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Becoming a travel nurse is an exciting adventure, but determining where to take an assignment can be overwhelming.
Salary, housing options, location amenities, and staffing ratios can all factor into the decision. The location itself — its desirability and relative location to a nurse’s current assignment or hometown — can be a major consideration.
Most travel nursing assignments are only 13 weeks, so travel nurses can move on after an assignment if they are no longer needed or are unhappy with the placement. This flexibility appeals to many nurses and continues to make travel nursing one of the most desirable careers in the nursing industry.
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
Salary tends to be the number one driving factor for nurses comparing travel nurse jobs. However, the cost of living and housing affordability in those destinations are often overlooked. States with higher hourly wages generally have a higher cost of living, which means less affordable housing and higher taxes.
For example, a travel nurse in California will likely make more money per hour than a nurse in Texas. However, the nurse in Texas will likely end up bringing home a bigger paycheck because of the lower cost of living expenses and taxes. Assignments in states like Oklahoma or Kansas may not look undesirable, but with a low cost of living, nurses have the ability to make more money.
It is important to factor in the cost of living when determining where to take your next travel assignment. Hawaii, one of the most desirable locations for travel nurses, may have extremely high hourly wages, but the cost of living is among the highest in the country.
Furthermore, consider the housing stipend and rental costs in the area. If the housing stipend is lower than current rentals, this will impact your overall net salary.
A U.S. News & World Report looked at the most affordable states in the country. Topping the list was Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, and South Dakota. Currently, Arkansas is ranked #1 as the most affordable state. California currently ranks the lowest in affordability with the highest cost of living and the least affordable housing in the country.
Interestingly, California and Hawaii are some of the most desirable states for travel nurses, though their hourly pay is very low compared to what is needed for living expenses. In cases like this where the location is a travel or vacation destination, travel nurses may forgo pay for the experience of living in a vacation destination like Hawaii or San Diego for 13 weeks.
Other states recognized as the least affordable include Washington and New York, and Massachusetts — also popular travel nurse destinations.
According to ZipRecruiter.com, in 2024, travel nurses will earn the highest average salary in California with an average hourly wage of $44 and an annual salary of $90,766. It’s important to note wages can increase between travel nurse companies and vary depending on certifications and unit placement. ICU nurses tend to earn more than medical-surgical nurses, for example.
Find available, high-paying travel nurse opportunities.
Here’s a list of the top 10 highest-paying cities for travel nurses.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts Valley, CA | $164,925 | $13,743 | $3,171 | $79.29 |
| Aspen, CO | $160,571 | $13,380 | $3,087 | $77.20 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $155,118 | $12,926 | $2,983 | $74.58 |
| Burlingame, CA | $150,296 | $12,524 | $2,890 | $72.26 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $148,303 | $12,358 | $2,851 | $71.30 |
| San Francisco, CA | $148,150 | $12,345 | $2,849 | $71.23 |
| Marysville, WA | $146,374 | $12,197 | $2,814 | $70.37 |
| San Jose, CA | $143,569 | $11,964 | $2,760 | $69.02 |
| Alexandria, VA | $141,356 | $11,779 | $2,718 | $67.96 |
| Redwood City, CA | $140,665 | $11,722 | $2,705 | $67.63 |
Source: ZipRecruiter.com
Travel nurse companies and recruiters work with travel nurses to find the best placement at the highest possible salary. Some companies have specific contracts and can offer higher pay than others. In fact, two travel nurses working in the same unit at the same hospital may make two different salaries. It’s important to pick a company you feel comfortable will advocate on your behalf to get higher wages.
At times, the recruiter will be more important than the company. The recruiter is your direct liaison with the hospital administration and will be your go-to for all contract negotiations, extensions, cancellations, and any issue that may arise during the assignment.
A 2017 Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) study examined the specific projected job growth and demand of nurses in each state through 2030.
Based on the study, there are four states that will continue to have a deficit of nurses through 2030. Travel nurses are desperately needed in these states, and employers often give incentives to entice nurses. These states are:
As the country continues to see a mass exodus of nurses at the bedside, every state is desperately looking for nurses to fill the voids. Aya travel nursing company advertises over 14,000 travel nurse positions available on its website. Most other major travel nursing companies have countless unfilled nursing positions.
Additionally, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) says 55% of today’s nursing workforce is 50 years or older. The number of nurses retiring is also contributing to the ongoing nursing shortage.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for RNs to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Roughly 193,100 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Unfortunately, the BLS does not differentiate between staff nurses and travel nurses, but it can be assumed that if there is a need for nurses in general, this will also include travel nurses.
California consistently has the highest demand for travel nurses throughout the year. Due to a powerful statewide union and specific laws regarding safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, there will always be a large need.
The time of year also affects which states need nursing resources. States such as Alaska, Maine, and Vermont have higher needs for travel nurses during the winter months but lower needs in the summer months – mostly because those are less desirable times to live in those locations. Conversely, Louisiana, Alabama, and Arkansas have higher needs during the summer and lower needs during the winter. Consider traveling to desirable locations during “off-peak” months for better assignments and pay.
Strictly choosing a travel nursing job and location based on pay and affordability can limit your decision. Travel nurses generally work three days a week, leading to a lot of time off to explore each new location. Thirteen weeks in a location that doesn’t fit can be exhausting and depressing.
When choosing a location, remember to consider your hobbies and what you like to do in your free time.
These questions are important when looking at job opportunities. It can be exciting to see the country and try new things, but if you know you hate the snow — don’t choose a snowy location in the winter.
Travel nursing isn’t strictly about seeing the country while earning a higher wage. It’s also about working at some of the top hospitals in the country.
Consider assignments at hospitals that will look good on your resume and help with your career advancement. Having worked at hospitals such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Mayo Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, UCLA Medical Center, and UCSF Medical Center will help travel nurses in future career endeavors. Assignments at these hospitals will open many doors for travel nurses, both professionally and academically.
Deciding which city to take an assignment can be daunting for new travel nurses, but with guidance from a seasoned recruiter, the task is more manageable. Remember to look at locations during off-peak months, consider house affordability, and evaluate the overall cost of living and location amenities when choosing your next contract.
Ready to begin travel nursing? Get started today!
Travel nurses are registered nurses who work short-term contracts to fill the needs of hospitals, clinics, long-term facilities, and other healthcare institutions. Travel nurses can help when there are nursing shortages. However, it is not always a long-term solution.
Travel nursing is very enticing to those who want increased flexibility within the nursing sector, which traditional bedside nursing might not offer.
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
Travel nurse salaries vary depending on location and specialty. Most recently, travel nurses have seen a decline in salaries compared to several years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased wages for travel nurses, and many left the bedside in order to travel the country and cash in on the big paychecks. While now the salaries are not as large for contracts, there are still many contracts available at a competitive wage across the country.
ZipRecruiter.com reports the national average for travel nurses is $101,132 per year. The highest-paying states are New York, Vermont, and California, while the lowest reported salaries are in Florida and Arkansas. Even though Florida has the lowest travel nurse salary, the annual travel nurse salary is still $5,000 more than the $86,070 national average for staff nurses according to the BLS.
But don’t forget other ways to make money as a travel nurse, such as earning points or miles on all the travel that you already have to do. We now have travel nursing credit cards just for nurses to earn while they travel.
Salaries and stipends vary by state and city, as do housing and cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of travel nurse salaries and hourly wages for all fifty states, going from highest to lowest.
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $135,031 | $11,252 | $2,596 | $64.92 |
| Vermont | $132,707 | $11,058 | $2,552 | $63.80 |
| California | $130,341 | $10,861 | $2,506 | $62.66 |
| Maine | $126,575 | $10,547 | $2,434 | $60.85 |
| Idaho | $125,217 | $10,434 | $2,408 | $60.20 |
| Washington | $124,240 | $10,353 | $2,389 | $59.73 |
| Pennsylvania | $123,669 | $10,305 | $2,378 | $59.46 |
| Massachusetts | $122,156 | $10,179 | $2,349 | $58.73 |
| Alaska | $121,382 | $10,115 | $2,334 | $58.36 |
| New Jersey | $120,934 | $10,077 | $2,325 | $58.14 |
| New Hampshire | $120,647 | $10,053 | $2,320 | $58.00 |
| Oregon | $119,997 | $9,999 | $2,307 | $57.69 |
| North Dakota | $119,877 | $9,989 | $2,305 | $57.63 |
| Wisconsin | $119,111 | $9,925 | $2,290 | $57.27 |
| Wyoming | $118,043 | $9,836 | $2,270 | $56.75 |
| Hawaii | $117,602 | $9,800 | $2,261 | $56.54 |
| Colorado | $116,968 | $9,747 | $2,249 | $56.23 |
| Indiana | $115,975 | $9,664 | $2,230 | $55.76 |
| Nevada | $114,771 | $9,564 | $2,207 | $55.18 |
| New Mexico | $114,453 | $9,537 | $2,201 | $55.03 |
| Minnesota | $114,294 | $9,524 | $2,197 | $54.95 |
| Arizona | $113,577 | $9,464 | $2,184 | $54.60 |
| South Dakota | $113,297 | $9,441 | $2,178 | $54.47 |
| Montana | $111,865 | $9,322 | $2,151 | $53.78 |
| Ohio | $111,315 | $9,276 | $2,140 | $53.52 |
| Rhode Island | $111,146 | $9,262 | $2,137 | $53.44 |
| Delaware | $110,939 | $9,244 | $2,133 | $53.34 |
| Alabama | $110,469 | $9,205 | $2,124 | $53.11 |
| Virginia | $109,735 | $9,144 | $2,110 | $52.76 |
| Connecticut | $108,976 | $9,081 | $2,095 | $52.39 |
| Iowa | $108,771 | $9,064 | $2,091 | $52.29 |
| Illinois | $107,945 | $8,995 | $2,075 | $51.90 |
| Mississippi | $107,802 | $8,983 | $2,073 | $51.83 |
| Maryland | $107,540 | $8,961 | $2,068 | $51.70 |
| Tennessee | $106,277 | $8,856 | $2,043 | $51.09 |
| Utah | $106,005 | $8,833 | $2,038 | $50.96 |
| Nebraska | $105,533 | $8,794 | $2,029 | $50.74 |
| Missouri | $104,121 | $8,676 | $2,002 | $50.06 |
| South Carolina | $103,067 | $8,588 | $1,982 | $49.55 |
| Georgia | $102,909 | $8,575 | $1,979 | $49.48 |
| Oklahoma | $102,199 | $8,516 | $1,965 | $49.13 |
| Texas | $102,065 | $8,505 | $1,962 | $49.07 |
| Kansas | $101,486 | $8,457 | $1,951 | $48.79 |
| North Carolina | $100,940 | $8,411 | $1,941 | $48.53 |
| Louisiana | $99,788 | $8,315 | $1,919 | $47.98 |
| Kentucky | $96,957 | $8,079 | $1,864 | $46.61 |
| Michigan | $96,919 | $8,076 | $1,863 | $46.60 |
| West Virginia | $95,511 | $7,959 | $1,836 | $45.92 |
| Arkansas | $92,113 | $7,676 | $1,771 | $44.29 |
| Florida | $91,074 | $7,589 | $1,751 | $43.79 |
Source: ZipRecruiter.com
Find available, high-paying travel nurse opportunities.
Wages for travel nurses involve more than just a straight hourly rate. Travel nurses can receive non-taxed stipends for housing and living expenses, and those stipends are paid on top of your hourly rate. Other benefits may include, depending on the staffing agency:
It’s important to remember that travel nurses are paid (and taxed) differently than staff nurses. Travel nurses are paid through agencies, not the hospital, so you need to look at your total pay. This includes your hourly base pay + your non-taxable stipends, which are things like housing and meals.
Travel nurse packages will vary depending on the company and the individual. For example, one travel nurse may take a housing stipend while another might take the company-provided houses. These small differences are important to remember when investigating travel nurse contracts and also speaking to your peers.
Furthermore, some travel nurse companies will have exclusive contracts with healthcare institutions, and packages will look different based on the exclusivity.
There are three major components to all pay packages:
The hourly pay is the dollar per-hour amount for each hour worked. It is the taxable portion of the pay package, which is important to remember. The actual amount you are paid will vary depending on the agency. Travel nurse agencies will want to pay you the least amount hourly as possible in order to make the whole pay package look attractive. The larger the hourly wage, the more taxes are taken out, which results in less weekly income.
This portion of the pay package is tax-exempt since non-taxable money is not considered income. This is the most alluring part of a travel nurse pay package and where travel nurses will make the most money. This money is directly determined by the travel nurse company.
These stipends will also vary depending on whether you decide to take housing provided by the company or find your own. If you decide to take company-provided housing, you will not receive a housing stipend. Many travel nurses decide to take the housing stipend and then find their own living arrangements. This can help nurses take home extra non-taxable pay. But be careful; it can also be harmful.
For example, if the housing stipend is $1,200 and you find an apartment for $1,000, you will get to keep the extra $200. Unfortunately, if the housing cost is more than the housing stipend provided by the company, you are responsible for the difference.
Pro tip: Look at housing costs before signing your contract!
As an example, a standard total pay package could look something like this:
*Assumes $20 per hour at 40 hours per week, minus taxes
To qualify for these non-taxable stipends or reimbursements, one must maintain what the IRS calls a “tax home.” A tax home is your place of residence that you maintain and pay for (either by rent or mortgage) while you are out on your travel assignment. Ideally, the IRS would like a travel nurse to take an assignment somewhere and then return to their tax home, where they maintain a PRN or full-time nursing job.
Travel nurses who have a tax home will need to keep proof of this. It’s important to keep all receipts that prove you are paying to maintain your primary residence (e.g., house sitters, utilities, and home maintenance expenses).
Per IRS Publication 463, three factors are used to determine if a location/residence qualifies as a tax home. These are:
Most travel nursing agencies will have you sign a form stating that you do have a tax home. If you do not have a residence that you are planning on maintaining when you are traveling, you will be referred to as an itinerant worker. As an itinerant worker, you will be required to pay taxes on all income earned, including stipends and reimbursements. When applying with different travel agencies, make sure they are aware of your itinerant status. You can get more information about tax homes here.
Itinerant status is not ideal for someone looking to make the most money and will cause a big difference in take-home pay. It can be confusing to navigate the difference between tax home and itinerant status. Speaking to a financial planner and/or accountant specializing in travel nurse pay is helpful. As a best practice, travel nurses are encouraged to return to their permanent residence between contracts.
There are numerous factors that can affect travel nursing pay. Some will be in your control, and others will not. These include:
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. Historically speaking, the highest-paying states for travel nurses include California, Washington, and New York.
Southern states like Mississippi and Alabama typically have lower living costs and, in turn, lower travel nurse pay. Destination locations, like Hawaii, typically do not have the most desirable pay packages because the locations are highly sought after. Companies know that there are many travel nurses excited about the surf and sand of Hawaii, so pay packages are reflective of that competition.
The travel nurse’s specialty also impacts pay. Long-term care nurses and clinic nurses will see significantly lower rates than other specialties, but this is generally the case even for staff nurses. Increased certifications, credentials, and skills will command higher pay.
Historically speaking, the top-paying travel nurse specialties are:
Night shift assignments are generally more prevalent in the world of travel nursing. The increased need and the less desirable shift mean that many hospitals offer higher rates for their night shift assignments. Flexibility is key if you want to make the most money as a travel nurse.
Ready to start your adventure? Sign up today and start traveling next week.
Virginia, home to Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park, is an excellent place to start your travel nursing career. Placed in a prime location on the East Coast, travel nurses can experience a little bit of the North and the South.
Overall, the cost of living is lower in Virginia, so travel nurse pay will reflect that in certain areas. However, higher wages can be found around Richmond and Northern Virginia as compared to rural areas of the state.
Travel nurses will find contracts around the state with relative ease. With its apt state motto, Virginia is For Lovers, travel nurses will absolutely fall in love with this beautiful state.
Looking for travel nurse assignments in Virginia? Speak with a recruiter today!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $76,680 or $36.87 per hour which is slightly lower than the national average.
The top 90% of nurses in Virginia earn $100,990. The lowest 10% earn an average salary of $59,170 which is significantly below the national average. The BLS does not differentiate between different nurse specialties but rather provides a general median salary for all registered nurses, so salaries can fluctuate between specialties or staff nurse vs. travel nurse.
Indeed.com reports an average base salary of $2,371 per week and $55,53 per hour with top-paying locations in Falls Church, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Mechanicsville, and Salam, Virginia. Here is a deeper look into each one.
| City | Hourly Wage | Weekly Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Falls Church | $71.77 | $3,064 | $11,858 |
| Lynchburg | $62.70 | $2,677 | $10,359 |
| Norfolk | $60.88 | $2,599 | $10,057 |
| Mechanicsville | $55.41 | $2,365 | $9,154 |
| Salem | $54.72 | $2,336 | $9,041 |
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
The highest-paid travel nursing specialties depend on a variety of factors including location within the state, demand, and urgency of needs. Regardless of specialty, increased demand will cause wages to increase.
Nurses will see an increase in pay packages if they have advanced certifications such as CCRN, IBCLC, or CPN. Advanced skill sets such as ECMO or dialysis training will also garner travel nurses higher wages. Travel nurses with BLS, ACLS, and PALS will not see a bump in pay as those are standard certifications that are needed for most nursing positions.
Generally, the top-paying travel nurse specialties are:
Virginia has 122 hospitals in the state. Seventeen of those meet high U.S. News standards to be ranked. According to the U.S. News & World Report, here are the top 5 Virginia hospitals that were evaluated and ranked. The top five hospitals in Virginia as of 2022-2023 were as follows:
2. University of Virginia Medical Center
3. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
5. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Cost of living is defined as the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as food, taxes, healthcare, and housing. Despite all travel nurse companies providing a stipend for housing, at times this has proven to not be enough. Furthermore, depending on the location – hotels may not be a viable long-term solution.
According to Bestplaces.net, the overall cost of living in Virginia is 4.2% higher than the national average.
Payscale.com reports on the cost of living in major Virginia cities including the median home price, median rent, and monthly energy bill.
With any career, there are pros and cons to the job. Travel nursing is no exception. It’s important to take into consideration your own personal circumstances:
Virginia is an ideal location for travel nurses, especially those that are new to the travel nursing game. While travel nurse wages might not be the highest in the country, there are plenty of jobs available at some of the top hospitals in the country. With plenty of options for things to do on the day off including hiking and sandy beaches – Virginia is a perfect location.
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments in Virginia!
Travel nursing in Alaska is a dream for most. The northern lights, midnight sun, Denali National Park, and the sheer beauty of the unknown attract hundreds of travel nurses each year. Alaska offers something for everyone, including nature lovers, with outdoor adventures as well as the hustle and bustle of city life.
If you are ready for an adventure to The Last Frontier then Alaska might be the state for you. Keep reading to find out more!
Speak with a recruiter about travel nursing assignments in Alaska!
As of January 2022, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services has reported 1,113 deaths due to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. For this same period, the US death cumulative incidence was 268 per 100,000 persons, which was approximately 1.8 times higher than the Alaska death rate. Of these 1,113 deaths, 864 (77.6%) were known to have been hospitalized and 324 (29.1%) were admitted to an intensive care unit.
According to statistics, as of January 2022, the state of Alaska is seeing a disparity between age, race, and ethnicity in regard to infection numbers.
Ethnicity and Race:
Sex:
Age:
In Alaska, 69% of the state’s overall population has received at least one dose of the vaccine while 61% of the population is considered fully vaccinated. Furthermore, 26% have received a booster dose.
Alaska has always been very popular with travel nurses partially because there is a very large need for nurses throughout the state. The Alaska State Hospitals and Nursing Home Association recently completed an Alaska Healthcare Workforce Analysis and found there were 1,400 positions available for registered nurses. Approximately 11.3% of healthcare workers in Alaska come from out of state.
“This is the biggest challenge, I would say, facing health care into the foreseeable future,” association President and CEO Jared Kosin said in regard to the workforce shortage. Throughout the COVID pandemic, the need was so high in Alaska that the governor signed multiple contracts to bring in large numbers of nurses. In September 2021, 500 travel nurses were brought in specifically to help overworked healthcare workers and stressed healthcare systems.
According to ZipRecruiter, travel nurses make an average of $80,207 per year with a range of $61,822 to $105,696 per year.
Indeed reports an average base salary of $1,981 per week with top locations in Cordova, Juneau, Anchorage, and Fairbanks.
Looking for travel nurse assignments in Alaska? Speak with a recruiter today!
The highest-paid travel nursing specialties depend on a variety of factors including location within the state, demand, and urgency of needs. The demand for travel nurses in Alaska has always been high but it also is one of the most requested states by travel nurses.
As a result of the increased demand for nurses and the ongoing pandemic, wages that are being offered are steadily increasing. Unfortunately, this is not being seen across all disciplines of nursing.
Historically speaking the top paying travel nurse specialties are:
According to SimplyHired, intensive care unit, labor and delivery, and operating room nurses have the highest earning potential in Alaska. Potential average annual salaries include:
Find open positions today for your specialty.
Alaska’s population is more spread out than any other state in the country, with fewer than one million residents as of 2019. U.S. World News and Report ranked and evaluated Alaska’s 26 hospitals, and the top five as of 2021-2022 were:
As the national cost of living continues to rise, Alaska’s cost of living has remained fairly consistent because of its isolated location. Cost of living is defined as the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as housing, food, taxes, and healthcare.
Typically, the cost of living is less in smaller towns than in major cities; however, in Alaska, this is not the case. Because of the isolation and distance, smaller cities in Alaska can be more expensive than large cities such as Fairbanks and Juneau.
According to BestPlaces, the overall cost of living in Alaska rates 125.8. The number is well above 100 which means Alaska has a significantly higher cost of living than the U.S. average. The median house cost is $293,400 as compared to the median home cost in the U.S. of only $291,700.
Payscale.com reports on the cost of living in major Alaska cities including the median home price, median rent, and monthly energy bill.
A great resource to calculate your current salary and town versus a city in Alaska is CNN’s Cost of Living Calculator.
With any career, there are pros and cons to the job. Travel nursing is no different. It’s important to take into consideration your own personal circumstances, family obligations, and reasons for wanting to be a travel nurse. Reasons that some nurses might see as a con may in fact be a positive for you.
1. Increased earning potential
Travel nurses have the ability to earn significantly more money than staff nurses. Furthermore, they can make more due to reimbursements and incentives. Most travel nurses receive free housing or have a monthly allowance to put toward housing expenses.
2. Travel
One of the main reasons travel nurses start this adventure is to experience different cities and states they may not otherwise get to experience. It also is great for nurses that are not sure where they ultimately want to settle down.
3. Flexibility
You have the ability to take a contract when you want to and where you want to. If you really want to travel to Alaska you have the ability to find a contract that fits your needs.
4. Networking
Most don’t consider this a huge pro of travel nursing but it is! With an increase in the number of nurses that go on for an advanced degree, making connections with different hospitals, providers, and nurses can be very important when trying to find preceptors for graduate-level clinical rotations.
5. Avoid hospital and unit politics
Most don’t like to admit it but bedside nursing comes with drama and politics. It can be as simple as a hierarchy based on seniority or something more serious. Being a travel nurse allows you to avoid all of this as you’re not fully invested in the unit and only helping out for a very specific amount of time.
1. Always the new person
Being new to a unit can be exciting but can also be frustrating or even lonely. Not knowing anyone on the unit can affect the type of help you will get in your work environment.
2. Not the best assignments
Some hospitals will assign travel nurses patients just like any other nurse on the unit. Others will assign them the easiest patients, the hardest patients, or the ones that no one wants to deal with.
3. First to float to another unit
Despite being contracted to a specific unit, most travel nurses will have to float to other parts of the hospital within their skill set. This again will make you the new person which can affect how others perceive you as well as assist you throughout the shift
4. Finding a place to live
All travel nurse companies offer their nurses places to live during each contract. However, it is not always in the location that you want, has the amenities you desire, and/or fits your needs. Contracts will offer a housing stipend instead, which most travel nurses take, but then finding appropriate housing falls on you.
5. Changing health insurance policies
With each contract may come a new health insurance policy. This will be dependent on the agency that you work with. If you switch between multiple agencies then there will most likely be a lapse in your health insurance. However, nurses can opt for private insurance and pay out-of-pocket. That way, when the assignment ends, you won’t lose your insurance.
Alaska is The Last Frontier and draws adventures, wanders, and travel enthusiasts. More importantly, it attracts travel nurses wanting to experience the great unknown. Alaska is a very large state and much of the population is widespread and even isolated. Communities are without healthcare and there are major gaps in availability. Travel nurses help fill these gaps.
While the cost of living might be slightly higher than in other states, the higher hourly wages can make up the difference. With an ongoing high demand for travel nurses of all specialties and very competitive wages, Alaska is a great fit for anyone interested in becoming a travel nurse.
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments in Alaska!
By: Kathleen Gaines MSN, BA, RN, CBC
The Rocky Mountains are calling all travel nurses. Colorado, with its vivid and dynamic landscapes, offers endless possibilities for outdoor adventures on your days off. Colorado has mountains, forests, high plains, mesas, canyons, plateaus, rivers, and desert lands. Colorado is especially popular for its ski slopes – ideal for those wintertime travel assignments.
But even if you are not into the great outdoors, Colorado also is known for being home to more than 400 established microbreweries producing some of the best craft beers in the country.
If you are ready for an adventure – Colorado might be the state for you. Keep reading to find out more!
Looking for open travel nurse assignments in Colorado? Speak with a recruiter today!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $80,670 which is higher than the national average of $77,600. The compensation for travel nurses is directly reflective of this as well as the ongoing need for nurses. Therefore, it is one of the highest-paying states for travel nurses.
Indeed.com reports an average base salary of $2,156 per week, with top locations in Pueblo, Wheat Ridge, Denver, Aurora, and Englewood.
| Hourly Wage | Weekly Wage | Monthly Wage | |
| Pueblo | $62.84 | $2,683 | $10,381 |
| Wheat Ridge | $59.48 | $2,539 | $9,827 |
| Denver | $58.74 | $2,508 | $9,705 |
| Aurora | $56.15 | $2,397 | $9,276 |
| Englewood | $53.90 | $2,301 | $8,904 |
The highest-paid travel nursing specialties depend on a variety of factors including location within the state, demand, and urgency of needs. The demand for travel nurses in Colorado has always been high, causing the pay to be above average. Furthermore, Colorado has a high influx of visitors during the summer due to its breathtaking national parks and during the winter due to the winter ski season in the mountains.
As a result of the increased demand for nurses, wages that are being offered are steadily increasing. Unfortunately, this is not being seen across all disciplines of nursing.
Medical surgical nurses, long-term care nurses, and clinic nurses will see significantly lower rates than other specialties, but this is generally the case even for staff nurses. Increased certifications, credentials, and skills will command higher pay.
Historically speaking, the top-paying travel nurse specialties are:
According to Vivian.com, the top-paying specialties for travel nurses in Colorado are:
Find open positions today for your specialty.
Colorado has 105 hospitals. Twelve meet the high U.S. News standards. According to U.S. World News and Report, these hospitals were evaluated and ranked. The top five hospitals in Colorado for 2023 are as follows:
As the national cost of living continues to rise, Colorado is also seeing a significant rise in the cost of living. In fact, an ongoing issue for travel nurses is finding affordable housing during contracts. There have been many reports of travel nurses not being able to find housing until days before or even days after a contract starts.
Despite all travel nurse companies providing a stipend for housing, at times it is not enough. Furthermore, depending on the location, hotels may not be a viable long-term solution. Travel nurses have resorted to utilizing alternative websites such as Airbnb and Furnished Finders to find housing while traveling.
Cost of living is defined as the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as housing, food, taxes, and healthcare. According to Bestplaces.net, Colorado’s overall cost of living is 20.5% higher than the U.S. average. Let’s take a look at some of Colorado’s top cities:
| National Average | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Average Energy Bill | |
| Aurora | 7% higher | $435,915 | $1,332 | $140.25 |
| Denver | 14% higher | $550,978 | $1,683 | $140.25 |
| Colorado Springs | 8% higher | $461,737 | $1,411 | $169.08 |
| Wheat Ridge | 4% higher | $443,746 | $1,356 | $140.25 |
| Green Mountain Falls | 4% higher | $410,721 | $1,255 | $169.08 |
A great resource to calculate your current salary and town versus a city in Colorado is CNN’s Cost of Living Calculator.
With any career, there are pros and cons to the job. Travel nursing is no different. It’s important to take into consideration your own personal circumstances, family obligations, and reasons for wanting to be a travel nurse. Reasons that some nurses might see as a con may in fact be a positive for you.
Travel nurses have the ability to earn significantly more money than staff nurses. Furthermore, they can make more due to reimbursements and incentives, which can be earned tax-free. Most travel nurses receive free housing or have a hefty monthly allowance to put toward housing expenses.
One of the main reasons travel nurses start this adventure is to experience different cities and states they may not otherwise get to experience. It also is great for nurses that are not sure where they ultimately want to settle down.
You have the ability to take a contract when you want to and where you want. If you really want to travel to Colorado, you have the ability to find a nursing contract that fits your needs. It is also easier to get a permanent staff position if there is a hospital that you eventually want to work at.
Most don’t consider this a huge pro of travel nursing, but it is! With an increase in the number of nurses that go on for an advanced degree, making connections with different hospitals, providers, and nurses can be very important when trying to find preceptors for graduate-level clinical rotations.
Most don’t like to admit it, but bedside nursing comes with drama and politics. It can be as simple as a hierarchy based on seniority or something more serious. Being a travel nurse allows you to avoid all of this by not being fully invested in the unit but instead helping out for a very specific amount of time.
Being new to a unit can be exciting but can also be frustrating or even lonely. Not knowing anyone on the unit can affect the type of help you will get in your work environment.
Some hospitals will assign travel nurses patients just like any other nurse on the unit. Others will assign them the easiest patients, the hardest patients, or the ones that no one wants to deal with.
Despite being contracted to a specific unit, most travel nurses will have to float to other parts of the hospital within their skill set. This again will make you the new person which can affect how others perceive you as well as assist you throughout the shift
All travel nurse companies offer their nurses places to live during each contract. However, it is not always in the location that you want, has the amenities you desire, and/or fits your needs. Additionally, if the agency places you in housing, you won’t be offered the housing stipend. Contracts that offer a housing stipend instead, which most travel nurses take, leave the responsibility of finding appropriate housing to you.
With each contract may come a new health insurance policy. This will be dependent on the agency that you work with. If you switch between multiple agencies, then there will most likely be a lapse in your health insurance. However, nurses can opt for private insurance and pay out of pocket. That way, when the assignment ends, you won’t lose your insurance.
The are countless reasons why you should find a travel nursing position in Colorado. First, Colorado is part of the eNLC (Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact). The eNLC allows nurses to hold one license to practice in participating states without having to pay additional licensing fees. For those nurses that hold primary residence in an eNLC state, traveling to Colorado can be simple. As a non-resident of an eNLC state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement but will only be issued a single-state license instead of the compact license. Nurses can hold multiple single-state licenses.
Colorado continues to see growth in the travel nursing market. A 2021 study found that while Colorado currently has a nursing gap of around 2,600 nurses, that number will grow to a projected gap of more than 10,000 nurses by 2026. Beyond the needs at the bedside, travel nurses in Colorado can expect adventure in both the summer and winter.
Find available, high-paying travel nurse opportunities.
Hawaii is a top travel nurse destination and not because of the high salaries but because of the sun, sand, surf, and adventures. Hawaii is home to some of the world’s best surfing, crystal blue water, white sandy beaches, and massive volcanos.
Travel nurses will find contracts throughout the islands that seem to have high take-home pay, but unfortunately, the cost of living will bring your monthly salary down substantially. Most travel nurses do not take contracts in Hawaii for the pay but rather for the experiences. ATV adventures, surfing on the North Shore, rappelling down sheer cliffs, and visiting the historic USS Arizona monument are all possibilities in Hawaii.
What are you waiting for? The Aloha State is calling you.
Looking for open travel nurse assignments in Hawaii? Speak with a recruiter today!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of $106,530 or $51.22 per hour which is more than the national average.
In fact, the top 90% of nurses in Hawaii earn $129,670. The lowest 10% earn an average salary of $75,380 which is just below the national average and still significantly more in some areas of the country.
Unfortunately, the BLS does not differentiate between staff nurses and travel nurses, though the compensation for travel nurses is usually higher and directly reflective of the ongoing need for nurses.
Hawaii is a highly desirable location for travel nurses, and salaries are reflective of that. However, remember that because Hawaii is SO desirable to travel nurses, the pay packages might be less than on the mainland because of the influx of interest in positions. It is important to note that the cost of living is also significantly higher in Hawaii which is reflected in the pay.
Indeed.com reports an average base salary of $2,673 per week or $62.61 per hour with top-paying locations in Waimea, Kailua, Hilo, Honokaa, and Kealakekua. Here’s how they break down:
| Hourly Wage | Weekly Wage | Monthly Wage | |
| Waimea | $99.70 | $4,257 | $16,471 |
| Kailua | $97.70 | $4,171 | $16,140 |
| Hilo | $60.94 | $2,602 | $10,068 |
| Honokaa | $58.85 | $2,513 | $9,723 |
| Kealakekua | $56.38 | $2,407 | $9,314 |
The highest-paid travel nursing specialties depend on a variety of factors including location within the state, demand, and urgency of needs. In Hawaii, the pay is less in major cities for all specialties. The overall pay is based on demand, especially for specific specialties. As the demand for travel nurses increases, wages also increase.
Historically, medical-surgical nurses, long-term care nurses, and clinic nurses have seen significantly lower rates than other specialties in Hawaii. Travel nurses with additional certifications such as CCRN or RNC, and skill sets such as ECMO or dialysis training will earn higher wages. Travel nurses with BLS, ACLS, and PALS will not see a bump in pay as those are standard certifications that are needed for most nursing positions.
Generally, top-paying travel nurse specialties are:
Find open positions today for your specialty.
Hawaii has only 28 hospitals across all islands. Four meet high U.S. News standards and are ranked within the state. According to the U.S. News & World Report, these four hospitals were evaluated and ranked. The top five hospitals in Hawaii as of 2022-2023 were as follows:
1. Queen’s Medical Center – Honolulu
2. Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center
Hawaii has always had an extremely high cost of living because the majority of supplies including food need to be imported from the mainland. Because Hawaii is completely surrounded by water, all supplies need to either be shipped in or flown in which increases the costs exponentially. Additionally, because of its tropical location, investors continue to buy properties on the island which drives up housing costs.
Cost of living is defined as the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as food, taxes, healthcare, and housing. Despite all travel nurse companies providing a stipend for housing, at times it has shown to not be enough. Furthermore, depending on the location – hotels may not be a viable long-term solution.
According to Bestplaces.net, the overall cost of living in Hawaii is 65.7% higher than the national average. It’s important to remember that Hawaii has eight main islands and the cost of living is different on each island. For example, the cost of living in Maui is exponentially higher than the national average. On the other hand, Oahu has a lower cost of living than the national average.
Travel nurses do struggle at times to find housing in Hawaii because it is such a desirable location. Rent prices in Hawaii are significantly more than in other parts of the country. A studio apartment in Hawaii averages $1,457 per month while the national average is $949. A one-bedroom apartment will cost roughly $1,609 while the national average cost is $1,048.
Payscale.com reports on the cost of living in major Hawaii cities including the median home price, median rent, and monthly energy bill. As expected groceries are also significantly higher than the national average.
| National Average | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Energy Bill | Groceries | |
| Honolulu | 222% higher | $1,281,232 | $3,914 | $270.60 | 56% higher |
| Hilo | 48% higher | $589,622 | $1,801 | $327.62 | 53% higher |
| Papaikou | 48% higher | $589,622 | $1,801 | $357.62 | 53% higher |
| Captain Cook | 48% higher | $589,622 | $1,801 | $357.62 | 53% higher |
With any career, there are pros and cons to the job. Travel nursing is no exception. It’s important to take into consideration your own personal circumstances:
Hawaii is a dream location for travel nurses. Nurses typically work three days a week which leaves plenty of time to explore the islands. There are sandy beaches, crystal blue water, some of the best surfing in the world, and insane landscapes.
Hawaii’s islands are known for some of the most iconic national monuments and parks including Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The highlight of the memorial is a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial which allows visitors the opportunity to view the historic sunken battleship that was targeted during WWII. Volcano National Park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes- Kīlauea and Mauna Loa – and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Completely surrounded by water, Hawaii has no shortage of beaches. Travel nurses can spend days relaxing on white or black sandy beaches and catch some of the best waves in the world. The famous North Shore on O’ahu is more than seven miles and is famous for hosting the world’s premier surfing competition. Travel nurses interested in surfing will want to land contracts between November and February as waves can swell to almost thirty feet. But don’t worry – if you are new to surfing there are plenty of other beaches that are ideal locations to learn.
All of the main islands have plenty of outdoor activities but Kauai nicknamed the Garden Island is the lushest. Serving as the backdrop for Jurassic Park and other outdoor adventure movies, Kauai is considered a paradise on earth to many. Home to Waimea Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, can only fully be seen by aircraft. There are waterfalls, red volcanic dirt, and vibrant green scenery.
Hawaii’s islands have plenty of outdoor hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, but O’ahu has the best hiking trails that cover the two volcanic mountain ranges. Kauai has the famous Kauai’s Na Pali Coast trail which is ideal for advanced hikers because it is 22 miles long with multiple elevation changes on the edge of the cliffs.
The real question is – why NOT Hawaii? Hawaii is the perfect location for adventure-loving travel nurses. Travel nurse salaries are higher in Hawaii, but that is also because the cost of living is higher than on the mainland. Most supplies and groceries have to be flown in, and rent is also higher than in most other locations.
Hawaii has the sun, sand, and nature. Nurses that are not typically into outdoor activities will still find Hawaii a desirable location. Unfortunately, because Hawaii is such a desirable location, travel nurses may find it difficult to find the perfect contract. Seasoned and newer travel nurses may have to accept a less-than-ideal contract, especially if Hawaii is a must on your travel nurse bucket list. But don’t worry – the excitement and adventure that awaits you in The Aloha State will make it all worthwhile.
Ready to start your adventure? Sign up today and start traveling next week.
Arizona is known for the Grand Canyon, vast deserts, and the Hoover Dam. The state offers endless possibilities for travel nurses. Travel nurses can find some of the best hospitals in the country in Phoenix and Tempe. Located in the American Southwest, Arizona is known for its heat and humidity which might be a deterrent for some but a great escape from the snowy winters of the Northeast and Midwest.
Bordering Mexico, travel nurses in Arizona have the opportunity to easily travel to parts of Mexico and Central America. This expands a travel nurse’s ability to experience new locations and cultures. Travel nurses yearning to see other parts of the world will see this border state as an ideal location for a nursing contract.
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses in Arizona earn an average annual salary of $81,600 or $39.23 per hour, which is more than the national average.
In fact, the top 90% of nurses in Arizona earn over $100,000.
Unfortunately, the BLS does not differentiate between staff nurses and travel nurses, though the compensation for travel nurses is usually higher and directly reflective of the ongoing need for nurses. Based on the BLS, it can be assumed that travel nurses in Arizona earn a higher wage than in other parts of the country.
In fact, the top 90% of nurses in Arizona earn over $100,000.
Indeed.com reports an average base salary of $2,671 per week or $62.56 per hour with top-paying locations in Mesa, Sun City, Glendale, Tucson, and Phoenix. Here’s how they break down:
| Hourly Wage | Weekly Wage | Monthly Wage | |
| Mesa | $70.59 | $3,013 | $11,661 |
| Sun City | $69.82 | $2,981 | $11,535 |
| Glendale | $66.65 | $2,846 | $11,012 |
| Tucson | $63.62 | $2,716 | $10,511 |
| Phoenix | $60.53 | $2,584 | $10,000 |
The highest-paid travel nursing specialties depend on a variety of factors including location within the state, demand, and urgency of needs. The overall pay is based on demand, especially for specific specialties. As the demand for travel nurses increases, wages also increase.
Medical surgical nurses, long-term care nurses, and clinic nurses will see significantly lower rates than other specialties. Travel nurses that have additional certifications, skill sets, and training will earn higher wages.
Historically speaking, the top-paying travel nurse specialties are:
Find open positions today for your specialty.
Arizona has 111 hospitals. Nine meet high U.S. News standards and are ranked within the state. According to the report, these six hospitals were evaluated and ranked. The top five hospitals in Arizona as of 2023 were as follows:
2. Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix
3. St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
5. Abrazo Arrowhead Campus (TIE)
5. Banner Boswell Medical Center (TIE)
As the national cost of living continues to rise, Arizona is also seeing a slight overall rise in its local cost of living. However, rent costs are lower than the national average which is vital to travel nurses. In the current housing market, more travel nurses are having difficulty finding temporary housing around the country, so it’s exciting to see lower rent costs in Arizona.
Cost of living is defined as the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as food, taxes, healthcare, and housing. Despite all travel nurse companies providing a stipend for housing, at times it has shown to not be enough. Furthermore, depending on the location – hotels may not be a viable long-term solution.
According to Bestplaces.net, the overall cost of living in Arizona rates 106.4. The number is only slightly above 100, which means Arizona’s cost of living is barely higher than the U.S. average, especially compared to more expensive states. This can be reassuring to travel nurses trying to maximize their money made during a contract.
The median house cost in Arizona is $349,300 as compared to the median home cost in the U.S. of only $291,700. While most travel nurses won’t be purchasing a home, this can be an important statistic when determining housing stipends and factoring in other monthly costs.
Good news on the rental front – rent is lower in Arizona than in the rest of the country. For example, studio apartments rent for $906 in Arizona while the national average for a studio is $949. A one-bedroom apartment in Arizona will cost you roughly $991, while the one-bedroom national average is $1,048.
Payscale.com reports on the cost of living in major Arizona cities including the median home price, median rent, and monthly energy bill.
| National Average | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Average Energy Bill | |
| Phoenix | 4% higher | $466,120 | $1,424 | $180.69 |
| Flagstaff | 16% higher | $533,448 | $1,630 | $155.78 |
| Vail | 20% higher | $665,165 | $2,032 | $167.89 |
| Tempe | 10% higher | $573,995 | $1,753 | $176.42 |
| Tacna | 12% lower | $210,746 | $643.78 | $186.32 |
With any career, there are pros and cons. Travel nursing is no exception. It’s important to take into consideration your own personal circumstances:
1. Increased earning potential – Travel nurses have the ability to earn significantly more money than staff nurses, especially in Arizona. Furthermore, travel nurses actually take home more after taxes due to reimbursements and incentives not being considered “taxable income.” Most travel nurses receive agency-provided housing or a hefty monthly allowance to put toward housing expenses.
2. Travel! – One of the main reasons travel nurses start this adventure is to experience different cities and states they may not otherwise get to visit. It also is great for nurses who are not sure where they ultimately want to settle down. Arizona’s prime location next to Mexico allows travel nurses to experience another country and culture.
3. Flexibility – You have the ability to take a contract when you want and where you want. If you really want to travel to Arizona, you have the ability to find a contract that fits your needs. This can be ideal for travel nurses who are in school or want to be home for the holiday season. It is also easier to get a permanent staff position if there is a hospital that you eventually want to work at.
4. Networking – Most don’t consider this a huge pro of travel nursing but it is! With an increase in the number of nurses that go on for an advanced degree, making connections with different hospitals, providers, and other nurses can be very important when trying to find preceptors for graduate-level clinical rotations.
5. Avoid hospital and unit politics – Most don’t like to admit it, but bedside nursing comes with drama and politics. It can be as simple as a hierarchy based on seniority or something more serious. Being a travel nurse allows you to avoid all of this by not being fully invested in the unit but rather helping out for a very specific amount of time.
1. Always the new person – Being new to a unit can be exciting but can also be frustrating or even lonely. Not knowing anyone on the unit can affect the type of help you will get within your work environment.
2. Not the best assignments – Some hospitals will assign travel nurses patients just like any other nurse on the unit. Others will assign them the easiest patients, the hardest patients, or the ones that no one wants to deal with. This can be frustrating, especially on an extended contract.
3. First to float to another unit – Despite being contracted to a specific unit, most travel nurses will have to float to other parts of the hospital within their skill set. Some travel nurses, depending on their specialty, will have non-float clauses in their contracts. This again will make you the new person which can affect how others perceive you as well as assist you throughout the shift.
4. Finding a place to live – All travel nurse companies offer their nurses places to live during each contract. However, it is not always in the location that they want, with the amenities they desire, or otherwise fitting their needs. Contracts will offer a housing stipend instead, which most travel nurses take, but then the work of finding appropriate housing falls on you.
5. Changing health insurance policies – With each contract may come a new health insurance policy. This will be dependent on the agency that you work with. If you switch between multiple agencies then there will most likely be a lapse in your health insurance. However, nurses can opt for private insurance and pay out of pocket. That way, when the assignment ends, you won’t lose your insurance. This can be important, especially if you are interested in taking time off between contracts and are interested in an extended travel break.
Arizona, while a landlocked state, is known for desert spas, golf oases, breathtaking rock formations, and hikes. The Colorado River runs through Arizona and offers pristine outdoor adventures for travel nurses and visitors alike.
While most major cities in Arizona have overall increased costs of living, the overall rent in Arizona is less than the national average. This can be exciting information for travel nurses especially if they are interested in finding their own housing and saving the housing stipend offered by the travel nursing agency.
Ready to start your adventure? Sign up today and start traveling next week.
By: Kathleen Gaines MSN, BA, RN, CBC
Oregon is ready for adventures! With 363 miles of Pacific coastline, Oregon has tide pools, hiking trails, sandy beaches, sleepy beach towns, and hundreds of lighthouses and it is begging for you to come work there.
The number one attraction in Oregon is Crater Lake National Park which lies in the Cascade Mountains and offers some of the best hiking trails in the country. Mount Hood National Forest is pristine and breathtaking. There are endless possibilities for outdoor adventures on your days off.
But even if you are not into the great outdoors, Oregon also is known for being home to more than 900 wineries producing almost 100 varieties of grapes, countless craft breweries, and some of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the country.
If you are ready for an adventure – Oregon might be the state for you.
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments in Oregon!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses in Oregon work in one of the five highest-paying states for RNs. Nurses in Oregon earn $98,630 annually, or $47.42 an hour. The BLS does not differentiate between staff nurses and travel nurses, though the compensation for travel nurses is directly reflective of the ongoing need for nurses. Therefore, Oregon is one of the highest-paying states for travel nurses.
Indeed.com reports an average base salary of $2,481 per week with top locations in Grants Pass, Oregon City, Bend, Eugene, and Salem. Here’s how they break down.
3. Bend, OR
4. Eugene, OR
5. Salem, OR
Looking for travel nurse assignments in Oregon? Speak with a recruiter today!
The highest-paid travel nursing specialties depend on a variety of factors including location within the state, demand, and urgency of needs. The demand for travel nurses in Oregon has always been high because it is consistently one of the top-paying states for nurses.
As a result of the increased demand for nurses and the ongoing pandemic, wages that are being offered are steadily increasing. Unfortunately, this is not being seen across all disciplines of nursing. Medical surgical nurses, long-term care nurses and clinic nurses will see significantly lower rates than other specialties. Increased certifications, credentials, and skills will command higher pay.
Historically speaking, the top-paying travel nurse specialties are:
Oregon has 65 hospitals. Ten meet high U.S. News standards and as a result are ranked in the state. According to U.S. World News and Report, these hospitals were evaluated and ranked. The top five hospitals in Oregon as of 2023 were:
2. Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
4. Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center (TIE)
4. Salem Hospital (TIE)
As the national cost of living continues to rise, Oregon is also seeing a significant rise in their local cost of living. In fact, an ongoing issue for travel nurses is finding affordable housing during contracts. There have been many reports of travel nurses not being able to find housing until days before or even days after a contract starts.
Cost of living is defined as the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as food, taxes, healthcare, and housing. Despite all travel nurse companies providing a stipend for housing, at times it has shown to not be enough. Furthermore, depending on the location – hotels may not a viable long-term solution.
According to Bestplaces.net, the overall cost of living in Oregon rates 114.3. The number is well above 100 which means Oregon’s COL is higher than the U.S. average. The median house cost is $438,100 as compared to the median home cost in the U.S. of only $291,700.
Payscale.com reports on the cost of living in major Oregon cities including the median home price, median rent, and monthly energy bill.
With any career, there are pros and cons to the job. Travel nursing is no exception. It’s important to take into consideration your own personal circumstances, family obligations, and reasons for wanting to be a travel nurse. Reasons that some nurses might see as a con may in fact be a positive for you.
1. Increased earning potential – Travel nurses have the ability to earn significantly more money than staff nurses. Furthermore, they actually take home more after taxes due to reimbursements and incentives not being considered “taxable income.” Most travel nurses receive agency-provided housing or have a hefty monthly allowance to put toward housing expenses.
2. Travel! – One of the main reasons travel nurses start this adventure is to experience different cities and states they may not otherwise get to experience. It also is great for nurses that are not sure where they ultimately want to settle down.
3. Flexibility – You have the ability to take a contract when you want to and where you want. If you really want to travel to Oregon, you have the ability to find a contract that fits your needs. It is also easier to get a permanent staff position if there is a hospital that you eventually want to work at.
4. Networking – Most don’t consider this a huge pro of travel nursing but it is! With an increase in the number of nurses that go on for an advanced degree, making connections with different hospitals, providers, and nurses can be very important when trying to find preceptors for graduate-level clinical rotations.
5. Avoid hospital and unit politics – Most don’t like to admit it, but bedside nursing comes with drama and politics. It can be as simple as a hierarchy based on seniority or something more serious. Being a travel nurse allows you to avoid all of this by not being fully invested in the unit but rather helping out for a very specific amount of time.
1. Always the new person – Being new to a unit can be exciting but can also be frustrating or even lonely. Not knowing anyone on the unit can affect the type of help you will get in your work environment.
2. Not the best assignments – Some hospitals will assign travel nurses patients just like any other nurse on the unit. Others will assign them the easiest patients, the hardest patients, or the ones that no one wants to deal with.
3. First to float to another unit – Despite being contracted to a specific unit, most travel nurses will have to float to other parts of the hospital within their skill set. This again will make you the new person which can affect how others perceive you as well as assist you throughout the shift
4. Finding a place to live – All travel nurse companies offer their nurses places to live during each contract. However, it is not always in the location that you want, has the amenities you desire, and/or fits your needs. Contracts will offer a housing stipend instead, which most travel nurses take, but then finding appropriate housing falls on you.
5. Changing health insurance policies – With each contract may come a new health insurance policy. This will be dependent on the agency that you work with. If you switch between multiple agencies then there will most likely be a lapse in your health insurance. However, nurses can opt for private insurance and pay out of pocket. That way, when the assignment ends, you won’t lose your insurance.
Oregon has something to offer both the novice and experienced nurse and everyone in between. There are endless things to do on your day off. Enjoy a beer downtown with friends, hike the outer rim of Crater Lake, or take in the breathtaking mountains at a local vineyard. Competitive salaries and gorgeous locations make this west coast state a prime location for travel nurses. Its proximately to California (one of the most requested states for travel nursing) entices those that want to experience all the west coast has to offer!
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments in Oregon!
The highest-paying travel nursing specialties depend on a variety of factors including location, demand, and urgency of needs.
Click here for available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!
For example, OR nurses are one of the highest-paid specialties; however, an OR travel nurse in Hawaii most likely will make drastically less than an OR travel nurse in New York. Fields that are more specialized can have the potential to earn a higher salary because there are fewer nurses in those fields.
Most travel nurse experts will explain that oftentimes the specialty, while important, is not as important as the location. While the following specialties are in demand and highly paid, the location and length of the contract typically do more to determine the pay rate.
Keep in mind, that travel pay will also reflect the local cost of living. Therefore, it is important to take this into consideration when looking at take-home pay.
Becker’s Hospital Review completed a survey of more than 18,000 travel nurse positions back in 2019 that identified the following travel nurse specialties as the top paying. Here’s what their average national salaries look like today!
Operating room nurses can either function as circulating or scrub nurses during procedures. Typically, travel nurses assume the role of a circulating nurse; however, it depends on the setting.
OR nurses are highly skilled and the more experience with different body systems, the more desirable you will be.
Labor and delivery nursing is consistently one of the highest-paid travel nursing specialties because of the overwhelming number of births in many hospitals.
In addition, labor and delivery nurses can often work in postpartum and newborn nurseries, which increases the demand for them, and subsequently, the pay rates.
NICU nurses work strictly with critically ill neonates and newborns. Because of the patient population and the skills required to provide medical care for them, there are positions available constantly. With fewer nurses to fill the roles, hospitals often offer premium pay to NICU nurses.
PACU nurses care for patients after surgical procedures. These nurses must be well versed in the care of a variety of post-operative care.
Travel nurses who have a specialty in the ICU have the responsibility to look after patients who have experienced accidents, trauma, surgery, and organ failure. ICU nurses often have advanced training and certifications, which means increased pay packages.
Furthermore, ICU nurses can essentially work or float to most units in the hospital. This also increases demand.
Licensed and ready to travel? Find assignments in your specialty.
Since COVID-19, ER nurses have been in short supply. As a result, travel ER nurses can make excellent money in most locations throughout the country. Because of the fast-paced nature as well as the overall intensity of the ER, there is expected to be an ongoing shortage of ER nurses in the future.
Step-down nurses specifically care for patients immediately after they leave the ICU. The patient-to-nurse ratio is lower than on a medical-surgical floor but slightly higher than in an ICU. Many of these patients are still sick but they no longer require the acute care they were receiving in the ICU. Oftentimes, these nurses have similar skills and nursing certifications to an ICU nurse, which means lots of demand and an appropriately high pay rate.
Pediatric nurses can often work in a variety of settings and healthcare facilities, which makes them valuable and the result is high pay packages.
Similar to medical surgical nurses, telemetry nurses primarily focus on patients requiring advanced cardiac monitoring. Telemetry nurses often care for more critically ill patients than medical-surgical nurses. They monitor changes in condition, record and interpret vital data to assist with patient assessment, and are responsible for educating patients on home health care.
One of the most common travel nursing specialties, medical-surgical nurses are found throughout the hospital working with a variety of patients. Medical-surgical nurses provide patient care for a variety of medical conditions and often have heavier patient assignments than in an ICU setting.
Click here for available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!
*Salaries from Indeed
By: Kathleen Gaines MSN, BA, RN, CBC
Florida has more than 825 miles of sandy coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the perfect location for a travel nursing assignment. Nurses will find the perfect mix of sun, sand, and adventure in the Sunshine State.
Travel nurses in Florida will find a diverse population, including a large number of geriatric patients, which is ideal for those nurses with experience. If you are ready for an adventure – Florida might be the state for you. Keep reading to find out more!
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments in Florida!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses in Florida earn an average annual salary of $72,000 which is lower than the national average of $77,600. The compensation for travel nurses is directly reflective of this as well as the ongoing need for nurses. Florida is unfortunately one of the lower-paying states for nurses, including travel nurses.
Indeed.com reports an average base salary of $2,287 per week, with top locations in Fort Myers, Tampa, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, and Gainesville.
| City | Hourly Wage | Weekly Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Fort Myers | $58.49 | $2,497 | $9,662 |
| Tampa | $55.13 | $2,354 | $9,107 |
| Jacksonville | $53.73 | $2,294 | $8,876 |
| Daytona Beach | $52.60 | $2,246 | $8,690 |
| Gainesville | $51.70 | $2,207 | $8,543 |
The pay range for travel nursing specialties throughout the state of Florida varies widely as it’s such a large state and the need for nurses in certain specialties is different in each part of the state. Florida has also been a popular travel nursing destination, but not because the pay has been above average. Unfortunately, because the pay is low for staff nurses, many nurses leave the state after graduation and passing the NCLEX.
Additionally, during winter months there is an influx of residents as many of the older population move south for the winter, more commonly known as “snowbirds.”
Medical surgical nurses, long-term care nurses, and clinic nurses will see significantly lower rates than other specialties, but this is generally the case even for staff nurses. Increased certifications, credentials, and skills will command higher pay.
Historically speaking, the top-paying travel nurse specialties are:
Looking for travel nurse assignments in Florida? Speak with a recruiter today!
Florida has 247 hospitals in total. Of those, 38 met U.S. World News and Report’s high standards qualifications. Of the 38, here were the top five hospitals in the Sunshine State:
3. Tampa General Hospital (TIE #3)
3. UFHealth Memorial Hospital (TIE #3)
As the national cost of living continues to rise, Florida is also seeing a rise in the cost of living. In fact, an ongoing issue for travel nurses is finding affordable housing during contracts. There have been many reports of travel nurses not being able to find housing until days before or even days after a contract starts.
While all travel nurse companies provide a stipend for housing, at times it is not enough. Furthermore, depending on the location, hotels are not a viable long-term solution. Travel nurses have resorted to utilizing alternative websites such as Airbnb and Furnished Finders to find housing while traveling.
Cost of living is defined as the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as housing, food, taxes, and healthcare. According to Bestplaces.net, Florida’s overall cost of living rate is 103.1 on an average of 100. An amount below 100 means Florida is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means Florida, Florida is more expensive. Let’s take a look at some of Florida’s top cities:
Unfortunately, the cost of living continues to rise in desirable locations. Florida, known for its sunny weather and endless beaches, is being hit by inflation and rising costs. Travel nurses that do not take the housing stipend are finding it increasingly more difficult to find safe and affordable housing.
According to Bestplaces.net, Florida’s cost of living is rated 103.1 which is above the national average. A rating greater than 100 means that Florida is more expensive than the national average. Here is a breakdown of some of Florida’s top cities:
There are countless reasons why you should find a travel nursing position in Florida. First, Florida is part of the eNLC (Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact). The eNLC allows nurses to hold one license to practice in participating states without having to pay additional licensing fees. For those nurses that hold primary residence in an eNLC state, traveling to Florida can be simple. As a non-resident of an eNLC state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement but will only be issued a single-state license instead of the compact license. Nurses can hold multiple single-state licenses.
A 2021 study found that Florida currently has a nursing shortage of around 1,600 nurses; however, it is expected that Florida will have a surplus of nurses by 2026 of over 5,000 Registered Nurses! Unfortunately, this can be detrimental to travel nurses as there may not be as many contracts available. In general, since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has also been a decrease in the number of bedside nurses and nurses successfully graduating from nursing school. This is encouraging news for travel nurses interested in finding contracts in this southern gem of a state.
Find available travel nursing assignments in Florida or other states.
