Travel Nurse Salary and Benefits (2024)

FAQs

Travel Nurse Salary and Benefits? ›

Although the pay can vary greatly depending on the details of each contract, the average travel nurse's salary is approximately 25% higher than that of a non-traveling nurse. The average weekly pay for a travel nurse can equal roughly $2,327 in the United States.

Excellent benefits

In addition to a generous pay package and free housing, you also will receive a full range of employment benefits as a travel nurse. For example, AMN Healthcare's benefits package includes medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, travel reimbursem*nts and 401(K).

How Much Money Do Travel Nurses Make? Under normal circ*mstances, many travel nurses have the potential to earn over $3,000 per week. Travel nurses can bring in over $50 per hour, plus company-paid housing accommodations.

Negotiate for a Higher Pay Rate in a Travel Nursing Contract. You may find that agencies provide different rates for the same area or hospital. Doing a little research and utilizing multiple agencies or recruiters can give you the upper hand when negotiating your pay.

License and travel reimbursem*nts

Travel nurses are reimbursed for necessary state licensure. They also receive reimbursem*nts for travel expenses like gas and airfare.

So, is travel nursing worth it? Yes! With more money, flexibility, career options, travel perks, and personal growth, it's still one of the most exciting nursing opportunities in 2024. If you're thinking of level up in your nursing career now, travel nursing jobs might just be the adventure you're looking for.

It all comes down to one thing: flexibility. Travel nurses are willing to accept short-term assignments that may end in as little as a few weeks. Some travel nurses also take assignments in multiple states throughout the year, making them eligible for housing stipends and sign-on bonuses.

Hiring travel nurses can also offset other major costs for hospitals and other facilities. For instance, they can help employers cut down on overtime. Travelers also reduce the expense of sourcing and hiring skilled workers — a major cost for hospitals, especially.

However, travel nurse pay remains very strong. According to surveys by staffing agencies, the average weekly gross pay for travel nurse assignments in early 2024 is around $2,800 for a 48-hour week. This still represents a pay premium of 30-50% over commensurate permanent staff nurse positions at most facilities.

What is the lowest paid travel nurse? ›

ZipRecruiter reports that as of May 2023, travel nurses in the US earned an average annual income of $105,021 or $50/hr. They also add that salaries range widely across the country, with the lowest earners making $40,000 and the highest earners making $155,500 annually!

Another form of incentive is travel nursing completion bonuses. These bonuses are typically offered upon the successful completion of a contract assignment. They serve as a reward for fulfilling the agreed-upon contract terms, including the duration of the assignment and meeting performance expectations.

Typical travel RN work assignments are approximately three months long. Travel NPs have the three-month contract option too; however, their assignments can also be much shorter or much longer.

Given the current nursing shortage and increased demand for healthcare professionals, travel nurses are in a strong bargaining position. On average, they can earn between $25 to $100 per hour, depending on their specialty, location, and level of experience.

For some travel nurses, it can even be possible to make six figures — or over $100K — as a travel nurse. Here are some tips on how to make that happen. RNs can make up to $2,300 per week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!

It is up to you to decide what work-life balance means, as it can be different for everyone. Figure out what work-life balance looks like in your specific life situation. For some travel nurses, work-life balance may involve making more time to go to and from home. A relaxed commute can bring peace.

Travelers also come without a long-term financial commitment, and will go places other RNs might not want to work. Hiring travel nurses can also offset other major costs for hospitals and other facilities. For instance, they can help employers cut down on overtime.

Do Travel Nurses Make More Money Than Staff Nurses? The short answer is yes, travel nurses almost always make more money than regular staff nurses. As with most things, the exact salary amount depends on a variety of factors such as experience level, specialty area, and where you're working.