If you’re considering becoming a travel nurse, you may be wondering where travel nurses get paid the most. While the exact figure will depend on several factors, including your experience and location, there are certain regions and specialties in the nursing field that tend to pay higher salaries than others. In this article, we’ll explore some of the highest-paying regions and specialties for travel nurses and what you can expect in terms of salary and benefits.
Highest-Paying Regions for Travel Nurses
One of the biggest factors that can impact your salary as a travel nurse is your location. Generally speaking, travel nurses who work in regions with higher costs of living and greater demand for healthcare workers can expect to earn higher salaries.
Some of the highest-paying regions for travel nurses in the United States include:
Region | Average Salary |
---|---|
California | $115,000 |
New York | $100,000 |
Massachusetts | $97,000 |
Hawaii | $92,000 |
Alaska | $90,000 |
Highest-Paying Specialties for Travel Nurses
In addition to location, the specialty you choose as a travel nurse can also impact your salary. Certain nursing specialties are in higher demand than others and may offer higher salaries as a result.
Some of the highest-paying specialties for travel nurses include:
- Operating Room (OR) Nurse
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse
- Emergency Room (ER) Nurse
- Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) Nurse
- Telemetry Nurse
Factors That Impact Travel Nurse Salary
While location and specialty are two of the biggest factors that can impact your salary as a travel nurse, there are several other factors to consider as well. Some of the factors that can impact your salary include:
- Your level of experience
- The length of your contract
- The type of facility you’re working in (e.g. hospital, clinic, nursing home)
- The demand for travel nurses in your specialty and location
- The benefits package offered by your travel nursing agency
FAQ
What is the average salary for travel nurses?
The average salary for travel nurses in the United States is approximately $88,000 per year. However, this can vary widely depending on your location, specialty, and level of experience.
Do travel nurses make more than regular nurses?
Travel nurses may earn more than regular nurses due to the higher demand for healthcare workers in certain regions and specialties. Additionally, travel nurses often receive additional benefits such as housing and travel allowances, which can increase their overall compensation.
What are the benefits of being a travel nurse?
Some of the benefits of being a travel nurse include:
- The ability to travel and explore new places
- Higher earning potential
- Flexible scheduling
- Opportunities to gain new skills and experiences
- The ability to work in a variety of healthcare settings
Conclusion
If you’re considering becoming a travel nurse, it’s important to research the highest-paying regions and specialties in order to maximize your earning potential. Keep in mind that your location, specialty, and level of experience will all impact your salary as a travel nurse, as well as other factors such as contract length and benefits packages.