you think.
Travel nurses fill crucial staffing gaps in healthcare facilities across the United States, often in locations experiencing shortages. These dedicated professionals undertake assignments typically lasting 4 to 13 weeks, performing duties similar to permanent Registered Nurses (RNs). However, the compensation structure for travel nurses is significantly different, often leading to higher earning potential.
If you’re considering a career as a travel nurse, understanding the salary landscape is essential. Let’s delve into the details of what travel nurses earn annually and the factors influencing their pay.
Average Annual Travel Nurse Salary in the US
Calculating an exact average annual salary for travel nurses can be complex due to the variable nature of contracts and assignments. However, reliable data from ZipRecruiter, a leading job platform, provides a clear picture of earning potential.
According to ZipRecruiter’s data from July 2024, the average annual travel nurse salary in the United States is $101,132. This breaks down to approximately $8,427 per month or $48.62 per hour.
It’s important to remember that this is an average. Travel nurse salaries vary based on experience, specialization, location, and the demand at specific facilities. The range of earnings is substantial, with top earners making significantly more than those in the lower percentiles.
Here’s a more detailed look at the salary distribution for travel nurses across different percentiles:
| 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, a travel nurse’s annual income can fluctuate considerably based on factors like the assignments they choose and their expertise. Top performers in the field can earn upwards of $59,000 more per year than those in the 25th percentile.
Travel Nurse Salary Variations by State
Geographic location plays a significant role in determining travel nurse compensation. States with higher costs of living or greater demand for nurses typically offer more lucrative packages. Notably, travel nurse pay often includes stipends for housing and travel, which are adjusted to reflect local expenses.
New York currently stands as the highest-paying state for travel nurses, boasting an average annual salary of $120,132 and an hourly wage of $57.76. This significantly exceeds the national average, potentially due to New York’s high cost of living and consistent need for healthcare professionals.
Following New York, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire also offer competitive salaries, with average annual pays of $110,003 and $107,568 respectively.
Conversely, states like Arkansas, Florida, and Michigan tend to have lower average travel nurse salaries. Arkansas, for example, has the lowest average pay at $78,186 per year. This variation highlights the importance of considering location when evaluating travel nurse opportunities.
To provide a clearer picture, here’s a table ranking states from highest to lowest average yearly 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 |
Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs in 2024
Specialization within nursing significantly impacts earning potential, and travel nursing is no exception. Certain specialties are consistently in high demand, leading to higher compensation rates.
According to ZipRecruiter, NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) travel nurses currently command the highest salaries. NICU travel nurses can earn up to $154,500 annually, while PACU travel nurses can reach $147,500 per year.
On the other end of the spectrum, visiting nurse positions tend to have lower salary ranges, from $70,000 to $105,500 annually.
Here’s a summary of travel nurse salary ranges by specialization:
| 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 |
For those seeking the most financially rewarding travel nursing positions, focusing on in-demand specialties like NICU or PACU can be a strategic career move. Further research into the Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs in the US can provide more detailed insights.
Travel Nurse Salary Compared to Other Nursing Roles
One of the key reasons travel nursing is appealing is the potential to earn more than staff nurses in permanent positions. On average, entry-level travel nurses earn approximately $6,652 more per year than staff RNs. This translates to roughly $3.20 more per hour.
However, it’s important to note that travel nurse salaries, while generally higher than staff RNs, may be lower than some advanced practice nursing roles. For instance, ICU nurses and nurse practitioners often have higher average salaries.
Is a Travel Nurse Salary Really That Good?
From a purely financial perspective, travel nursing often presents a more lucrative option compared to traditional staff nursing. The earning potential is generally higher, and travel nurses often receive additional benefits like housing stipends and travel reimbursements. This can be particularly attractive for nurses with an ADN (Associate’s Degree in Nursing), as travel nursing can provide a faster route to higher income.
However, it’s crucial to consider the trade-offs. Travel nursing involves less job security, fluctuating pay depending on assignments, and the need for adaptability to new environments and healthcare facilities regularly. Benefits like paid time off might also be less consistent than in permanent positions.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue travel nursing depends on individual priorities. For nurses who value higher earning potential and enjoy travel and new experiences, the financial rewards of travel nursing can be very compelling. For a broader understanding of nursing salaries across different specialties and locations, exploring resources on nurse salaries in the US can be beneficial.
