Travel nurse salary 2026 by state: average pay, high/low markets, and what drives weekly packages.
Written by the Nurse Resume Builder Editorial Team.
As of June 2026, travel nurses in the United States typically earn about $95,000–$105,000 per year, or $50–$55 per hour.
Point to be noted is that, just like other nurses, travel nurse salary also depends upon their experience, speciality and location of the project.
An experienced travel nurse working in California can make upwards of $130,000 per year or $65 per hour. Whereas a new graduate travel nurse working in Texas can make around $95,000 per year or $45 per hour.
Compensation structure of travel nurses
Compensation of travel nurse is a combination of base pay rate, stipends and various benefits.
Base Pay (Taxable income)
This is the part of your pay that is subject to federal and state income tax. This will differ on the basis of the project location and cost of the living of the zip code.
Typical Range: $35-$50/hour (depending on tax laws, location, and specialty)
Stipends (Tax free)
Stipends has housing and meal coupons. If you are able to qualify for a permanent tax home (per IRS rules), you can receive stipends that are not subject to tax, which substantially increase your net income.
- Housing Stipend: Covers temporary lodging near your assignment
- Meals & Incidentals (M&IE): Helps offset food and basic living costs
- Example: $850/week housing + $500/week M&IE = $1,350/week tax-free.
- Tax-free stipends over a 12-week contract = $16,200.
Benefits - Overtime & Holiday pay
Travel nurse contracts are usually written for 36 to 40 hours per week. Overtime and holiday shifts can raise take-home pay substantially.
- Overtime Pay: Generally you can expect 2x or more of your base hourly rate.
- Holiday Pay: Many employer offers premium rates depending on the contract.
Reimbursements for expenses
Reimbursement for travel is very obvious but still you need to be careful to make sure this is included in your contract. Expenses which can be covered in reimbursements are -
- To and from flight expense
- State license fees
- Certifications ( If you are working with an agency)
- Drug screens, TB tests, physicals
Most of the time, reimbursements are non-taxable. They are either paid upfront or reimbursed with receipts.
What influences how much does travel nurses make?
Experience, location and speciality are some crucial factors impacting travel nurse salary.
Location
Cities and states with higher cost of living and higher taxes pay higher salaries compared to national average. High demand states like Alaska can fetch higher pay as well.
Experience
Seasoned nurses with 10+ years of experience command significantly higher pay than new graduates. Additionally, experienced nurses with complex skills sets and specialties command significantly higher pay.
Specialty
More complex the project, higher the requirement of skills sets. ICU, ER, CVICU, OR, and L&D typically earn higher rates.
- There are higher chances of an experienced ICU travel nurse making an average salary of over $143,000 per year and up to $180,000+ depending on the location and project.
- OR (Operating Room) travel nurse roles sometimes exceed $180,000-$280,000/year in higher demand markets.
- Specialized fields like NICU or pediatric nurse also fetch higher salary compared to general med-surg pay — especially in high-demand areas.
How much does a travel nurse make on hourly, weekly and annual basis in 2026?
National Averages
- Most travel nurses can expect around $45-$60 per hour, though specialty roles often pay more.
- Travel nurse salary (weekly): ~ $2,148/week on average.
- Annual pay: Around $101,000+ per year (~ $48/hr).
- Yearly salaries commonly range from roughly $90,000 up to $130,000+ for typical contracts.
On an average, travel nurses frequently earn 16% or more than standard staff nurses in the United States, depending on demand, location, and contract length.
Travel nurse salary estimates below draw on job-board listings published by ZipRecruiter.
How travel nurse can maximize their take-home salary?
- Make sure to maintain a tax home for legally receiving tax-free stipends.
- Structure offers by breaking down the taxable and non-taxable portions.
- Ready for a challenge and be flexible with assignment location and shift preferences.
- Do inquire about perks like reimbursements, bonuses, and travel discounts.
- Choose trusted recruiter to work with for transparency and long-term career growth.
Always choose trusted recruiter to work with for transparency and long-term career growth.
How much does traveling nurses make in each state?
District of Columbia is the highest paying state for travel nurses, with an annual salary of $108,335 and an hourly wage of $52.08, which amounts for higher than the national average travel nurse salary across the 50 states of the US.
Just after District of Columbia, we have New York with an average travel nurse salary of $108,135 per year or $51.99 per hour, followed by Washington - with a salary of $106,111 per year or $51.01 per hour.
How much does traveling nurses make in highest paying State in the USA?
| State | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $114,651 | $55.12 |
| District of Columbia | $108,335 | $52.08 |
| New York | $108,135 | $51.99 |
| Washington | $106,111 | $51.01 |
| Hawaii | $105,072 | $51.08 |
| Massachusetts | $104,121 | $50.00 |
| Oregon | $102,032 | $49.05 |
| North Dakota | $102,006 | $49.06 |
| Colorado | $96,900 | $46.59 |
| Vermont | $92,614 | $44.53 |
How much does traveling nurses make in lowest paying State in the USA
Here are the lowest paying states for travel nurses.
| State | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $76,981 | $37.01 |
| West Virginia | $86,268 | $41.48 |
| Arkansas | $83,884 | $40.33 |
| Georgia | $80,399 | $38.65 |
| Delaware | $82,595 | $39.71 |
| Kentucky | $86,366 | $41.52 |
| Michigan | $88,410 | $42.50 |
What is a good starting point to research travel nurse salary in a new state?
If you are looking to start your travel nursing project in a new state, it is wise to check staff nurse salary in respective state to get a high level understanding of the salaries in the state.
Once you have a range, then layer in your expertise, experience and skillset to arrive on a desirable number.
You can also check our free tool for calculating travel nurse salary here.
How much do travel nurses make in california?
Staff RN pay in California (a useful baseline before adding travel stipends) is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Registered Nurses.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry | $100,120 |
| Junior | $119,710 |
| Mid Career | $140,330 |
| Experienced | $172,200 |
How much do travel nurses make in Hawaii?
Staff RN pay in Hawaii (a useful baseline before adding travel stipends) is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Registered Nurses.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry | $82,380 |
| Junior | $103,480 |
| Mid Career | $136,320 |
| Experienced | $139,310 |
| Highest earners | $146,480 |
How much do travel nurses make in Alaska?
Staff RN pay in Alaska (a useful baseline before adding travel stipends) is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Registered Nurses.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry | $82,400 |
| Junior | $90,510 |
| Mid Career | $110,690 |
| Experienced | $130,010 |
| Highest earners | $137,400 |
How much do travel nurses make in the District of Columbia?
Staff RN pay in the District of Columbia (a useful baseline before adding travel stipends) is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Registered Nurses.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry | $81,880 |
| Junior | $86,080 |
| Mid Career | $104,550 |
| Experienced | $126,770 |
| Highest earners | $135,620 |
How much do travel nurses make in Connecticut?
Staff RN pay in Connecticut (a useful baseline before adding travel stipends) is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Registered Nurses.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry | $78,660 |
| Junior | $85,080 |
| Mid Career | $101,590 |
| Experienced | $112,100 |
| Highest earners | $132,840 |
You can also check our free tool for calculating travel nurse salary here.
What is salary estimates of early career nurses?
Staff RN pay below is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Registered Nurses. Use it as a floor when comparing travel packages in the same state.
Entry-level RN salaries (10th percentile) show what new nurses earn and act as the lower boundary of the pay scale.
The national average early-career salary across top states is $85,088 annually and $40.91 hourly. California again leads, but the gap between states is narrower compared to mid-level salaries.
This indicates early-career pay is more standardized, while experience drives divergence. For travel nurses, this reinforces why experience—not just location—significantly increases earning potential.
| State | National Avg (Yearly / Hourly) | State Avg (Yearly / Hourly) |
|---|---|---|
| California | $85,088 / $40.91 | $100,120 / $48.14 |
| Hawaii | $85,088 / $40.91 | $82,380 / $39.60 |
| Alaska | $85,088 / $40.91 | $82,400 / $39.62 |
| District of Columbia | $85,088 / $40.91 | $81,880 / $39.37 |
| Connecticut | $85,088 / $40.91 | $78,660 / $37.82 |
What is average salary estimates of mid career nurses?
Staff RN pay below is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Registered Nurses. Median (mid-career) pay is the most stable state-to-state benchmark.
The median salary represents mid-career nurses and is the most stable benchmark across states. The national average median salary across top states is $118,696 annually and $57.07 hourly.
California and Hawaii significantly pull this upward, while Connecticut and DC sit closer to balanced ranges. This spread highlights how geography heavily impacts earnings.
For travel nurses, targeting high-median states often leads to better contract negotiations, especially when combined with specialized skills.
| State | National Avg (Yearly / Hourly) | State Avg (Yearly / Hourly) |
|---|---|---|
| California | $118,696 / $57.07 | $140,330 / $67.47 |
| Hawaii | $118,696 / $57.07 | $136,320 / $65.54 |
| Alaska | $118,696 / $57.07 | $110,690 / $53.22 |
| District of Columbia | $118,696 / $57.07 | $104,550 / $50.27 |
| Connecticut | $118,696 / $57.07 | $101,590 / $48.84 |
Travel Nurse Job Description
A travel nurse job description clearly states about the assignment, such as duration, location, facility type and any special skill required. Travel contracts typically last 8-13 weeks, though extensions are common. Few key points are always highlighted in the job description, such as required qualification, key responsibilities, work setting and others. Let's dig deeper in each section -
Common Key Responsibilities Found in Travel Nurse Job Description
Patient Care & Clinical Duties
- Assess,plan,implement and evaluate patient care.
- Administer medications and treatment as per mentioned.
- Monitor vital signs and document patient progress and communicate accordingly.
- Operate medical equipment with proficiency and hands on experience with EMR systems
- Provide complete guidance to patient and family regrading post discharge care instructions.
Adaptability & Team Collaboration
- Quickly integrate with new systems and team up with new healthcare teams.
- Follow exactly as mentioned in the facility-specific policies and procedures.
- Quick learner and maintain high standards of care with minimal onboarding.
- Communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and manage stress levels.
Compliance & Professional Standards
- Maintain active RN license (often multi-state compact) and keep management updated with the latest changes.
- Follow HIPAA, patient privacy regulations and ensure complete compliance.
- Adhere to state nursing standards and follow facility safety protocols.
Work Settings in Travel Nurse Job Description
Travel nurses commonly work in:
- ICU (Intensive Care Unit).
- ER (Emergency Room).
- Med-Surg.
- NICU.
- Labor & Delivery.
- Operating Room.
- Telemetry.
Required Qualifications in Travel Nurse Job Description
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license (This is must)
- 1-2 years or sometimes more bedside clinical experience (specialty-specific)
- BLS certification (required)
- ACLS, PALS, or specialty certifications (often required depending on unit)
- Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills.
Skills Employers Look For in Travel Nurse Job Description
- Rapid adaptability and quick onboarding.
- Strong assessment skills and patient care management.
- Time management and multi-tasking capabilities.
- EMR proficiency.
- Clear communication and documentation skills.
- Ability to perform under pressure.
What Makes Travel Nursing Different?
Unlike permanent staff nurses, travel nurses must:
- Adapt quickly to new workflows and new systems.
- Rapidly learn new charting systems and EMR systems.
- Instantly deliver consistent care without long orientation periods.
- Build rapport rapidly with rotating teams and build strong relationships with the patients.
Job description example
Hospitals typically hire travel nurses on short-term contracts to cover staffing shortages. A typical posting names the unit, contract length, required licenses and certifications, and whether housing is provided or paid as a stipend.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct patient care in accordance with facility policies and nursing standards.
- Assess patient conditions and document medical histories and symptoms, and communicate accordingly.
- Administer entire range of medications, treatments, and therapies as prescribed by the physician.
- Collaborate with physicians and healthcare teams to develop and implement care plans as per the patient's condition.
- Monitor patient progress and report changes in condition.
- Educate patients and families on treatment plans and post-care instructions.
- Ensure compliance with safety, infection control, and regulatory standards and follow facility safety protocols.
- Adapt quickly to new clinical environments and workflows.
Qualifications
- Active RN license.
- Minimum of 3-4 years recent clinical experience in assigned specialty.
- BLS certification required (Additionally - ACLS, PALS, or specialty certifications as applicable).
- Strong clinical judgment, flexibility, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and in fast-paced environments with minimal onboarding.
Crafting the Perfect Travel Nurse Resume
If you're pursuing travel nurse roles, your travel nursing resume matters just as much as your clinical skills. Agencies and hospitals review hundreds of resumes — so yours must stand out.
Best Practices for Travel Nurse Resumes
Include essentials such as:
- Licenses & certifications
- List of travel assignments
- Specialty units (ICU, ER, Med-Surg, NICU, pediatrics)
- Agency and facility names
- Clinical skills and EHR proficiencies
- Clear, ATS-friendly bullets with measurable achievements
Resume Templates & Examples
You can boost your chances of earning an interview with our travel nurse resume templates.
Experienced Travel Nurse Resume Template
Best template for experienced travel nurses with 5-7 years of experience.
Use this templateBest Traveling Nurse Resume
Best template for travel nurses with 8+ years of experience.
Use this templateTravel Nurse Resume Template for Mid-level Travel Nurses
Best template for travel nurses with 4-6 years years of experience.
Use this templateTraveling Nurse Resume Template for Online Applications
Best template for applying online traveling nurse jobs.
Use this templateFAQ
How much does traveling nurses make?
Travel nurses are generally paid higher than staff nurses. They can expect to make around $101,000+ per year. However, travel nurse salaries depend upon the speciality and work experience the nurse poses. Plus salaries range widely across the United States due to the difference in cost of living and taxation.
How does travel nursing work?
Travel nursing works through short-term contracts (typically 8-13 weeks) where registered nurses fill temporary staffing shortages in hospitals, clinics, or specialty units. Nurses apply through staffing agencies that coordinate contracts, housing stipends, pay packages, and credentialing. Once hired, the nurse relocates temporarily and begins working in the assigned unit — often ICU, ER, or Med-Surg — with minimal onboarding.
Travel nursing housing?
Travel nurses typically receive housing in one of two ways:
- Agency-Provided Housing - The agency arranges furnished accommodations near the facility.
- Housing Stipend - A tax-free stipend that allows you to find your own housing (often more profitable if managed wisely).
Many nurses prefer stipends because they can save money or choose preferred living arrangements. Regardless of housing choice, always update your resume for travel nurse roles to reflect flexibility and mobility. A strong sample travel nurse resume should highlight your ability to relocate, adapt quickly, and maintain performance in changing environments.
How to find travel nursing jobs?
Attending networking events are always a great way to start building your network and collect leads for new opportunities. Along with physical networking session, professional networking apps like Linkedin is also a great way to engage with possible recruiters. Here are few steps for finding a travel nursing job:
- Make a custom resume for a travel nursing job. For example, use a travel nurse resume med surg format for Med-Surg roles, an er travel nurse resume sample when for emergency departments.
- Reach out to travel nurse staffing agencies
- Apply jobs through online healthcare job boards
- Regularly check specialty platforms like Vivian and BluePipes
- Direct hospital contracts
Most agencies require:
- 1-2 years of bedside experience
- Active RN license (Compact state preferred)
- Specialty certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS, etc.)
Recruiters review hundreds of resumes weekly — clean formatting and keyword alignment matter.
How much do travel nurses make in Texas?
Texas travel pay varies widely by unit and city. Staff RN pay from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a useful baseline; travel packages usually add housing and meal stipends on top. For a state-by-state estimate, use the nurse salary calculator.
How much do travel nurses make a week?
The average travel nurse salary per week is about $2,148, based on typical annual pay divided across a working year.
How much do travel nurses make an hour?
The average travel nurse salary per hour is about $45–$55, depending on specialty, location, and whether stipends are included in the quoted rate.
How much do travel nurses make a month?
At about $101,000 per year, average monthly pay is roughly $8,400. Weekly packages around $2,148 come to about $8,600 over a four-week month.
Build a travel nurse resume that matches the pay you want
Use an ATS-friendly template, then tailor licenses, assignments, and specialty skills for the contract.