- The average annual travel nurse salary in the United States is approximately $101,132, reflecting recent data.
- Travel nurses typically enjoy higher earning potential compared to staff nurses in permanent positions.
- Travel nursing contracts often include attractive benefits packages, such as subsidized housing and reimbursement for travel expenses.
Travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who embark on temporary assignments at healthcare facilities facing staffing shortages. This dynamic career path appeals to those with a passion for both nursing and travel, offering the unique opportunity to explore new locations while making a significant impact on patient care. These assignments generally span 4 to 13 weeks, during which travel nurses fulfill responsibilities comparable to those of permanent RN staff, playing a crucial role in addressing the ongoing national nursing shortage.
The profession of travel nursing is highly desirable, not only for the chance to see the country and experience different healthcare environments, but also for the robust compensation it provides. If you are considering a career that combines adventure with financial stability, travel nursing might be the perfect fit.
For those aspiring to become a travel nurse, the initial educational steps involve obtaining either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While an ADN can serve as an entry point, a BSN is increasingly becoming the preferred standard for registered nurses across many states and is often favored by travel nursing agencies and healthcare facilities.
Decoding the Average Travel Nurse Salary in the US
Calculating a precise average annual salary for travel nurses presents some complexities due to the variable nature of assignments and compensation packages. However, reputable platforms like ZipRecruiter, a leading job aggregation website, compile extensive data on salaries across the United States, offering valuable insights into travel nurse earnings.
According to ZipRecruiter’s data from July 2024, the average annual travel nurse salary in the United States stands at $101,132. This translates to a monthly income of approximately $8,427 and an hourly wage of $48.62.
It’s important to recognize that travel nurse compensation can fluctuate based on experience, specialization, location, and the specific demands of each assignment. The salary distribution among travel nurses reveals a significant range, with top earners in the field potentially making around $59,000 more annually than those in the lower percentile.
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of expected travel nurse salaries based on different percentile ranges:
| 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 |
Salary variations are also influenced by the state in which a travel nurse is employed. The cost of living, demand for nurses, and state-specific regulations all play a role in determining compensation levels. Let’s explore how travel nurse salaries differ across the 50 US states.
Which States Offer the Highest and Lowest Travel Nurse Salaries?
New York emerges as the highest-paying state for travel nurses, boasting an average annual salary of $120,132 and an hourly wage of $57.76. This figure is approximately $19,000 higher than the national average, which can be attributed to New York’s high cost of living, particularly in metropolitan areas like New York City. Given that travel nurse compensation packages often include housing stipends and travel reimbursements, it’s logical that states with higher living costs tend to offer more lucrative pay rates to attract and retain travel nurses.
Following New York, Pennsylvania ranks as the second-highest paying state, with an average travel nurse salary of $110,003 per year, or $52.89 per hour. New Hampshire secures the third position, offering an average annual salary of $107,568 or $51.72 per hour.
Conversely, Arkansas is identified as the lowest-paying state for travel nurses, with an average annual salary of $78,186, equating to an hourly wage of $37.59. Florida occupies the second-lowest spot, with an estimated average annual salary of $80,586 and an hourly rate of $38.74. Michigan is the third-lowest, offering approximately $82,194 per year and $39.52 per hour.
Travel Nurse Salary by State: A Comprehensive Breakdown
To provide a clearer picture of state-by-state salary variations, the following table ranks 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 |
Top Paying Travel Nursing Specialties in 2024
According to ZipRecruiter, specialization plays a significant role in determining travel nurse salary. NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) travel nurses tend to command the highest salaries, with annual earnings potentially reaching $154,500 and $147,500, respectively. These specialized roles require advanced skills and experience, justifying the higher compensation. On the other end of the spectrum, visiting nurse positions generally offer a lower salary range, from $70,000 to $105,500 per year.
Here’s a summary of travel nurse salary ranges based on nursing specialty:
| Roles | Lowest Annual Salary (25th %ile) | Highest Annual Salary (75th %ile) |
|---|---|---|
| NICU Travel Nurse | $93,000 | $154,500 |
| PACU Travel Nurse | $110,500 | $147,500 |
| Oncology Travel Nurse | $105,500 | $144,000 |
| ICU Travel Nurse | $104,000 | $143,000 |
| Average Travel Nurse Salary | $97,500 | $140,500 |
| Visiting Nurse | $70,000 | $105,500 |
For nurses seeking to maximize their earning potential in travel nursing, exploring high-demand specialties like NICU, PACU, Oncology, and ICU can be a strategic career move. To delve deeper into the most financially rewarding travel nursing positions, consider reading our article on Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs in the US. This resource can help you identify specializations that align with your skills and career goals while offering optimal financial benefits.
Travel Nurse Salary vs. Staff Nurse and Other Nursing Roles
Is a travel nurse salary truly more advantageous than other nursing positions? On average, entry-level travel nurses earn approximately $6,652 more per year than staff registered nurses. This translates to an hourly wage difference of about $3.20, highlighting a clear financial incentive for choosing travel nursing over a permanent staff RN role.
However, when comparing travel nurse salaries to other advanced nursing positions, some differences emerge. For instance, travel nurses typically earn, on average, $17,593 less than ICU nurses and $27,358 less than nurse practitioners. This reflects the advanced education, responsibilities, and specialized skills associated with roles like ICU nurses and nurse practitioners.
Is Travel Nursing a Lucrative Career Choice?
From a purely financial perspective, travel nursing often presents a compelling advantage over staff nursing. Travel nurses have the potential to earn significantly more and experience faster career advancement compared to staff RNs. Notably, the educational requirements for both roles are similar, meaning nurses can potentially substantially increase their income by transitioning to travel nursing with the same ADN or BSN qualifications.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the trade-offs associated with the higher travel nurse salary. These may include less predictable work schedules, reduced job security compared to permanent positions, fluctuating pay rates depending on assignment demand, and limited access to traditional benefits like paid time off. The ideal choice between travel nursing and staff nursing ultimately depends on individual priorities, career goals, and adaptability to a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable work environment.
If you are interested in understanding the broader landscape of nursing salaries across different specialties and locations, explore our comprehensive study on nurse salaries in the US. This resource provides valuable insights into which states offer the most favorable financial conditions for various nursing professions.
