Why Choose Travel Nursing?
- Higher Pay: Average $2,000-$4,000/week (vs. staff nurse $1,400-$2,200)
- Bonuses: Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses ($500-$10,000+)
- Adventure: Work in all 50 states
- Flexibility: Choose your assignments (13-26 weeks)
- Benefits: Often include housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and health insurance
Top Specialties in Demand (2024)
- ICU Nurses ($3,200-$5,500/week)
- ER Nurses ($2,800-$4,800/week)
- OR Nurses ($2,700-$4,500/week)
- Labor & Delivery ($2,600-$4,200/week)
- Telemetry Nurses ($2,300-$3,800/week)
Highest Paying States (Summer 2024)
| State | Avg Weekly Pay | Top Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| California | $3,800-$5,500 | Kaiser, Stanford |
| New York | $3,500-$5,000 | NYU Langone, Mount Sinai |
| Texas | $2,800-$4,200 | MD Anderson, Baylor |
| Florida | $2,700-$4,000 | Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health |
| Alaska | $3,200-$4,800+ | Alaska Native Medical Center |
How to Get Started
1. Get Licensed
- Compact License: 41 states participate (single license for multiple states)
- Endorsement: 6-8 weeks for non-compact states (CA, NY take longest)
2. Choose an Agency (Top 2024 Picks)
- Aya Healthcare (Largest selection)
- Cross Country Nurses (Best benefits)
- Medical Solutions (Highest pay packages)
- Trusted Health (Tech-forward platform)
3. Find Assignments
- Best Time to Look: Jan-Mar (winter crisis) & Aug-Oct (summer gaps)
- Hotspots Right Now: Rural hospitals, COVID recovery units, flu season prep
What to Expect in Contracts
✔ 13-26 week assignments
✔ Guaranteed hours (typically 36-48/week)
✔ OT pay (1.5x after 40 hours)
✔ Housing options: Stipend ($1,000-$2,500/month) or agency-provided
✔ Health insurance (varies by agency)
New 2024 Trends
- Crisis Pay: Up to $10,000/week during shortages
- Local Travel Contracts: Higher pay without relocating
- Blended Contracts: Part remote (telehealth), part on-site
Tax Considerations
- Tax-Free Stipends: Must maintain tax home
- Duplicate Expenses: Required for tax advantage
- Consult a Tax Pro: Recommended for multi-state work
Ready to start? Top agencies hiring now:
Need help choosing? Reply with:
- Your specialty
- Preferred locations
- Must-have benefits
For personalized agency recommendations!