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The appeal of travel nursing is undeniable, often driven by the attractive pay, along with the freedom and adventure it offers. Many healthcare professionals humorously refer to travel nurses as the “Rolls Royce” or “Louis Vuitton” of the nursing world, seeing them as high earners who work short stints but bring home big paychecks. Naturally, staff nurses are curious—how does their pay stack up against that of travel nurses? If you’ve ever wondered how much travel nurses truly make, we’ve got the answers for you. In this article, we’ll explore the average travel nurse salary across different states and break down how factors like specialty and experience play a key role in determining their earnings. Let’s dive into the numbers and uncover what travel nurses really take home!
How Much Money Do Travel Nurses Make?
Compensation is one of the most talked-about topics when it comes to travel nursing. Unfortunately, there is no straight answer. A travel nurse’s salary depends on multiple factors, including the severity of a need in a given location and the state in general. On average, a travel nurse will make 16% more than a staff nurse. During the pandemic with crisis rates, travel nurses were making upwards of 30% more than staff nurses.
We often see higher rates in some states than in others and this is because of the cost of living and the demand for nurses. For example, California is one of the highest-paying travel nurse states because of its high demand and high cost of living.
With insights from ZipRecruiter and various other sources, we’ve compared the average RN salary by state to the average travel nurse salary by state. Keep in mind, these figures are based on available data and may vary depending on several factors!
Average RN vs. Travel Nurse Salaries by State:
| State | Average RN Salary | Average Weekly Salary (RN) | Average Hourly (RN) | Average Travel Nurse Salary | Average Weekly (Travel Nurse) | Average Hourly (Travel Nurse) |
| Alabama | $57,890 | $1,113 | $31 | $71,000 | $1,365 | $40 |
| Alaska | $87,510 | $1,683 | $47 | $105,000 | $2,019 | $58 |
| Arizona | $74,740 | $1,436 | $36 | $91,000 | $1,742 | $50 |
| California | $103,000 | $1,981 | $49 | $130,000 | $2,500 | $70 |
| Colorado | $75,640 | $1,453 | $35 | $91,000 | $1,742 | $50 |
| Connecticut | $82,330 | $1,583 | $40 | $100,000 | $1,923 | $55 |
| Florida | $67,610 | $1,301 | $32 | $83,000 | $1,596 | $45 |
| Georgia | $67,640 | $1,301 | $32 | $82,000 | $1,577 | $45 |
| Hawaii | $94,020 | $1,808 | $45 | $115,000 | $2,211 | $60 |
| Idaho | $66,270 | $1,274 | $32 | $80,000 | $1,538 | $45 |
| Illinois | $75,490 | $1,450 | $35 | $90,000 | $1,731 | $50 |
| Indiana | $64,670 | $1,243 | $31 | $78,000 | $1,500 | $43 |
| Iowa | $65,100 | $1,251 | $31 | $79,000 | $1,519 | $43 |
| Kansas | $61,320 | $1,179 | $29 | $75,000 | $1,442 | $42 |
| Kentucky | $65,440 | $1,260 | $32 | $79,000 | $1,519 | $43 |
| Louisiana | $65,680 | $1,263 | $32 | $78,000 | $1,500 | $44 |
| Maine | $75,290 | $1,447 | $36 | $91,000 | $1,742 | $50 |
| Maryland | $82,660 | $1,591 | $40 | $100,000 | $1,923 | $55 |
| Massachusetts | $92,340 | $1,774 | $45 | $110,000 | $2,115 | $60 |
| Michigan | $74,670 | $1,435 | $35 | $90,000 | $1,731 | $50 |
| Minnesota | $78,040 | $1,503 | $38 | $95,000 | $1,826 | $53 |
| Mississippi | $57,030 | $1,096 | $29 | $71,000 | $1,365 | $40 |
| Missouri | $68,510 | $1,318 | $33 | $83,000 | $1,596 | $45 |
| Montana | $70,000 | $1,346 | $34 | $85,000 | $1,635 | $47 |
| Nebraska | $65,740 | $1,264 | $31 | $79,000 | $1,519 | $43 |
| Nevada | $80,000 | $1,538 | $40 | $97,000 | $1,865 | $55 |
| New Hampshire | $81,320 | $1,561 | $40 | $98,000 | $1,885 | $55 |
| New Jersey | $85,720 | $1,647 | $42 | $105,000 | $2,019 | $58 |
| New Mexico | $75,600 | $1,453 | $36 | $91,000 | $1,742 | $50 |
| New York | $85,850 | $1,651 | $43 | $105,000 | $2,019 | $58 |
| North Carolina | $70,740 | $1,360 | $34 | $85,000 | $1,635 | $47 |
| North Dakota | $65,780 | $1,265 | $31 | $80,000 | $1,538 | $45 |
| Ohio | $70,350 | $1,351 | $34 | $85,000 | $1,635 | $47 |
| Oklahoma | $64,230 | $1,236 | $31 | $78,000 | $1,500 | $44 |
| Oregon | $86,000 | $1,654 | $42 | $105,000 | $2,019 | $58 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,370 | $1,429 | $35 | $90,000 | $1,731 | $50 |
| Rhode Island | $80,000 | $1,538 | $40 | $97,000 | $1,865 | $55 |
| South Carolina | $70,550 | $1,356 | $34 | $85,000 | $1,635 | $47 |
| South Dakota | $64,000 | $1,231 | $31 | $77,000 | $1,481 | $44 |
| Tennessee | $66,820 | $1,284 | $32 | $81,000 | $1,558 | $46 |
| Texas | $75,000 | $1,442 | $35 | $91,000 | $1,742 | $50 |
| Utah | $75,450 | $1,450 | $35 | $91,000 | $1,742 | $50 |
| Vermont | $77,570 | $1,493 | $38 | $93,000 | $1,788 | $52 |
| Virginia | $77,220 | $1,485 | $38 | $93,000 | $1,788 | $52 |
| Washington | $90,090 | $1,734 | $44 | $110,000 | $2,115 | $60 |
| West Virginia | $63,400 | $1,219 | $31 | $77,000 | $1,481 | $43 |
| Wisconsin | $71,970 | $1,384 | $34 | $87,000 | $1,673 | $49 |
| Wyoming | $75,210 | $1,445 | $36 | $91,000 | $1,742 | $50 |
Top Highest-Paying Travel Nurse Cities and States
If you’re looking for the best-paying opportunities as a travel nurse in 2025, you’re in luck! With the latest data from ZipRecruiter and other reliable sources, we’ve compiled a list of the highest-paying cities and states for travel nurses. Check out the updated figures to help guide your next career move!
Highest-Paying States for Travel Nurses in 2025
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| Washington | $114,542 |
| District of Columbia | $114,282 |
| New York | $110,642 |
| Massachusetts | $110,449 |
| Alaska | $108,913 |
| Vermont | $107,529 |
| North Dakota | $107,006 |
| Oregon | $106,925 |
| Colorado | $106,342 |
| Hawaii | $105,072 |
Highest-Paying Cities for Travel Nurses in 2025
| City | State | Average Annual Salary |
| Two Rivers | Wisconsin | $136,462 |
| New Lisbon | Wisconsin | $127,240 |
| Barrow | Alaska | $125,987 |
| Berkeley | California | $124,047 |
| Redwood City | California | $123,821 |
| Berlin Corners | Vermont | $123,604 |
| Rancho Murieta | California | $123,009 |
| Oak Bluffs | Massachusetts | $122,470 |
| Philip | South Dakota | $122,459 |
| Aspen | Colorado | $122,240 |
As you can see, California remains a hotspot for travel nurse assignments, with several cities offering impressive salary packages. Wisconsin and Alaska also make the list, with Two Rivers, WI leading the charge with the highest average annual salary for travel nurses.
These numbers reflect the growing demand for skilled travel nurses in key locations across the U.S., especially in areas with a higher cost of living or specialized healthcare needs.
If you’re aiming for top pay in 2025, these cities and states should be on your radar for your next assignment!
Highest Paying Travel Nurse Specialties
When it comes to determining a travel nurse’s salary, location plays a key role, but specialty matters just as much! Pursuing additional certifications and specializing in a particular area can significantly boost your earning potential as a registered nurse. Gaining experience in your specialty further enhances your value and salary. The more specialized, certified, and experienced a nurse becomes, the better care they’re able to provide, which in turn increases their worth and compensation.
Here are some of the highest-paying specialties in travel nursing, according to ZipRecruiter. Keep in mind, these rates can shift depending on current events. For instance, during the pandemic, ICU nurses and vaccinators were in high demand and saw a surge in pay as a result.
* Please note that these figures are averages and can vary based on factors such as location, demand, and specific healthcare facility needs. Additionally, while some specialties offer higher pay, it’s important to consider the cost of living in those areas when evaluating potential earnings.
Factors Affecting Travel Nurse Salaries
A travel nurse’s salary is influenced by several key factors that shape their compensation in the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Location, Location, Location!
Where you work plays a huge role in your travel nurse salary. Many new travel nurses are drawn to popular destinations, but that’s often where competition is highest. In high-demand areas like Florida and Colorado, especially during peak seasons, the pay can be lower due to the large number of nurses wanting to work there. On the other hand, less sought-after locations, such as South Dakota, may offer higher pay since facilities need to offer more to attract qualified candidates.
Location and Cost of Living
Location plays a significant role in determining your travel nurse salary, especially when you factor in the cost of living. You may receive higher pay for assignments in expensive cities, like Los Angeles or New York City, where the cost of living is high. These metropolitan areas often require higher wages to help cover the cost of living, which includes housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. Before accepting a position, always research the cost of living in the area to ensure the pay aligns with your needs.
Shift Type
Let’s face it—working the night shift often pays more! Night shifts are not for everyone, but for those who thrive on the nocturnal lifestyle, it can be a great way to boost your earnings. If you’re more of a day-shift person, don’t worry! Overtime, weekends, and holiday shifts all offer extra pay differentials that can increase your salary.
Travel Nursing Expenses: Taxes, Stipends, and Benefits
Stipends and Tax-Free Money
Travel nurse pay packages are often personalized based on individual needs, and many contracts include stipends or tax-free money. To qualify for these stipends, such as housing or meal allowances, you must be duplicating living expenses. For example, if you’re relocating across the country, your agency can help arrange your housing, whether it’s a hotel, VRBO, or Airbnb. These stipends are typically paid weekly along with your salary.
Tax Considerations
We always recommend speaking with a tax advisor for specific questions about stipends and tax-free money. Travel nurse tax rules can be complex, and a professional will ensure you’re making the most of your situation.
Travel Nurse Benefits
Travel nurse benefits can vary depending on the agency, but many offer comprehensive packages. At PRN Healthcare, for example, you can receive benefits such as health, dental, vision, life insurance, and even a 401(k) plan if you work 30+ hours a week. Additional perks include referral and renewal bonuses, continuing education reimbursements, and a focus on mental health with an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers counseling, financial, and legal consultations.
Additional Advantages of Being a Travel Nurse
1. Diverse Work Settings
As a travel nurse, you’ll experience a range of healthcare settings—everything from urban hospitals to rural clinics or specialty facilities. This exposure helps you develop a versatile skill set and adapt to different patient needs.
2. Explore New Places
Travel nursing allows you to live in and experience different regions across the country, giving you a chance to explore new cultures, foods, and activities while advancing your career.
3. Flexibility
One of the biggest draws of travel nursing is flexibility. You can choose when and where you want to work, giving you better control over your work-life balance. Many agencies offer customizable contracts to fit your preferences.
4. Competitive Compensation
Travel nurses typically earn higher wages than their permanent counterparts, thanks to tax-free stipends for housing and meals. Some assignments may also offer bonuses for contract extensions.
5. Professional Growth
Working in various healthcare environments helps expand your clinical knowledge and makes you a more adaptable nurse. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from different professionals and experience diverse healthcare systems.
6. Networking Opportunities
Travel nursing allows you to meet healthcare professionals from all over the country, expanding your professional network, which could open doors for career advancement.
7. Continuing Education & Certifications
Some travel nursing agencies incentivize continuing education and certifications, helping you stay up-to-date with your skills and improve your marketability.
8. Adventure & Personal Growth
Travel nursing is an adventure, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in new places, try new things, and experience personal growth while honing your professional skills.
9. Tax Benefits
Depending on your personal tax situation, you may qualify for certain tax advantages as a travel nurse. It’s worth consulting with a tax professional to fully understand any potential deductions.
10. Personal Growth
Travel nursing often pushes you outside your comfort zone, helping you grow both professionally and personally. Adapting to new environments builds self-confidence and strengthens problem-solving abilities.
Travel Nursing Job Growth and Opportunities
The demand for travel nurses continues to rise, driven by factors like an aging population, chronic diseases, and a growing need for healthcare workers as many in the field retire. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for Registered Nurses (RNs) is projected to grow by 6% through 2031.
With job growth on the rise, travel nursing offers exciting opportunities and financial rewards. If you’re flexible, open to new experiences, and prepared to explore high-paying states, you’ll find success in this dynamic career path.
Why Consider Travel Nursing?
- Earn a competitive travel nurse salary
- Explore new places
- Experience a variety of hospital settings
- Avoid hospital politics
- Build a robust professional network
- Advance your clinical skills
- Enhance your resume
- Extend contracts for assignments you love
Ready to earn more and explore new places? Apply now and start your travel nursing journey today!