July 17, 2025
Whether or not you’re simply getting began or serious about the next step, figuring out the place the cash is — and the right way to make it be just right for you — helps you intend smarter for the highway forward.
The place journey nurses earn essentially the most and least: Pay developments by state and specialty
Journey nursing gained momentum through the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to develop. In 2020, Staffing Business Analysts reported that journey nurse staffing demand jumped 35%.
What used to make up simply 3%-4% of hospital nursing workers ballooned to eight%-10% by mid-2021. Hospitals relied closely on journey nurses to keep up care, reworking what was as soon as a short lived resolution right into a core a part of the system.
The concept isn’t new, nevertheless it didn’t achieve mainstream traction till extra lately, when COVID-19 pushed curiosity into excessive gear. In January 2019, journey nurses had been working 4% of all hours labored by nurses in hospitals, in accordance with Syntellis Efficiency Options information. By January 2022, that quantity reached 23%.
Nationwide Well being Rankings appears to be like at the place journey nurses are incomes essentially the most — and the least — utilizing information from the Stellar Nurse Final Journey Nurse Wage Information. This story will break down how pay varies by location, specialty, and demand in immediately’s fast-changing healthcare world.
The journey nursing growth: From disaster response to profession path
Earlier than COVID: a distinct segment resolution
Journey nursing formally started in 1978 with the institution of TravCorps in New Orleans. From the start, it was all about filling staffing gaps — whether or not from regional shortages, seasonal surges, or new hospital applications. Journey nurses made up only a small a part of the workforce. The roles paid properly and provided flexibility, however most nurses nonetheless considered them as short-term gigs, reasonably than full-time careers.
How the pandemic modified the whole lot
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and demand for journey nurses surged. By August 2021, greater than 30,000 journey nurse jobs had been out there, in accordance with well being care staffing agency SimpliFi. The pay, flexibility, and pressing want turned short-term contracts right into a severe long-term choice for a lot of nurses.
Now: Excessive demand, slower tempo
The journey nursing market is cooling, nevertheless it stays stronger than it was earlier than the pandemic, in accordance with Staffing Business Analysts. After peaking at $42.7 billion in 2022, a 2025 report from TravelNurses signifies that the U.S. business is predicted to stabilize at round $19.5 billion by 2025, which is sort of triple the pre-pandemic stage. Trying forward, WiFiTalents tasks the business to develop steadily at a price of 5.8% yearly via 2028.
The place journey nurses earned essentially the most and least
Journey nurse pay swings exhausting relying on the place you go. In response to the Stellar Nurse Final Journey Nurse Wage Information, Alaska leads the pack with a mean weekly wage of $2,435. California isn’t far behind at $2,348, adopted by Wisconsin ($2,313), New York ($2,310), and Massachusetts ($2,301). These high-paying states typically include greater dwelling prices, a powerful union presence, and excessive demand for big-city hospitals.
On the decrease finish? Alabama averages simply $1,772 per week, with Mississippi, Texas, Florida, and Arkansas all hovering round $1,880 per week. Whereas the price of dwelling in these states is decrease, it hardly ever makes up for the smaller paychecks.
Regional developments are shifting, too. In Q1 2025, salaries elevated by 0.7% within the West however decreased by 0.88% within the South, suggesting stronger demand and higher funding alongside the coasts. Large cities usually pay greater than rural areas.
Nonetheless, weekly pay isn’t the entire story. Actual worth comes from the whole bundle; assume housing stipends, tax-free advantages, and the way far your cash goes in a given metropolis.
How specialization shapes journey nurse pay
Location issues — however what you specialise in can matter much more. Nurses working in high-stress, high-demand specialties persistently prime the pay charts.
On the very prime, Licensed Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) pull in about $6,732 per week, with some hitting $8,000 or extra. Cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgical procedure doctor assistants earn $5,918, and even nonclinical roles, akin to medical physicists, common $5,307 per week.
Different robust earners embrace perfusionists ($4,847) and acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs), who common round $3,810 per week. These jobs normally require superior certifications and deep expertise in vital care or surgical environments.
Expertise boosts earnings, too. New journey nurses usually earn between $90,000 and $100,000 per yr. In distinction, seasoned ICU nurses can earn $150,000 or extra, particularly with credentials akin to Licensed Crucial Care Registered Nurse, Trauma Nursing Core Course, or Licensed Pediatric Nurse underneath their belt.
Specialty coaching isn’t low cost, however the payoff might be large. For nurses looking for to maximise their revenue, investing in high-acuity certifications is among the most strategic strikes.
What nurses earn: Past the bottom price
Journey nurse pay isn’t simply in regards to the hourly wage. The complete compensation bundle consists of tax-free stipends, journey reimbursements, and long-term advantages that may considerably improve take-home worth.
Stipends and day by day assist
Housing stipends are one of the vital important advantages. Nurses additionally obtain a day by day meal and incidental allowances based mostly on the federal Normal Companies Administration’s per diem charges. Moreover, perks could embrace journey and relocation prices, starting from fuel and airfare to licensing charges.
Tax perks that add up
Many of those stipends are nontaxable so long as nurses hold a qualifying tax house. That setup can result in 1000’s in annual financial savings, particularly in comparison with everlasting workers roles with related base pay.
Advantages that go the gap
High companies provide complete medical health insurance on day one, together with further advantages akin to 401(ok) matching, persevering with schooling funds, and certification assist. Some even provide bonuses for finishing contracts or staying with the identical company over time.
Add all of it up, and journey nursing stays a powerful monetary choice, even when base pay varies by state or specialty.
What it takes to grow to be a journey nurse
Training and licensing fundamentals
To begin, you’ll have to grow to be a licensed registered nurse (RN). Meaning incomes both an affiliate diploma in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing — although many hospitals now desire or require a BSN — and passing the Nationwide Council Licensure Examination for RNs.
To work throughout state strains extra simply, many nurses get a multistate license via the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Presently, 43 states absolutely take part, permitting nurses in these states to take assignments without having to reapply for a license every time.
Expertise necessities
Most companies need no less than one to 2 years of hands-on medical expertise. For those who’re aiming for specialties like ICU, ER, or OR, count on to want two or extra years of post-orientation work. An inpatient expertise is normally a should; hospitals are inclined to move on candidates with solely a clinic or outpatient background for high-acuity roles.
Discovering the suitable company
Choosing the proper staffing company issues. Search for one that gives exact pay particulars, substantial advantages, and strong recruiter assist. recruiter will match you with the suitable jobs, stroll you thru contracts, and be sure to perceive the total compensation bundle earlier than you signal on.
The underside line on journey nursing immediately
For nurses chasing flexibility and higher pay, it’s nonetheless one of the vital interesting profession paths on the market. From high-paying coastal gigs to rising demand within the Midwest, nurses can tailor their assignments to align with their revenue objectives, way of life, and expertise.
There’s room to develop, too. Specializing in high-acuity areas or incomes superior certifications opens the door to top-tier contracts and higher charges. When mixed with revolutionary company partnerships, tax-savvy planning, and long-term profession targets, journey nursing turns into greater than a short-term transfer; it turns into a viable and rewarding profession path.
Whether or not you’re simply getting began or serious about the next step, figuring out the place the cash is — and the right way to make it be just right for you — helps you intend smarter for the highway forward.
Nationwide Well being Rankings produced this story and reviewed and distributed it by Stacker.
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