[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nursing offers a unique work experience with the opportunity to earn above-average hourly wages. These wages may even exceed those of other registered nurses (RNs) with the same education and credentials.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurses are typically employed by travel nursing agencies and work assignments across the country wherever nurses are needed. Because each assignment is different, the total annual income for travel nurses can vary significantly. Factors include the details of the pay package, where the assignment is located, and nursing specialty.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]On this page you will find the most recent information about travel RN salaries, benefits, specialties, and the states with a high demand for travel nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Fast Facts About Travel Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurses generally earn as much or more than staff nurses with the same experience and qualifications.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lodging reimbursement and tax advantages impact travel nursing salaries.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most in-demand [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/travel-nurse/how-to-become/”]travel nursing[/hen-ui-link] specialties include labor and delivery, emergency room, and medical-surgical/telemetry.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”average-salary”]Average Pay for Travel Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average travel nurse [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/travel-nurse/”]salary[/hen-ui-link] varies greatly depending on the work assignment. Depending on travel location, these practitioners can earn between $3,000 and $7,000 per week, averaging a 36-hour work week. According to Vivian, a healthcare jobs marketplace, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), travel nurses earn jan average of $2,183 per week, while RNs earn a mean hourly wage of $42.80. However, aspiring travel nurses should note that living on the road leads to additional personal expenses, so the increase in pay accounts for living accommodations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Max Weekly Pay: [/hen-ui-text]$10,882[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Total Weekly Pay: [/hen-ui-text]$2,183[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”tex-xs”]Source: Vivian, September 2023[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”pay-explained”]Travel Nursing Pay Explained[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurse pay differs from full-time nursing positions because agencies offer hourly rates for each assignment, meaning RNs can shop around and find opportunities with ideal pay. In contrast, RNs working full time at hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other facilities usually rely on raises or additional education to increase their earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Practitioners considering this role also need to explore what take-home pay looks like for [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/travel-nurse/how-to-become/”]travel nurses[/hen-ui-link]. Nursing agencies set their own conditions, so pay packages vary. For instance, organizations may offer an hourly base pay with additional stipends to cover housing or meals, while other companies may offer a higher hourly rate to account for additional expenses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”states”]Highest and Lowest Paying States for Travel Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurse salaries vary by state and region. Locations in need of RNs typically offer more competitive wages. In fact, the popularity of a particular region can influence travel nurses’ earning potential. Less popular locations may pay more, while desirable locations may pay less. Likewise, states with a higher cost of living offer higher wages relative to living costs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to 2023 data from Vivian, the top-paying states for travel RNs included [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/new-jersey/”]New Jersey[/hen-ui-link], California, and Alaska. Practitioners also want to consider the highest-paying specialties to determine earning potential which may vary by state. The following section includes the top specialties in demand.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”workplaces”]Highest Paying Travel Nurse Specialities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, nursing specialties that lack licensed practitioners offer more pay than other specialties, which further increases earning potential for travel nurses. Higher acuity facilities also offer higher pay, as they need skilled practitioners who can meet their patients’ needs. Here are five in-demand specialties for travel nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Labor and Delivery[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Labor and delivery travel nurses provide care for individuals in labor and at birth. These nurses also work with physicians and midwives to oversee patients’ initial postpartum care. Responsibilities include providing emotional support and monitoring the patient’s condition. Important skills include clear communication and adaptability.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: 72,170[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Outlook: 6% increase from 2022-2032[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/labor-and-delivery-nurse/”]Learn More About Labor and Delivery Nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Emergency Room[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ER travel nurses tend to patients with injuries and illnesses who need immediate care. ER nurses follow the care plan of [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] or physicians and supervise nursing assistants. Responsibilities include administering treatments, monitoring vitals, managing patients’ care plans, and communicating with patients’ families. Desired skills or traits include problem-solving, the ability to work under pressure, and empathy.[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: 76,260[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Outlook: 6% increase from 2022-2032[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]