Traveling licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are healthcare professionals who work on a contract basis for hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. They provide basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. Travel LVNs usually work for a limited period of time in different locations, which could be in their home state or other states. The question that often comes up is, how much do they make? This article aims to provide an answer to that question.
Travel LVN Salary Overview
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for LVNs as of May 2020 was $50,090. This means that half of all LVNs earned more than $50,090, while the other half earned less. However, this figure may not be accurate for travel LVNs because they usually earn more than their stationary counterparts due to the nature of their work.
The salary of a travel LVN could vary based on several factors, including experience, location, specialty, and employer. Typically, travel LVNs are paid an hourly rate, and the rate could differ depending on the employer or the travel nursing agency they work with. Some employers or agencies may offer additional benefits such as housing, travel expenses, and health insurance.
Factors That Affect Travel LVN Salary
As mentioned earlier, several factors could influence the salary of a travel LVN. Some of these factors include:
- Experience: Like in most professions, experience plays a significant role in determining a travel LVN’s salary. The more experience they have, the more likely they are to earn a higher wage.
- Location: The location where a travel LVN works could also affect their salary. Some states may have a higher demand for travel LVNs than others, and as such, they may pay more. Additionally, larger cities typically have higher salaries than smaller towns.
- Specialty: Travel LVNs who specialize in certain areas such as pediatrics or critical care may earn more due to the extra skills required for the job.
- Employer: The employer or travel nursing agency a travel LVN works with could also affect their salary. Some agencies or employers may offer higher wages than others, and some may also provide additional benefits such as housing and travel expenses.
Travel LVN Salary FAQ
What is the average hourly wage for a travel LVN?
The average hourly wage for a travel LVN varies depending on several factors, including location, experience, specialty, and employer. According to Glassdoor, the average hourly wage for a travel LVN as of September 2021 was $28 per hour.
Do travel LVNs earn more than stationary LVNs?
Yes, travel LVNs usually earn more than stationary LVNs due to the nature of their work. Travel LVNs are often required to work in different locations, which could be in another state or region. As a result, travel LVNs are usually paid a higher hourly wage to compensate for the additional travel and living expenses.
Do travel LVNs receive benefits such as housing and travel expenses?
Yes, some travel nursing agencies or employers offer benefits such as housing, travel expenses, and health insurance to their travel LVNs. However, the type and extent of the benefits may vary from one agency or employer to another.
What are the highest paying states for travel LVNs?
According to ZipRecruiter, the highest paying states for travel LVNs as of September 2021 were California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. However, it’s important to note that this could change depending on various factors such as demand and cost of living.
What is the job outlook for travel LVNs?
According to the BLS, employment of LVNs is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for healthcare services is expected to increase as the population ages, which could lead to more job opportunities for travel LVNs.
Conclusion
Travel LVNs are healthcare professionals who work on a contract basis for medical facilities in different locations. Although the exact salary of a travel LVN could vary based on several factors, they usually earn more than stationary LVNs. Travel LVNs are typically paid an hourly rate, and the rate could differ depending on factors such as experience, location, specialty, and employer. Additionally, some travel nursing agencies or employers offer benefits such as housing, travel expenses, and health insurance to their travel LVNs.