travel nurse assignment pay

Highest-Paying Travel Nurse Assignments

Updated june 11, 2024.

If you’re looking for a new travel nurse assignment—or just curious how much current travel nurse jobs are paying out—here are some of the highest-paid travel nursing jobs currently available across the country.

Cities Paying > $3,000 per week

• Parkersburg, WV: $4.3K in OR
• Philadelphia, PA: $3.7K in OR
• Reading, PA: $3.6K in OR
• Las Vegas, NV: $3.4K in OR
• La Mesa, CA: $3.4K in OR
• Northampton, MA: $3.4K in OR
• Eureka, CA: $3.4K in OR
• Marshfield, WI: $3.3K in Peds/PICU/NICU/etc.
• Madera, CA: $3.3K in Peds/PICU/NICU/etc.
• Greenville, NC: $3.3K in OR
• Cary, NC: $3.2K in OR
• Lebanon, NH: $3.2K in Telemetry
• Rochester, NY: $3.2K in ER
• Rochester, NY: $3.2K in MedSurg
• Rochester, NY: $3.1K in Telemetry
• Malone, NY: $3.1K in MedSurg
• Eureka, CA: $3.1K in OR
• Pittsburgh, PA: $3.1K in OR
• San Francisco, CA: $3K in OR
• Reading, PA: $3K in OR
• Dayton, OH: $3K in Peds/PICU/NICU

Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!

Highest-Demand Cities

• Albany, NY: at least 112 assignments up to $2.5K/week
• Rochester, NY: at least 86 assignments up to $3.2K/week
• Wichita, KS: at least 61 assignments up to $2.5K/week
• Baltimore, MD: at least 51 assignments up to $2.9K/week
• Tucson, AZ: at least 34 assignments up to $2.3K/week
• Shreveport, LA: at least 33 assignments up to $2K/week
• Louisville, KY: at least 33 assignments up to $2.3K/week
• Boston, MA: at least 28 assignments up to $2.7K/week
• Medford, OR: at least 28 assignments up to $2.9K/week
• New York, NY: at least 26 assignments up to $2.3K/week
• Richmond, VA: at least 26 assignments up to $2.4K/week
• Milwaukee, WI: at least 26 assignments up to $2.4K/week
• Nashville, TN: at least 26 assignments up to $2.5K/week
• Schenectady, NY: at least 26 assignments up to $2.1K/week
• Omaha, NE: at least 25 assignments up to $2.8K/week
• Oklahoma City, OK: at least 25 assignments up to $2.1K/week
• Springfield, IL: at least 24 assignments up to $2.5K/week
• Springfield, MA: at least 24 assignments up to $2.6K/week
• Asheville, NC: at least 23 assignments up to $2.1K/week
• Rapid City, SD: at least 23 assignments up to $2.9K/week
• Marshfield, WI: at least 22 assignments up to $3.3K/week
• Saint Louis, MO: at least 20 assignments up to $2.9K/week

Emergency Room

Here is a sampling of ER travel nurse jobs available across the country:

• AL: $2K/week
• AR: $1.9K/week
• AZ: $2.3K/week
• CA: $2.7K/week
• CO: $2K/week
• CT: $2.1K/week
• GA: $2.6K/week
• IA: $2.1K/week
• IL: $2.4K/week
• KS: $1.9K/week
• MA: $2.4K/week
• MD: $2.1K/week
• ME: $2.1K/week
• MI: $2.1K/week
• MN: $2.6K/week
• MO: $2.5K/week
• NC: $2K/week
• ND: $1.9K/week
• NE: $2.2K/week
• NH: $2.4K/week
• NJ: $2.4K/week
• NM: $2K/week
• NY: $3.2K/week
• OH: $1.9K/week
• OK: $2K/week
• OR: $2.1K/week
• PA: $2.1K/week
• SD: $1.9K/week
• TN: $2.2K/week
• TX: $2.4K/week
• VA: $2.1K/week
• VT: $2.3K/week
• WA: $2.2K/week
• WI: $2.1K/week
• WV: $2.1K/week
• WY: $2.1K/week

Labor & Delivery

We found the following opportunities for L&D travel nurses:

• AK: $2.9K/week
• AZ: $2.9K/week
• CA: $2.9K/week
• CO: $2.1K/week
• CT: $2.5K/week
• DC: $2K/week
• HI: $2.8K/week
• IA: $2.5K/week
• ID: $1.9K/week
• IL: $2.7K/week
• IN: $2K/week
• LA: $1.9K/week
• MA: $3K/week
• MD: $2.8K/week
• MI: $2.2K/week
• MN: $2.5K/week
• MO: $2K/week
• MT: $2.2K/week
• NC: $1.9K/week
• ND: $2K/week
• NE: $2.5K/week
• NH: $2.3K/week
• NJ: $2.2K/week
• NM: $2.6K/week
• NV: $2.4K/week
• NY: $2.2K/week
• OK: $1.9K/week
• OR: $2.4K/week
• SC: $1.9K/week
• TX: $2.5K/week
• VT: $2.5K/week
• WA: $2.4K/week
• WY: $2.2K/week

Operating Room

There are numerous high-paying OR travel nursing assignments available.

• CA: $3.4K/week
• CO: $2.8K/week
• CT: $2.6K/week
• DC: $2.6K/week
• DE: $2.9K/week
• FL: $2.5K/week
• GA: $2.3K/week
• IL: $2.5K/week
• IN: $2.2K/week
• KS: $2.3K/week
• MA: $3.4K/week
• MD: $2.2K/week
• ME: $2.2K/week
• MI: $2.4K/week
• MO: $2.2K/week
• NC: $3.3K/week
• ND: $2.4K/week
• NJ: $2.8K/week
• NM: $2.2K/week
• NV: $3.4K/week
• NY: $2.5K/week
• OH: $2.7K/week
• OR: $2.7K/week
• PA: $3.7K/week
• SD: $2.4K/week
• TN: $2.5K/week
• VA: $3K/week
• WA: $1.8K/week
• WI: $2.4K/week
• WV: $4.3K/week

Find available travel nursing assignments near or far.

Here are some of the highest-paying MICU/SICU, CVICU and CICU travel nursing assignments we found across the country:

• CO: $2.3K/week
• CT: $2.4K/week
• DC: $1.9K/week
• HI: $2.4K/week
• ID: $1.8K/week
• IN: $2.1K/week
• KS: $2.1K/week
• KY: $2.3K/week
• MD: $2.9K/week
• ME: $2.8K/week
• NC: $2.1K/week
• ND: $2.3K/week
• NE: $2.8K/week
• NM: $2.1K/week
• NY: $2.3K/week
• OH: $2.4K/week
• OR: $2.3K/week
• SD: $2.7K/week
• TX: $2K/week
• VA: $2K/week
• WV: $2.2K/week

For those who prefer working with children, there are NICU, PICU, pediatric OR, and general pediatric nursing opportunities available in multiple states, such as:

• AL: $1.9K/week
• AR: $2.2K/week
• AZ: $2.4K/week
• CA: $3.3K/week
• CO: $2.4K/week
• CT: $2.2K/week
• DC: $2.2K/week
• HI: $2.5K/week
• IA: $2.6K/week
• IN: $2.6K/week
• KY: $2.5K/week
• LA: $2K/week
• MA: $2.6K/week
• MD: $2K/week
• MI: $2.3K/week
• MN: $2.1K/week
• MS: $1.9K/week
• NC: $2.3K/week
• ND: $2.1K/week
• NJ: $2.5K/week
• NM: $2.8K/week
• NV: $2K/week
• NY: $2.8K/week
• OH: $3K/week
• OK: $2.1K/week
• OR: $2.2K/week
• PA: $2.2K/week
• SC: $2.3K/week
• SD: $2.9K/week
• TX: $2.2K/week
• VA: $2.2K/week
• VT: $2.1K/week
• WI: $3.3K/week

Medical-Surgical

For medical surgical nursing assignments, here are the highest-paying opportunities per state:

• AL: $2.7K/week
• AZ: $2.1K/week
• CA: $1.9K/week
• CT: $2.3K/week
• GA: $1.8K/week
• ID: $2.1K/week
• IL: $2.3K/week
• IN: $2.3K/week
• KS: $2.5K/week
• KY: $2.6K/week
• MA: $2.3K/week
• MD: $1.8K/week
• ME: $2.4K/week
• MN: $2K/week
• MO: $2.6K/week
• MS: $1.8K/week
• MT: $2.1K/week
• NC: $2.4K/week
• NE: $2.3K/week
• NH: $2.5K/week
• NJ: $2.1K/week
• NV: $1.9K/week
• OH: $2.3K/week
• OR: $2.9K/week
• PA: $2K/week
• SC: $2K/week
• TX: $2.3K/week
• UT: $2K/week
• VT: $2.2K/week

If telemetry is your area of expertise you can look in these states:

• AZ: $2.2K/week
• CA: $2.3K/week
• CT: $2.9K/week
• GA: $1.9K/week
• IN: $2.4K/week
• MD: $1.9K/week
• MI: $2.7K/week
• MO: $3K/week
• NH: $3.2K/week
• NJ: $2.3K/week
• NM: $1.9K/week
• NY: $3.1K/week
• RI: $2.4K/week
• SC: $2.6K/week
• SD: $2.5K/week
• TN: $1.9K/week
• WA: $2.1K/week
• WV: $2.4K/week

There are many oncology travel nursing assignments available:

• AR: $2.1K/week
• CA: $2.6K/week
• CT: $2.7K/week
• DC: $2.1K/week
• IL: $2.8K/week
• IN: $1.8K/week
• KS: $2.4K/week
• MA: $2.2K/week
• ME: $2K/week
• MT: $2.8K/week
• NE: $3K/week
• OR: $2.5K/week
• TN: $2.6K/week
• WV: $2.5K/week

Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments!

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Maximizing Your Experience and Pay in Travel Nurse Assignments: A Guide

• June 6, 2024

Understanding Travel Nurse Assignments: An Overview

Travel nursing involves going where the jobs are, moving from one healthcare facility to another across the country. It’s not just about packing bags; it’s about filling gaps in areas needing extra hands, especially during crises or staff shortages. As a travel nurse, you sign up with agencies that find you assignments. These can last from a few weeks to over a year, but most often, they’re about 13 weeks long. The beauty of it? You’re in charge. You decide where you want to go and when you’re ready for your next adventure. Each assignment is a chance to learn, grow, and of course, earn. The pay varies, generally higher than permanent positions, reflecting the flexibility and skills you bring on board. It’s not just the paycheck; housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and bonuses often sweeten the deal. Dive into travel nursing with an open mind and readiness for new experiences. It’s a unique blend of professional growth, personal adventure, and financial gain.

The Appeal of Travel Nurse Assignments: Why It’s Worth It

Travel nursing is more than just a job; it’s an adventure that pairs your passion for helping others with the thrill of exploring new places. But you might wonder, why do nurses pack up and hit the road? First off, the pay is often better. Travel nurses usually earn more than staff nurses. This bump in salary is due to the high demand for healthcare workers in different areas, especially where there’s a shortage. Then there’s the flexibility. Imagine choosing where you want to work and for how long. You could be soaking up sun on a California beach one month and exploring historical sites in Boston the next. And let’s not forget about professional growth. Every new assignment is a chance to learn and adapt, making you a more skilled and versatile nurse. Plus, most agencies offer benefits like housing, travel expenses, and continuing education opportunities, making the whole deal even sweeter. So, diving into travel nursing isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s an unparalleled opportunity to grow, explore, and make a difference across the country.

How to Find the Best Travel Nurse Assignments

Finding the best travel nurse assignments isn’t just about luck; it’s about knowing where to look and what to look for. Start by connecting with reputable travel nursing agencies. These folks know the ins and outs of the industry and can match you with assignments that fit your skills and preferences. Don’t just sign up with one; register with several to keep your options open. Next, do your own homework. Websites and forums dedicated to travel nursing are gold mines of information on hospitals, locations, and pay rates. Talk to other travel nurses. Their experiences can guide you in choosing assignments that are right for you. When evaluating an assignment, consider the location, the pay package, and the hospital’s reputation. Think about what’s important to you. Is it the chance to work in a top-tier facility, or maybe it’s exploring a new city? Remember, it’s not just about the money. The best assignments offer a balance of professional growth, personal enjoyment, and financial reward. Keep your priorities in mind, stay flexible, and always be ready to jump on a good opportunity when it comes your way.

Negotiating Your Pay and Benefits Like a Pro

When it comes to travel nursing, knowing how to negotiate your pay and benefits is key. Start by understanding the market rate for travel nurses in your specialty and the region you’re interested in. This knowledge is your power. Always enter negotiations with a clear goal but remain flexible. It’s a balancing act. Highlight your experience, specialty skills, and any certifications that make you stand out. These are your bargaining chips. Don’t shy away from discussing benefits beyond pay, like housing, travel allowances, and insurance. Sometimes, these perks can make a big difference in your overall compensation package. And remember, it’s okay to walk away if the deal doesn’t meet your needs. The right opportunity will come along. Negotiating might seem a bit intimidating at first, but with practice, you’ll become a pro at getting the best offers.

Essential Skills for Success in Travel Nursing

To thrive in travel nursing, mastering certain skills is non-negotiable. First up, adaptability is your best friend. You’ll be hopping from one healthcare setting to another, each with its own way of doing things. Being able to adjust quickly is key. Then, there’s communication. Clear, effective dialogue with your new teams and patients smooths out nearly every bump in the road. A solid clinical skill set cannot be overlooked. You need to be sharp in your field, ready to deliver top-notch care from day one. Problem-solving in a snap also sets you apart. In the fast-paced environment of healthcare facilities, being able to think on your feet is invaluable. Lastly, cultural competence helps you to connect better with patients from diverse backgrounds. Improving in these areas not only makes you a standout travel nurse but also can lead to better assignments and, therefore, better pay.

Housing and Accommodations: Navigating Your Options

When you’re stepping into the world of travel nursing, figuring out your living situation is key. You’ve got options, but it boils down to two main paths: agency-provided housing or the stipend route. If you go with what the agency offers, they’ll sort out your place. This means less stress on your part, but less control too. You might end up somewhere great, or you might wish you had more say. The other road is the housing stipend. This is your ticket to flexibility. You get a chunk of money to find your own spot. Want to pocket some extra cash? Find a cheaper place than your stipend and you’re golden. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. You’re in charge of hunting down that perfect spot, dealing with landlords, and all the fun of setting up utilities. Each choice has its perks and its pitfalls. What’s best hinges on what you value more: ease or autonomy.

Maximizing Your Experience: Tips and Strategies

To really get the most out of your travel nursing assignments, start by being flexible with your location choices. More often than not, the willingness to go where the demand is highest can lead to higher pay and more interesting experiences. Next, don’t forget to network. The connections you make can unlock opportunities you never knew existed and can provide invaluable support as you navigate different assignments. Always keep learning. Every assignment is a chance to pick up new skills and techniques, making you more valuable and versatile. Make sure to negotiate not just for better pay but also for housing and travel reimbursements. Every penny saved is a penny earned. Lastly, take care of yourself. Burnout is real in this profession. Balancing work with rest and personal time will ensure you’re always performing at your best and enjoying the adventure that comes with travel nursing.

Balancing Work and Leisure: Making the Most of Your Location

When you’re a travel nurse, each new assignment offers a unique chance to explore and enjoy a different part of the country or even the world. To truly make the most of your location, balance is key. You want to work hard but also take time to unwind and discover your surroundings. First, research your new area before you arrive. Look up local attractions, parks, and events. This helps you plan your leisure time effectively. Try to set aside at least one day or a few evenings a week dedicated purely to exploring or relaxing. Whether it’s hiking nearby trails, visiting museums, or just trying out local eateries, these experiences can significantly enhance your overall well-being. Also, connecting with other travel nurses or locals can offer you insider tips on hidden gems and must-see spots. Remember, while your job is important, embracing the new cultures and communities you find yourself in can enrich your travel nursing experience far beyond the paycheck.

Building a Strong Professional Network on the Move

Building a strong professional network while hopping from one travel nurse assignment to another isn’t just smart; it’s essential. Think of it as packing a toolkit that goes wherever you go, but instead of wrenches and screwdrivers, you’re packing contacts, experience, and support. First off, always leave a good impression. Simple, right? Show up on time, do your job well, and be the kind of coworker everyone wants around. These basics make you memorable for the right reasons. Next, get involved. Whether it’s a local nursing organization, a community event, or an online forum, participation puts your name out there and connects you with others in the field. And don’t forget the power of social media. Platforms like LinkedIn are gold mines for professionals. Connect with the people you meet, share your experiences, and engage with content relevant to your field. By doing all this, you’re not just collecting business cards; you’re building relationships. Relationships that can lead to better opportunities, advice when you need it, and a safety net of support as you navigate your career. So, keep moving, but as you do, keep connecting. It’s your career’s backbone.

Wrapping Up: Ensuring a Rewarding Travel Nursing Career

To cap off, making your travel nursing journey fulfilling boils down to a few key strategies. First, prioritize learning and growth. Every assignment is a chance to build on your skills, so embrace the opportunity to learn from different healthcare settings. Networking is your ally—connect with other professionals, share experiences, and make your presence known. Remember, the relationships you build can be your gateway to future opportunities.

Second, pay attention to the details of your contracts. Understanding the nitty-gritty, like overtime policies and housing allowances, ensures you aren’t caught off guard. Negotiate your pay and benefits with confidence. Knowing your worth and conveying it effectively can significantly influence your earnings.

Lastly, balance is crucial. Yes, travel nursing can be lucrative and adventurous, but your well-being is priceless. Take time for yourself, explore your surroundings, and ensure you’re not just working but living.

In essence, your approach to travel nursing can turn it into a rewarding career. Stay eager, stay informed, and above all, stay true to what makes you thrive in this dynamic field.

From a Staff Nurse to Travel Nurse: Everything You Need to Know to Expand Your Career

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Tips for How to Maximize Your Travel Nurse Pay

• In the United States, travel registered nurses (RNs) make on average $43,020 more per year than staff RNs.
• Travel RN pay is affected by many factors including location, specialty, living arrangements, and contract negotiations.
• Boosting your travel RN pay is a matter of knowing how to leverage your travel nursing career.

As a travel nurse, you can make a considerable amount of money, more than you would as a staff nurse. Explore tips from travel nurses on ways to bring home even more pay while on and off assignments.

Salary Comparison: Travel Nurses vs. Staff Nurses

When comparing the salaries of both travel and staff RNs in the U.S., travel nursing could be an option if you want to boost your nursing pay overall. According to ZipRecruiter, as of March 2023 the average travel RN salary is $118,400 in comparison to $75,380 for staff RNs. That’s a $43,020 pay differential.

Travel Registered Nurses $118,400*

Staff Registered Nurses $75,380*

*Average Salary in the United States (2023) Sources: ZipRecruiter.com ; ZipRecruiter.com

Alaina Ross, BSN, RN, a postanesthesia care unit travel RN, typically makes between 30-50% more as a travel nurse (includes housing stipend) than as a staff nurse. She says, “You have much more leverage in negotiating pay as a traveler, and as such, it generally pays better.”

Lack of benefits is also a factor. You get a higher salary as a travel nurse because you typically do not receive the hospital or facility benefits that a staff RN would (for instance,. health insurance, retirement matching, bonuses, raises, and union benefits).

While travel RNs are reportedly paid a higher salary than that of staff RNs, there are specific factors that can have a direct impact on pay.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Factors That Affect Travel Nurse Pay

Where you work can have a significant effect on your pay. Ross mentions that her California contracts have paid twice as much as her Texas contracts. Due to staffing shortages and higher cost of living, some states and cities simply pay more. It’s also important to take into account how you will be taxed for working in a state.

According to ZipRecruiter as of March 2023 , New York, New Hampshire, and Arizona are the highest-paying states for travel nursing.

These are the top five highest-paying U.S. cities for travel nurses as of March 2023.

Source: ZipRecruiter

Nursing Specialty

Travel nursing pay may be affected by your nursing specialty. ZipRecruiter reported that as of March 2023, travel RNs working in nursing speciality positions are paid between $50,630- $63,060 more than the average RN travel nurse salary of $118,400.

These are the top five highest-paying travel nursing specialties as of March 2023.

Living Arrangements

Your decision to take a housing stipend or the company-provided housing can affect your travel nurse pay. A housing stipend is the extra money that a travel nursing agency pays you to find a place to live while on assignment. Choosing the housing stipend option can significantly increase your overall pay, especially if you manage to find a very affordable living arrangement.

4 Tips to Boost Your Travel Nurse Pay/Find High-Paying Assignments

Boosting your travel nurse pay places extra cash in your pockets for exploring the new city on your days off, advancing your career, saving for retirement, or paying off debt. Here are four tips to help boost your pay.

1 | Find a good recruiter.

A good recruiter goes above and beyond to find assignments that fit your specific needs. Tell your recruiter exactly how much you want to be paid. Ross advises, “Tell them your desired locations, contract lengths, minimum pay thresholds, and see what they can round up.”

A great way to locate good recruiters is to join online travel nursing communities (e.g., The Gypsy Nurse ) and social networking groups (e.g., LinkedIn or Facebook) to connect with other travel nurses for recommendations.

2 | Choose assignments that are in high demand.

You can receive a higher salary if you choose assignments in states that have a high nursing shortage . You can also work in geographically remote or unpopular locations.

Ross says, “I cannot tell you how many texts I get from travel nurse recruiters who offer ungodly amounts of money to go work in undesirable locations.”

High-demand crisis assignments are another way to increase your travel nurse pay. According to March 2023 Ziprecruiter data, crisis travel RNs make an average of $150,560 per year.

3 | Be selective with the assignments you take.

You have a right to decline an assignment if it does not meet your pay expectations. Ross says, “Travel nurses today have a lot of power and you can afford to be choosy.”

Work with several recruiters and choose from a variety of assignments offered to you. Remember that recruiters are working for you. Ross notes, “I just sit back and review text messages when they find contracts that might fit.”

4 | Take the housing stipend and find cheaper housing.

Ross recommends taking the housing stipend if given the choice. She states, “Stipends can make a big difference in net pay as you can usually find housing for cheaper.” For half of her assignments, she lived in an RV with her husband to save on housing costs.

While you may not own an RV, you can rent a room in someone’s home or stay in extended-stay hotels. You can also work with a short-term housing rental company like Airbnb or Vrbo to save on housing costs.

How to Make Extra Money as a Travel Nurse

A great way to make extra money as a travel nurse is to work a part-time or freelance nursing job on the side or in between assignments. You can find these positions on job boards (e.g., Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor). Here are five ways to make some extra cash.

Telenursing

As a telehealth nurse, you can work remotely as a telephonic triage nurse, virtual nurse coach, or telephonic case manager. Telehealth nurses make an average of $36 an hour, according to March 2023 ZipRecruiter data.

Private Duty Nursing

As a private duty nurse, you can work flexible shifts one-on-one with patients in their homes. According to ZipRecruiter , as of March 2023 private duty nurses make an average of $36 an hour.

Health Writing

Use your knowledge of the healthcare field to write health-related articles for blog sites, publications, and even pharmaceutical companies. You can get paid a flat rate per word or per article.

National Council Licensing Exam Prep Writing

Create practice test questions and other valuable learning materials for the nursing licensing exam that can be used by education companies like Test Prep Insight.

Nursing Tutoring

Give back by supporting student nurses on their road to success. Education companies like Kaplan and Smarthinking by Pearson hire nursing tutors.

Overall, maximizing your pay as a travel nurse can have excellent personal and professional benefits. Choose your path, weigh your options, and enjoy your assignment.

Meet Our Contributor

Alaina Ross, RN, BSN

Alaina Ross has 10 years of experience as a pre-op and PACU nurse. Ross is also an expert contributor for Test Prep Insight , a test prep company that helps nursing students prepare for exams like the TEAS and NCLEX.

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A Guide to Travel Nurse Assignments: Your FAQs Answered

Table of Contents

Whether you’re a new travel nurse or a seasoned traveler, travel nurse assignments can be confusing and sometimes difficult to understand the terms. Let’s review the advantages of working with a travel nursing agency and some FAQs below.

Find Travel Nursing opportunities all over the United States

Registered nurses have the opportunity to become travel nurses at any point during their nursing career. Most of the time, travel nursing agencies require at least two years of nursing experience before becoming a traveler. However, this varies by agency and specialty. 

Just like a career in nursing offers a variety of specialties and job opportunities, so does the world of travel nursing. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to work in your specialty while traveling the country. You get the opportunity to meet new people, work with a variety of patient populations, and expand your professional network.

If you’re interested in exploring what travel nursing opportunities are out there, many travel nurse agency websites offer job boards , including Health Carousel Travel Nursing. Most  job board postings detail the location, start date, assignment length, weekly hours, and expected pay ranges. Due to most job boards’ transparency in this criteria, it’s easy to compare agencies and nursing jobs.

Advantages of working with a professional Travel Nurse Agency 

There are several benefits of working with a professional travel nursing agency. Get to know your recruiter first. Your recruiter should understand your needs, wants, and preferences in an assignment. Once they understand your assignment preferences, they can help you with your travel nursing job search . Oftentimes, they can better filter nursing jobs and may offer new jobs that haven’t been made public yet. 

Next, your travel nurse agency recruiter is your assignment advocate and liaison between you and the healthcare facility. They will prepare you for your interview by providing typical questions and prepping your responses. If you need any days off or a more flexible schedule, they will help you ask for these as well. 

Once you have an offer, navigating a compensation package can be pretty difficult to understand. An advantage of working with an agency recruiter is that they will help you through every step of the process. This can include benefits, sick leave, stipend amounts, etc. If you don’t understand an area or amount, or would like more compensation, then ask. Your recruiter will help you negotiate Your recruiter will help you negotiate your travel nursing contract with the healthcare facility, depending on their company policy. Typically, no two contracts will look the same.

Now that we’ve reviewed the advantages of working with a travel nurse agency, let’s detail some frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.

How long are typical travel nurse assignments?

Travel nurse assignment lengths vary depending on the nursing demand, healthcare facility, unit, and season. Most assignments last 13 weeks but can be shorter or longer. Some crisis contracts are as little as two weeks. Other contracts start as 13-week assignments, but hospitals sometimes offer contract extensions of up to a year.

Do travel nurses get easy assignments?

Travel nurse assignments are based on nurse shortages and increased demands in the area and unit. Every travel nursing experience is different. There’s no way to determine beforehand if an assignment is going to be easy. We all know that one day at the hospital can be fairly easy and the next can be draining. 

To prepare, ask about typical unit assignments, patient-to-nurse ratios, and patient populations during the interview process. If the patient-to-nurse ratio seems high for your specialty, consider this before accepting an offer. 

How do I choose a travel nursing assignment?

Many travel nursing agencies offer nursing job boards for you to search for available assignments. Before beginning your search, write down a list of your preferences, including locations, units, and desired pay. This will help you filter your initial search. 

Many states are transitioning to the nursing licensure compact agreement . If you hold a compact license, this means you can practice nursing in that state without applying for a new nursing license. It makes it easier for travel nurses especially since they work in different states. However, keep in mind that you may only obtain a compact license if you reside in a compact state.

What type of travel nurses are most needed?

Travel nurses are  always needed. However, the demand for what specialty of travel nursing varies greatly, depending on the area, nursing shortages, and employers. Most of the time, there is a high demand for medical-surgical, intensive care, and emergency room nurses.

Is it hard to find jobs as a travel nurse?

Typically, it’s not hard to find travel nursing jobs. You may not get your first assignment choice, but there are always plenty of other options available. To make it easier during your job search, apply for several assignments and obtain your compact state nursing license if you haven’t already done so. 

Is travel nursing risky?

Working as a travel nurse comes with the same risks as working as a staff registered nurse. You will need to understand the state regulations, the scope of practice, and the healthcare facility’s company policies as you would with any other new nursing job. 

Is travel nursing worth the money?

Many registered nurses transition to travelers and make travel nursing their career. Most travel nurses find travel nursing worth the time and money. You get to travel the country, typically make higher pay than staff nurses, and make your schedule (for the most part). ZipRecruiter shows that the national average salary for travel nurses is $118,400, which is well beyond the average staff nurse salary.

Health Carousel Travel Nursing Boasts Travel Nursing Assignments To Advance Your Career

Health Carousel Travel Nursing has travel nursing jobs available for you throughout the country. Our recruiters work to understand your needs and want to keep you aligned with your career goals. We partner with top healthcare facilities throughout the United States, so you have many career options available. We also offer great benefits, including medical and dental insurance, and sick leave.

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How to Make the Most Money as a Travel Nurse

What is a travel nurse.

• How to Become
• Travel Nurse Salary
• Salary by State
• Travel Nurse vs Staff Nurse Salary
• Salary Factors
• Making the Most Money
• Highest Paying Assignments

A  travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who works in short-term roles at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities worldwide. Daily  travel nurse duties are often similar to traditional RN roles, but their flexibility allows them to fill gaps in areas with nursing shortages. As a result, the average travel nurse's salary can be quite high!

>> Click here to see available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel nurses were seeing some of the highest pay packages ever because of the overwhelming need for nurses, especially in hot spots like New York, Florida, and California. While pay packages might not be as high as they were a few years ago, there is still significant money to be made for those interested in pursuing travel nursing.

But, there are still a number of factors you need to consider when it comes to your travel nurse salary. Here's what you need to know to navigate pay as a travel nurse.

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How to Become a Travel Nurse 

Travel nurses do need a few requirements before being considered, including being a registered nurse with a license in good standing, and typically 2 years of nursing experience. They don't need any additional certifications or credentials other than the ones they need for their specific specialty. 

While a BSN is not required to become a travel nurse, it will open more opportunities to nurses such as Magnet hospitals and Level 1 trauma centers. Without a BSN, your options might be more limited. 

How Much Money Do Travel Nurses Make? 

Under normal circumstances, many travel nurses have the potential to earn over $3,000 per week. Travel nurses can bring in over  $50 per hour, plus company-paid housing accommodations. Making it entirely possible for travel nurses to make well over $100K per year.

Travel Nurse Salary by State

Source:  Ziprecruiter

>> Show Me Online Nursing Programs  

How Does Travel Nurse Pay Differ From Staff Nurse Pay? 

Staff nurses  in a hospital are usually paid a set salary based on education and experience. They typically receive incremental pay increases at various time frames. Staff nurses can also see pay increases with overall cost of living increases.

Travel nurse pay is totally different and can be a bit of a gray area. Typical pay packages are composed of various components, including hourly pay, non-taxed travel nurse housing stipends, non-taxed per diems, travel reimbursements, and more. It’s important to speak to your recruiter about specific pay package breakdowns. 

>> Related: Top 10 Six-Figure Nursing Jobs

What Factors Impact Your Pay as a Travel Nurse?

There are a number of factors that can influence how much you can expect to make as a travel nurse. These include:

Location -  The specific location of the assignment most heavily influences travel nurse pay. Simply put, pay rates often reflect the cost of living in the area and also regional trends.

Which states pay the most for travel nurses?  Historically speaking, the highest-paying states for travel nurses include California, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington, and New York.

Southern states  tend to have lower living costs and, in turn, lower travel nurse pay.

Areas that are considered “destination locations”  (like, Hawaii and Florida) may pay lower. Though, with rapid-response assignments, this isn’t always the case.

Specialty -  The travel nurse’s specialty also impacts pay. Non-specialty nurses, such as the medical/surgical and psychiatric specialties, are typically paid a lower rate than specialized nurses. Furthermore, specialized nurses with highly sought-after skills  and credentials have the ability to earn more lucrative pay with seemingly endless opportunities. 

• Shift -  If you haven’t noticed, night shift assignments are more prevalent in the world of travel nursing. The good news is that many hospitals offer higher rates for their night shift assignments. If you want to make the most money, flexibility is key. A word of caution, if the night shift is not your thing, no amount of money is worth your safety, happiness, or license. If you provide better patient care during the day shift, stick to that. Your patients will thank you. 
• Practice level/Education - Travel RNs make more money than stationary RNs. But those who also pursue advanced practice nursing credentials stand to earn even more. For example, the average travel nurse practitioner's salary is around $131,543 per year but can go up to $218,000.

>> Show Me Online Nursing Programs

How To Make The Most Money As A Travel Nurse 

While the factors listed above do influence travel nurse pay, the following types of assignments almost always pay exceptionally well. Oftentimes, these types of assignments are not influenced by location, specialty or shift.

Everything else aside, if you’re looking to make the most money as a travel nurse, seek out these specific assignments: 

1. Rapid Response and “Crisis” Assignments

These assignments boast some of the highest rates in the travel nursing industry due to their urgent requirements. As the name suggests, these assignments require nurses to arrive at work fast -- usually within 2 weeks.

Nurses working in these assignments may have limited options in terms of location. They are also typically shorter than the general 13-week assignment - if you're ready to go, you can get started right away  in areas that need you the most. 

Assignments range from 36 to 48 hours per week but are certainly more lucrative for the nurse working 48, particularly given overtime pay rates. 

Crisis Examples

• A crisis assignment is not always because of a natural or man-made disaster. However, in some cases they are. For example, one agency was able to send nurses within 48 hours to provide support to hospitals treating patients in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.  
• More often, though, facilities in need of rapid response solutions include those managing unexpected census spikes, unit openings, emergency responses, EMR upgrades, and more.
• However, some facilities may leverage flexible-length assignment options to manage patient care during short-term staff shortages.
• Crisis assignments might also occur if a large number of nurses on the unit are on maternity leave at the same time, or can occur if there is an outbreak on the unit (GI illness) and the hospital needs staff immediately.

This type of assignment may be appealing to hospitals because they do not require the 13-week commitment that many other travel companies require. This means that agencies offering these types of assignments have the ability to offer travelers a larger selection of shorter and higher-paying assignments. A great option especially if you’re looking for a position to better fit your lifestyle. 

So, what's the catch? 

As mentioned, rapid response assignments require a quick turnaround. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial for nurses to have their paperwork in order if they want to reap the benefits of top pay. Credentials, tests, licenses, and other documents should be submitted to the agency as quickly as possible. Frequently, there are a limited number of positions available for these types of assignments and some agencies will be first-come, first-serve.

What Travel Nurse Agencies Say About Rapid-Response Assignments

We reached out to travel nursing agencies for more information about their rapid-response assignments. They said that most agencies will occasionally help nurses acquire licenses and certifications, including paying for new state licenses for nurses who complete an assignment with the company there. 

Agencies also offer the option to cover housing costs if the nurse stays in one of their preferred hotels. Alternatively, many travel nursing agencies provide a housing stipend calculated to cover the cost of a nurse acquiring his or her own housing during the assignment. Lastly, they also cover the travel costs nurses incur at the start and end of an assignment. 

Hospital vs Agency Bonuses

Hospital bonuses  are paid separately from the bill rate, are usually offered as completion bonuses. This means they are not paid until after you complete your assignment. These bonuses usually range from  $250-$5000.

Agency bonuses  may be taken out of the bill rate and affect your overall pay. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if you enjoy getting a large amount of money as a lump sum. 

How do you know the difference between hospital and agency bonuses? For starters, you can ask your recruiter where the bonus comes from -- hospital or agency? 

• Retention Bonus

Some agencies will pay nurses bonuses once they end up working with that agency for multiple assignments. This is commonly referred to as a retention bonus and each agency will have its own requirements. These bonuses usually range from $100-$2,000 or more. 

• Referral Bonus

A referral bonus is a fee the agency pays to travel nurses who refer other nurses to work for their agency. The funds often come out of a separate budget allocated to referral fees and should not affect the travel nurse’s pay package. 

Referral bonuses typically range from  $500-$4,000  per nurse referral. Some of the best agencies in the industry pay nurses lucrative referrals bonuses once their referral completes an assignment.

Strikes occur when a labor contract or bargaining agreement between a hospital and a union is up for renewal. When the two sides aren’t able to come up with an acceptable compromise, the union may strike. 

In such a case, patients still need care. Therefore, hospitals will usually hire travel nurses to fill the temporary need. Due to the urgency, travel nurses who work strikes make much more money than they do when working on typical travel nurse assignments. 

How to Find the Highest-Paying Travel Nurse Assignments

First of all, you can always  ask recruiters directly about their highest-paying assignments.  Let them know that money is a motivator and that you are not interested in assignments that pay less than a certain amount. The best travel nurse recruiters will be honest with you about pay while giving you their best pay packages from the beginning. 

We suggest working with agencies that are known to pay high rates and who specialize in rapid-response and strike nursing. Hospitals pay these agencies higher rates to urgently provide highly specialized staff on a short-term basis. Those high rates are passed along to their travel nurses. 

Top 11 Tips For Travel Nurses (From a Travel Nurse Recruiter!)

1. crisis contracts.

Crisis contracts were extremely popular during the pandemic. Travel nurses were able to garner premium pay and had the opportunity to make significant amounts in a short period of time. While these specific types of crisis contracts are not readily available, healthcare companies around the country still need to fill gaps, especially for short periods of time. 

2. Find Your Own Housing

We suggest taking a housing stipend and securing your own housing. This will give you the freedom to choose your price point. Agencies will often house nurses in pricier accommodations (they have a reputation to uphold.) Additionally, agencies sign corporate leases -- leases that come with a “corporate” price tag. Some agencies are able to offer free housing if you stay in one of their preferred hotels. Most other agencies do not cover this cost outright, though, they’ll help you set it up.

3. Be Flexible

If money is your motivation, flexibility is key. Sometimes the highest paying assignments pay higher because they are not the most ideal. They may be in a less-than-desirable location or on a hard-to-fill time shift, such as nights or variables. Though it’s not always the case, nights, variables and weekends may come with higher pay or shift differentials.

4. Work With Agencies Who are Known for Their High Pay and Transparency

Every agency is different and will structure its pay packages differently as well. Transparency is key. The most trustworthy agencies will publish their compensation packages publicly and will disclose take-home pay. This focus on transparency allows nurses to skip the negotiating or fact-finding step and rapidly decide if the position is right for them. 

Industry jargon and terms like “blended rates” get confusing. Negotiations can increase confusion and lead to mistrust between nurses and recruiters. That’s why working with agencies that do not allow for negotiations may prove to be the best agencies to work for. They likely give the nurse their best rate from the “get-go” and therefore actually have no room left for negotiations. If you’re able to negotiate with a recruiter, why weren’t they offering you their best rate from the beginning? Something to consider.

5. Make Sure Your Profile is Up-to-Date

Top-paying travel nursing assignments come with a timestamp -- they are in high demand and competition is fierce. Truth is, agencies can’t simply submit you for a job just because you want to be considered. They literally have to “sell” your skills to the hospital.

How do they do this?  Through your paperwork, commonly referred to as your “profile” -- resume, references, skills checklists, license, etc. Having organized paperwork that can quickly (and easily) be submitted to a new agency will increase your chances of landing high-paying assignments. The quicker you get your paperwork to your recruiter, the faster they can submit you to a top-paying job.

Side note,  many nurse managers hire travel nurses on a "first come, first serve" basis. Why? Because your agency has already vetted you, the hospital doesn’t need to do more research to determine if you’re qualified. The hospital needs your skills to fill a temporary staffing need. If you treat every high-paying job with extreme urgency your chances of landing the job will increase. We recommend keeping your paperwork up to date and storing it online on the cloud using something like Dropbox or Google Drive. This will make it easy to simply share your paperwork folder with your recruiter.

Another tip, if you don’t have a scanner, download a scanning app -- works like a charm and you don’t have to lug around a bulky machine. Many agencies are getting tech-savvy and developing mobile apps that allow nurses to directly upload documents to their profile with the company, where they can be stored and updated when the app notifies nurses of their expirations, etc.

6. Work With Multiple Agencies

The truth is, no agency will have assignments available in every location in the US. More truth, some hospitals pay each agency at a different rate and local agencies may have better relationships with the hospitals in their area. Bottom line, it’s a good idea to work with multiple agencies, this will increase your opportunities.

Word of advice -- if you work with multiple recruiters, don’t be shady. Be honest with them about each other. Don’t "pit" them against each other. And, by all means, keep in touch with them even if you don’t choose their assignment (this time). Chances are they’ll want to work with you again in the future. Who knows, you might even make a new friend!

7. Maintain Multiple State Licenses

Did you know that many hospitals will not even look at your professional profile if you are not licensed in their state? It’s true. You’ll increase your chances of continuously landing high-paying jobs by maintaining active licenses in multiple states.

For example, rates in northern states usually increase during the winter months -- so, a license in Massachusetts is a must! If you want to work in a certain state, you need to have a license. Period. Even better – have a compact nursing license? This will automatically set you up for success. 

If you don’t have a license in that state, and you want to travel there soon, apply now! Some states have quick licensure turnaround of just 48 hours. Other states, like California, can take up to 6 months to process licensure paperwork.  Some agencies do assist or reimburse for licensing fees.

8. Work Agency Per Diem and Pick Up Extra Shifts

Travel nurses who want to make even more money will often work local agencies’ per diem shifts. They’ll also volunteer to work extra shifts during their assignments.

9. Communicate With Your Recruiter

Recruiters are the connection between you and the highest-paying travel nursing assignments. It’s important to communicate with them about your compensation needs. Looking for a high-paying assignment? Ask. Need a sign-on or completion bonus? Ask. Can’t live happily with an income below a certain amount? Tell them. Remember, a closed mouth doesn’t get fed.

10. Ask for Sign-On, Completion, and Retention Bonuses

Some travel companies may offer bonuses. Bonuses are paid either on day #1 of your assignment, upon completion of the assignment, or when you work multiple assignments with your agency. Inquire about bonuses. 

11. Refer Your Friends to Agencies

In the travel nursing industry, referrals are golden. Nurses are much more likely to trust their friend’s opinion of an agency they’ve actually worked for than they are an advertisement or recruiter. This is why agencies pay nurses referral bonuses to refer their friends. Referral fees differ but some agencies pay as high as $4,000 per nurse referral! 

Travel Nurse FAQs

What does a travel nurse do.

• A travel nurse is employed by a temporary staffing agency to work a contract with a healthcare facility for a short amount of time, usually around 13 weeks. 

What is the highest paid travel nurse? 

•  Any specialty area travel nurse, such as OR, ICU, MICU/SICU will have a higher earning potential. Additionally, APRNs such as a CRNA, will earn the highest wages. 

Is travel nursing worth the money?

• Travel nursing can be highly profitable, but you’ll want to consider all of the factors involved with the job, such as short-term contracts, inconsistent benefits and pay, new environments, and sometimes, high stress. 

What do you need to be a travel nurse? 

• In addition to being a Registered Nurse, typically, you need at least one year of experience on the floor to become a travel nurse. 

Is it hard to become a travel nurse? 

• Travel nursing can be competitive, but if you want to become a travel nurse, there are endless opportunities. You can increase your appeal by earning certifications in specialty areas. 

How much money do travel nurses make? 

• The take-home pay for travel nurses can vary widely based on the area’s need, the nurse’s specialty and any certifications, and other factors, but most travel nurses make well over six figures. 

Why do hospitals hire travel nurses? 

• Hospitals and other healthcare facilities may hire travel nurses when they are lacking their own staff, when the patient census becomes too high for their current staffing, or when a medical crisis, like COVID-19, or an emergency occurs. 

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The 10 Highest-Paying Travel Nurse Assignments in 2023

In this article, we’ll cover where you can find lucrative travel nursing jobs and which positions usually pay the most. Since this is just a starting point, you’ll want to work with an agency to find the best fit for you. Let’s dive in! Specialties Travel Article

• Travel Nursing

Updated: Jul 7, 2023   Published Mar 14, 2023

With the healthcare staffing shortage never seeming to end, you've probably heard about travel nursing. There are probably even a few travel nurses floating around your unit. After hearing about the dreamy lifestyle and huge paychecks, maybe you're thinking about trying it for yourself! While it's true nursing isn't all about the money, travel nurses usually make plenty of it. If you're interested in taking a job somewhere away from home, you've probably wondered where to find the highest-paying travel nurse assignments.

Below we'll review what travel nursing is, why it can be so lucrative as well as give you the highest paying locations and assignments.

What is Travel Nursing?

Although travel nursing is all the rage right now due to staffing shortages across the country, this isn't a new trend. Nurses have been packing their bags to care for those in need since the late 1970s when New Orleans hospitals were overwhelmed by Mardi Gras partiers who sustained injuries during their celebrations.

As times change, traveling nursing opportunities change with them. Today, you can find travel assignments for almost any specialty—and in almost any place you can imagine!

Thanks to improved technology and an abundance of agencies, you can become a travel nurse with ease. And finding the highest-paying travel nurse assignments isn't difficult, either. With plenty of competition and hospitals everywhere needing more nurses, you'll find lucrative opportunities regardless of your interests or specialty.

Why Do Travel Nurses Make So Much Money?

Staff nurses may feel slighted by the fact that travel nurses tend to make a much higher hourly rate even though they're doing the same work. So why do travel nurses make so much money?

Many factors go into the paycheck nurses who uproot their lives to care for others receive. The highest-paying travel nurse assignments are usually with employers paying a premium to address critical staffing shortages. A nurse traveling to a hospital with poor staffing will almost certainly make more than a co-worker on the same unit. Employers also need to offer high wages to convince nurses to leave home and work for them.

It's true travel nurses see a bigger number in their paychecks and enjoy tax-free reimbursements for expenses like rent and moving. But many staff nurses are surprised to learn their compensation often lines up closely. Nurses employed full-time by a hospital get healthcare coverage, PTO, and don't have to worry about the costs of moving every few months. Travel nurses still go home with the most cash since staff nurses often have much of their compensation tied up in these other benefits.

So if you're looking for a job that offers the biggest payday, travel nursing is hard to beat.

Highest Paying Travel Nurse Assignments By Location

There are travel nursing assignments available across the U.S. and even internationally. But they aren't created equally. Some locations offer higher pay than others. The weather, nearby activities, and the cost of living all play a role. They are all important factors for travel nurses who are looking for their next assignment to consider. Let's look at the locations where you can find some of the highest-paying travel nurse assignments!

1- California

They say everything is more expensive in California. That means travel nurses, too! Hospitals in California pay a premium for travel nurses due to the high costs of living, taxes, and rent. Nurses are also in high demand in California since there is a large number of hospitals and health systems in the state.

Travel nurses looking for a sunny assignment with plenty to do will enjoy their time in California. Be prepared to spend more than usual on food and activities, but the experience is well worth it! You'll also have plenty of opportunities to work in some of the world's best healthcare facilities.

Average Pay: $2,598 per week

2- North Dakota

A big jump away from the sunny shores and mountains of California, you'll find North Dakota, the state with the second highest paying travel nurse assignments. Although there is much less to do and the climate isn't as attractive, North Dakota has plenty of job opportunities for nurses because of a huge nursing shortage in the state. Despite the high pay, North Dakota's cost of living is very low. So if you want to enjoy nature and save some money fast, this could be a great opportunity!

Average Pay: $2,397 per week

3- Rhode Island

Despite being the smallest state in the U.S., travel nurses are in high demand in Rhode Island. The salaries are also some of the highest in the country. With close proximity to major cities like Boston and New York, this is an attractive option for those who enjoy a weekend road trip. Meanwhile, Rhode Island travel nurses will love the cozy New England atmosphere, seaside views, and small-town charm of the state.

Average Pay: $2,352 per week

4- New York / New Jersey

The New York/New Jersey area is another popular area for travel nurses. With a ton of people living in this small area, there are also numerous hospitals to care for them. Continued nursing shortages mean there are always openings for travelers. If you're a fan of metropolitan living, hiking in the mountains, or exploring some of the biggest cities on the east coast, this could be a great location for an assignment.

Average Pay: $2,330 per week

You'll have to travel outside the continental U.S. for this one! Alaska is one of the most unique locations for travel nurses to explore without living abroad. Due to its remote nature and harsh winters, pay rates for travel nurses in Alaska are high. With stunning alpine scenery, endless outdoor activities, and a totally unique living experience, Alaska has a lot to offer for adventurous travel nurses.

Highest Paying Travel Nurse Assignments By Position

For nurses with lots of experience or a background in specialty care, travel opportunities become even more lucrative. The highest-paying travel nurse jobs are often related to a specialty or require certain skills that not all nurses have. So if you fall into one of these categories and are thinking about picking up a travel assignment, get your bank account ready to meet some new friends (we like to call them dollars)!

1- NICU Nurse

The combination of critical care and working with babies makes NICU nursing a unique specialty. For NICU travel nurses, this means a big paycheck comes with the responsibilities. NICU nurses need to have previous experience in the NICU for almost all travel positions. Most agencies look for at least a year of experience. NICU nurses will use a variety of skills while caring for critically ill babies as well as infants with chronic conditions or very low birth weights. This specialized care and the required experience make NICU travel nursing a high-paying opportunity.

Average Pay: $3,320 per week ($83 per hour)

2- ER Nurse

ER nurses must be ready to deal with the most critical of patients. Working in the ER is also fast-paced, and skills like triage and critical thinking are essential. Since you'll be the first nurse caring for a patient when they arrive, you'll see a wide range of illnesses and injuries. This is a great way for nurses to stay sharp and build their skill set. You should be good at working in high-pressure situations if this opportunity interests you. Since most travel agencies and hospitals require ER nurses to have previous experience, this position pays more than most.

Average Pay: $2,856 per week ($71 per hour)

3- Intensive Care Nurse (ICU/CVICU)

It should come as no surprise to see ICU nursing near the top of this list. After all, most critical care nurses make more than their co-workers, even in non-travel positions. Aside from the amount of training and experience you need to thrive in the ICU environment, intensive care is often more stressful than other acute care units. And thanks to burnout from handling the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses have left the ICU in record numbers. Training new staff takes time, but hospitals need nurses in the meantime. This means jobs in the ICU are one of the highest paying travel nurse assignments—and hospitals always need to fill these roles.

Average Pay: $2,508 per week ($63 per hour)

4- OB / Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurse

A specialty unlike any other, L&D nurses care for mothers and babies during the birthing process. This requires a unique skill set that doesn't translate to many other areas of nursing. Gaining experience in this specialty takes time, which makes skilled L&D nurses hard to find. Since people won't stop having babies anytime soon, this specialty is always in demand. While L&D nurses generally care for healthier patients, they still must be ready to handle emergencies if they arise. The combination of essential specialty experience and constant demand makes L&D one of the highest-paying travel nurse assignments.

Average Pay: $2,440 per week ($61 per hour)

5- Telemetry Nurse

The skill and training required to be a telemetry nurse make this one of the highest-paid travel nurse assignments. You'll need to be able to manage care for patients with cardiovascular disease and work with the latest medical technology. Since there are often high nurse-to-patient ratios in this role, be ready to balance your time and work under pressure. If this sounds like you, a telemetry travel nursing job could be a great fit.

Average Pay: $2,278 per week ($57 per hour)

About TeachRN

Nurses Teach Nurses has 12 years experience and specializes in Nurse Mentoring & Tutoring.

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foxypaws, BSN, MSN, RN

You seem to have forgotten Operating Room nursing. We are usually either top or close to it for compensation. 

1 Article; 5,774 Posts

For a couple years after the pandemic hit, I was regularly received email solicitations for an astounding $8,000 plus a week for CVOR. They dropped recently but are still around $5,000 a week. Interesting to consider the huge drop in elective surgery and OR nurses going on to other things, anything but CVOR! 

ArrowRN, BSN, RN

4 Articles; 1,149 Posts

Anyone told landlords we no longer make the average $4500/week? not to mention the barrage of new nurses jumping into traveling and not realizing what they getting into. 

javadown2, BSN

ArrowRN said: Anyone told landlords we no longer make the average $4500/week? not to mention the barrage of new nurses jumping into traveling and not realizing what they getting into. 

I don't think rentals/Airbnb are setting rental numbers just because if travel nurses LOL. I'm still over 4800 a week in CA until July of 2023. Inflation is high everywhere! 

javadown2 said: I don't think rentals/Airbnb are setting rental numbers just because if travel nurses LOL. I'm still over 4800 a week in CA until July of 2023. Inflation is high everywhere! 

Still there? Who paying contract that high still? What specialty? Bruh I am struggling to find someone to pay over 3000/week LOL....looking forward to 2024. 

(712) 336-0800

Travel Nursing and Allied Therapy Jobs

If you're interested in working and venturing away from home, travel assignments are perfect for you travel and explore what the world has to offer, all while doing what you do best — providing quality care., travel contract jobs for  nursing and allied therapy healthcare professionals.

Your opportunities with GrapeTree are endless! Along with per-diem shifts and local assignments, our healthcare professionals have the opportunity to travel and explore new areas without giving up a regular income. Travel contracts are 8-13 weeks in length, offer opportunities to work outside a 50 mile radius of your home, and include travel + housing stipends. Mesh your career with new personal life experiences by becoming a traveling healthcare professional with GrapeTree!

You get the best of both worlds. Earn a competitive wage while exploring your surroundings in your down time.

Live in, make memories in, and explore a new area with every new travel assignment

Receive a weekly, non-taxed per diem, to assist with travel, meals, housing, incidentals, and other necessary expenses.

Guaranteed hours

Your schedule is set from the moment you are booked into a travel assignment with GrapeTree.

We currently offer travel opportunities throughout the states below – but we are still expanding! Check out all of the fun things to do in each of our states and pick your next home-away-from-home.

Make More With Travel Contracts

The weekly package range for travel assignments is a combination of hourly taxed rate and a weekly non-taxed per diem reimbursement to cover housing, meals, incidentals, and other necessary costs. Package amount is based on facility type, specialty, location, and certification of healthcare professional.

CN A s &  STN A s

$1,200-$1,700 per week.

Must have 6 months of experience working as a CNA or STNA.

PTAs, OTAs, COTAs

$1,500-$1,800 per week.

Must have 6 months of experience working as a PTA, OTA, or COTA.

$1,600-$2,000 PER WEEK

Must have 1 year of experience working as an LPN.

PTs & OTs

$2,000-$2,600 per week.

Must have 6 months of experience working as a PT or OT.

Must have 1 year of experience working as an RN.

Must have 6 months of experience working as an SLP.

Your h ome address must be least 50 miles away from the facility to qualify for travel pay rates. Contracts are available as local assignments  for those whose home address is less than 50 miles away from the facility address.

Get Certified in Other States

Only certified to work in your home state? No problem! While each state has their own process for becoming licensed, it is easy to get your license transferred. This process is called getting "reciprocity" or "endorsement." Our team has compiled a list of all our states' registries so that you can easily transfer your license. Give our team a call to learn more about getting reimbursed for gaining reciprocity in other states! Click the button below to get started.

The Perks of Travel A ssignments

Flexibility.

You have the flexibility to choose where you go and what assignments you take on.

Avoid Burnout

Experience higher job satisfaction working in a travel assignment by avoiding overtime.

Gain Knowledge

Explore what you love about nursing by working with more people in diverse settings.

Career Advancement

Strengthen your experience an build up your resume to show that you thrive in all environments.

What People Are Saying

I've been working and traveling with GrapeTree Medical Staffing for about five months now and have loved every minute of it! The communication is great, the pay is excellent and I love how flexible they are! If you are looking for a great company to work for I highly recommend GrapeTree!

Alissa | Travel CNA

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Book Your Dream A ssignment

Our team is waiting to hear from you! Learn more about our travel opportunities or book your dream assignment by giving us a call at (712) 336-0800.

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Aya's website has been the easiest for me to use and they consistently offer more competitive pay rates than other agencies for the same position.

I'm a single mom and was able to take care of my family on my own, which is awesome. I've also gained some great experiences and wonderful friends.

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  Nursing Instructor - Fall 2024

• Hopkinsville, KY

  Apply Now

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Nursing instructor - fall 2024.

• Hopkinsville Community College

Title: Nursing Instructor - Fall 2024

Salary Range: $4,500 per month on assignment (10 month assignment)

Contract Term Length:  10 Months

Standard Hours:  37.5 per week

Work Location:  On-Site

FLSA Status: Exempt

College: Hopkinsville Community College

Campus Location: Hopkinsville Community College

Department: Academic Affairs

Total Rewards

Hopkinsville Community College offers a competitive benefits package and an attractive work environment that supports excellence, innovation, and creativity including:

• Exceptional health care, vision, dental coverage for you and your family
• Tuition reimbursement/waiver for you, your spouse, and dependents
• 403(b) retirement plan: a 5% employee contribution receives a 10% employer match
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Work-Life Balance
• 9.5 Paid Holidays
• 2 Weeks Institutional Closing Pay (Last 2 weeks of December) for qualifying positions
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary

The primary purpose of the Nursing Instructor is to provide quality instruction to students at Hopkinsville Community College.

Job Duties:

Effectively teach didactic and clinical nursing courses for the nursing division as assigned by the college (assignments may be at any campus site). • Develop and implement web enhanced and/or on-line nursing courses. • Provide for and be actively involved in on-going evaluations, development, and enhancement of nursing offerings. • Actively utilize instructional and discipline research data to employ methods for continuous improvement in instructional and institutional effectiveness. • Actively utilize technology as a learning tool and actively evaluate instructional tools for effective learning. • Participate in academic and student enhancement activities, including student advising. • Maintain and improve, through professional development, competence in discipline knowledge and instructional techniques. • Participate in internal and external service activities (college committees, system committees, community relations). • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in nursing with a minimum of five (5) years full time or equivalent experience as a registered nurse. Bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing and two years full time or equivalent experience. Nursing degrees must be from an accredited college or university. Starting salary may vary according to degree. • Shall have and maintain expertise in the clinical or functional area of responsibility. • RN license to practice in Kentucky.  

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KCTCS is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution. KCTCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs or activities.

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