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North Carolina has it all. From an entire coastline of beaches or the Great Smoky Mountains to vibrant cities filled with rich culture, this state does not suffer from a lack of appeal. There are endless opportunities for nurses to invest in the local lives of their coworkers and fill their days off with endless adventures. North Carolina has 39 state parks which can provide an excellent start in your search for this state’s beauty.
Although you will not find the highest-paying contracts in North Carolina, the low cost of living makes the monthly balance almost even out to some of the higher-paying states. The state has plenty of contracts for almost all specialties giving travel nurses many options and opportunities. North Carolina can satisfy a nurse’s thirst for adventure while also welcoming them into the local life with its incredibly warm culture and population.
Looking for travel nurse assignments in North Carolina? Speak with a recruiter today!
Great question! And as mentioned above, you won’t get the absolute top dollar working in North Carolina. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the average nurse in North Carolina makes $71,200 annually. Unfortunately, if money is your top priority, North Carolina’s wages won’t do much to impress you as they are lower than the county’s average nursing salary of $77,600. However, the lower cost of living helps offset the pay decrease.
Based on a Med/Surg travel contract at three 12-hour shifts per week, the highest-paying North Carolina cities are as follows:
Like any travel contract, the pay rate varies largely based on the specialty of nursing. North Carolina as a whole sees a steady stream of patients, as it does not have a dramatic seasonal influx of volume. Regionally, however, the mountains and beaches have slightly variable patient census due to predictable vacation patterns. As of the beginning of 2023, the highest-paying specialties in North Carolina are:
North Carolina has multiple hospitals that are known nationwide for their different specialty services. According to U.S. New World and Reports, North Carolina has over 20 recognized hospitals for different achievements.
Here are the top 5 rated hospitals in North Carolina:
The increase in the cost of living nationwide has caused many travelers to see a decrease in their overall take-home wages. However, North Carolina still remains under the “average” mark when compared to other states. In a comparison between the cost of living by BestPlaces.net between Charlotte, NC, and Seattle, WA, Seattle is 68.3% higher in the overall cost of living index. However, the cost of food prices is relatively the same between both places.
Housing for travelers creates its own set of challenges no matter where you decide to travel. With the increasing popularity and discussion surrounding travel nursing, prices for short-term housing have increased as well. On the bright side, North Carolina has several large university systems. This usually means a much larger scope of housing options, as there are many traveling professionals and students that cycle through these cities.
North Carolina provides endless opportunities for fun days off from the bedside. In the winter months, be sure to buy tickets to see some of the basketball games at either Duke or UNC. But beware – basketball is life in North Carolina, so choose your team wisely. You could also spend your spare time reading and researching some of the many historical sites and memorials throughout the state, and then spend a day off and take a tour of those locations.
The Outer Banks provides a unique time for people to see the state’s magical coastline. They also are home to countless other incredible beaches to watch the sunrise over the horizon. The mountains on the western side of the state have nationally known trails for mountain biking as well as some incredible hiking trails. You could even spend a day trekking part of the Appalachian Trail or delivering supplies as a random act of kindness to thru-hikers. You must add a trip to see the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to the list as well, as it is one of the most visited parks in America.
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments in North Caroline!
North Carolina provides an amazing amount of options for a travel nurse to both love their job, as well as their life outside of work. With so many well-known and respected specialties at so many hospitals, North Carolina provides job opportunities for just about every nurse. There are also activities for the history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or even wine connoisseur. Take a leap of adventure and consider a contract in North Carolina to experience the warm, southern hospitality.
Find open positions today for your specialty.
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.
Nothing screams travel nursing quite like living in the Pacific Northwest. As a matter of fact, Washington state seems to be a hub for travel nurses as it provides so many of the necessary factors that nurses look for when booking a new contract, which we’ll discuss shortly.
It has the allure of providing a completely different landscape and climate than you can find in almost any other state in America, which brings with it the promise of new adventures. Washington has such a diverse landscape, from the ocean to the mountains to vineyards, all in one state. Plus, when you add in the big city of Seattle, you get the ease of accessibility, events to attend, and rich culture that seeps through the streets.
Days off in Washington state provide hundreds of activities and sightseeing opportunities for travel nurses. With 3 National Parks and more than 140 State Parks, there is an endless number of trails and viewpoints to fill your days enjoying the sights.
If you time your contracts right, you can take a tour and watch the whale migration off the coast. You can book a weekend and take the ferries to one of the many islands just off the shores. A short road trip can lead you to the “American Alps” where you can enjoy the most charming Bavarian-style village in the heart of the Cascades. In the southern part of the state, you can crawl through lava tunnels that were formed after the eruption of Mount St. Helens or drive up the Columbia Gorge. In the eastern part of the state, Spokane provides a unique and more remote city environment to experience a new culture. At the heart of the state, Seattle lends endless activities, incredible eateries, and the quintessential PNW experience.
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
Washington state always seems to have a need for travel nurses, so there should never be a lack of opportunity or options when choosing your contract. There are also many different cities to choose between, and many of them are in close proximity to one another, or within a short drive of Seattle.
From personal experience, the travel nurse community within this state was also deeper and more connected than in other areas I’ve experienced. This is likely due to a large number of travelers in the area. There are endless areas to explore throughout the state, and even through numerous contract extensions, you are sure to want more from the beautiful scenery. Washington also has much stricter regulations surrounding nursing ratios. And the working conditions, along with the pay, are much more enjoyable and safe than in most other places in America.
Washington and the PNW have a stereotype for a reason. If grey skies get you down, don’t plan on traveling here in the winter or springtime. The rain and dreariness of the land throughout the winter can be enough to dissuade nurses from wanting to sign a contract in Washington. Since it is located in the far corner of the country, it might also be too remote for some people’s taste. Traveling home to see family might be a full-day process with layovers, so the distance away from “home” might dissuade people from coming here.
As with any nursing pay, it is always important to look at the specialty, hourly requirements, and city when comparing pay. For this specific comparison, the rates quoted will all be for a traditional 36-hour-a-week rate. Rates also are highly dependent on the company, and they all choose their payouts using different formulas.
Taking a standard medical/surgical travel contract, for example, there are currently more than 1,220 jobs posted by the largest travel companies alone. The highest pay in the state is in Seattle proper, and the current quote is for $3,654 per week. The average pay for this same job outside of the city seems to be closer to $3,000 per week. Most of the jobs listed in the state of Washington are within a 200-mile radius of Seattle, which includes the Olympic Peninsula, Tacoma, Olympia, and other Seattle suburbs.
Another huge bonus to working in Washington state is that there is no state income tax. The average rate quoted for the state is around $3,000 per week which amounts to $12,000 a month. Over the course of a typical travel contract, that will yield $39,000 in a 12-week contract and could amount to $153,000 annually if a traveler decided to extend to the full length of their allowed time.
When looking at the highest-paying contracts in a region, it’s always important to remember how specialties impact the results. Many of the highest-paying jobs in Washington are in Seattle’s surrounding towns, but the highest-paying jobs are for cardiac specialties in more rural areas of the state, due to demand. The other highest-paid travel contracts in Washington are these four:
Here are the highest-paying cities and specialties around the Evergreen state:
| City and Specialty | Weekly Wage | Monthly Wage | 13-Weeks |
| Wenatchee CVOR RN | $4,500 | $18,000 | $58,500 |
| Kirkland OR RN | $4,425 | $17,700 | $57,525 |
| Everett L&D RN | $4,400 | $17,600 | $57,200 |
| Seattle L&D RN | $4,821 | $17,124 | $55,653 |
| Tacoma CVICU RN | $3,885 | $15,540 | $50,505 |
Seattle is a phenomenal place for travelers to start. There are many options for just about any nurse looking to get their feet wet in the travel industry. Seattle provides competitive pay for almost any nursing specialty you could imagine. Below is a quick list of some of the current job rates for different specialties in Seattle. But there are plenty more where that came from.
Find travel nursing assignments in Washington by speaking with a recruiter today!
Washington provides some of the most competitive pay for travel nurses, but it can cost you in other ways. In a recent study, Washington was rated the 8th most expensive city to live in in the U.S. The hard-earned money nurses are making taking these travel contracts is going to be mostly spent on costly housing, increased gas prices, and inflated food prices when compared to 80% of the country.
Finding housing has never been easier thanks to new apps like Furnished Finder and many of the well-developed Facebook pages catered to travelers. However, if you are looking to be cost-efficient yet live in the heart of the city, finding housing that checks all of your boxes can be challenging. A furnished studio apartment could cost upwards of $3,500 near downtown Seattle. However, if you are willing to live in the suburbs in more basic accommodations, your rent will be much more reasonable – in the $1,500 range.
Some of the more affordable cities in Washington include Spokane, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, and Bellingham. All of these places have their own charm and charisma and provide decent travel pay without sacrificing the basic amenities. Below are some rates for these cities with lower costs of living.
Washington also provides the opportunity to work at a variety of great hospitals. And, many of them are highly rated, too!
Washington is the kind of state where just about anyone can find their niche. From the outdoor enthusiast to the artistic creative, the ocean lover to the mountaineer, Washington has something that can interest anyone. Nurses love the working conditions that the state provides, and there is no income tax taken out on all of the money they earn while working. From large cities like Seattle and Tacoma, to smaller more rural areas in the north or hidden in the mountains, there are opportunities for both work and play all throughout the state. Nurses love going to Washington, and it should be high on the priority list for any traveler.
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!
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.
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:
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:
Find open positions today for your specialty.
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.
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!
COVID & travel nurses 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.
How much do travel nurses make in Alaska?
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!
Highest paying nursing specialties in Alaska
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:
Top 5 hospitals in Alaska
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:
Cost of living for travel nurses in Alaska
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.
Pros & cons of travel nursing in Alaska
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.
Pros
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.
Cons
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.
Why Alaska?
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!
