How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?
How Much Do Travel Nurses Earn?
Travel nurses typically earn $98,031 per year or $47 hourly, according to Aureus Medical, which is higher than the $77,600 average for registered nurses (RNs) as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The increased pay results from the high demand for travel nurses, particularly during the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, when salaries surged.
How Is a Travel Nurse's Pay Structured?
Various factors impact travel nurse compensation. Staffing agencies usually offer hourly wages for assignments, unlike salaried positions for non-travel nurses. In addition to base pay, travel nurses receive supplemental compensation in a comprehensive package, often including housing, meal, and travel stipends. This extra pay is not considered taxable income.
For instance, a travel nurse’s monthly earnings might include:
- Base pay (taxable): $3,500
- Housing stipend: $1,500
- Meals stipend: $900
- Mileage stipend: $600
- Sign-on bonus: $3,000
In comparison, a non-traveling nurse might receive:
- Base pay (taxable): $3,500
- Education stipend: $600
- Sign-on bonus: $2,000
Some travel nursing agencies also offer bonuses to promote long-term retention.
What Advantages Do Travel Nurses Receive?
Some agencies may provide 401(k) plans or life insurance, but traditional benefits are limited. Unique benefits for travel nurses often include stipends covering:
- Housing
- Meals
- Mileage
These stipends help defray travel-related costs, and agencies sometimes provide housing directly.
What Is the Hourly Wage for Travel Nurses?
Traditional RNs earn about $37 hourly, according to BLS data, while travel nurses earn $47 per hour, according to Aureus Medical. Travel nurses may negotiate higher rates for overtime or when working nights, weekends, or holidays.
How Much Did Travel Nurses Earn During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
During the COVID-19 crisis, travel nurse pay increased sharply as hospitals urgently sought skilled staff, sometimes paying double the standard rate. As the pandemic eases, future salary levels for travel nurses are uncertain.
Which States Pay the Most for Travel Nurses?
The top ten states for nurse salaries are:
- California — $124,000
- Hawaii — $106,530
- Oregon — $98,630
- District of Columbia — $98,540
- Alaska — $97,230
- Massachusetts — $96,630
- Washington — $95,350
- New York — $93,320
- New Jersey — $89,690
- Connecticut — $88,800
Staying close to home is possible for travel nurses, but broader flexibility often leads to more job opportunities. Travel nurse salaries usually include lodging and travel costs, meaning pay is more related to job skills than distance from home, allowing travel nurses to earn similarly whether working 100 miles or 300 miles away. To earn more, consider locations with the best nurse salaries.
How to Become a Travel Nurse
Interested in this career path? Start with an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, then pass the NCLEX-RN to become a licensed RN. Experience requirements may vary by agency. Specialization may call for additional licensing, so working in your chosen field for two years before transitioning to travel nursing is advisable. An RN license is needed in the state where you plan to work. The Nursing Licensure Compact allows for a multistate license, facilitating practice across state lines. Gaining experience and a compact license prepares you for travel nursing opportunities.
How to Boost Earnings as a Travel Nurse
Travel nurse pay varies by state, so exploring higher-paying states while considering living costs can be beneficial. Rapid response assignments offer higher pay for quick-start roles, often in emergencies. Specializing in certain areas can increase salary potential, with lucrative roles like:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Cath Lab Registered Nurse
- Medical/Surgical Registered Nurse
- Telemetry Registered Nurse
- Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse
Maintain your compact nursing license and keep documents current for smooth job transitions across states. Working with multiple agencies can also be advantageous. Hospitals often pay more for night, weekend, or holiday shifts. Flexibility and willingness to work as needed can significantly enhance travel nurse income.
Job Outlook for Travel Nursing
The U.S. nursing shortage is expected to last through 2030, maintaining high demand for all nurses, though the need for travel nurses has recently decreased. Reduced COVID-19 hospitalization rates and funding shifts have led many hospitals to favor full-time over travel staff. As of March 2022, travel nurse demand fell by one-third. The BLS forecasts a 6% growth rate for RN employment from 2021 to 2031. While travel nursing jobs will still be available, future salary prospects are unclear.
Pros and Cons of Travel Nursing
Travel nursing’s main appeal is higher pay compared to traditional RNs, along with diverse assignments and career advancement. However, it can disrupt personal relationships and create job insecurity due to its transient nature.
FAQs
What earnings can travel nurses anticipate?
Travel nurses earn about $98,031 annually, or $47 hourly, according to Aureus Medical. Salaries vary by location, specialty, and include housing and mileage stipends.
Do travel nurses generally earn more than standard nurses?
Yes, travel nurses typically earn more than staff nurses. Aureus Medical states travel nurses earn $98,031 annually, much higher than the $77,600 for traditional RNs.
Do travel nurses get free housing?
Many agencies provide a housing stipend or direct accommodation for travel nurses.
Travel nurse opportunities near you offer higher pay and many benefits. If interested, start your job search by registering with Aureus Medical to find top-paying travel nurse positions nationwide.
For more job opportunities and to connect with roles that match your aspirations, visit GoodWork.
