travel nursing pay by state

2024 Travel Nurse Salary + Job Outlook

Travel nurses work in specific locations for limited and usually predetermined timeframes of anywhere from 13 to 16 weeks. Though they may work in any type of facility – hospitals, doctors’ offices, and long-term care facilities – they get to choose where they work, which helps prevent boredom. Travel nurses also earn handsome salaries that rival the average salaries of BSN-educated registered nurses (RNs). Here, you will learn more about the average travel nurse salary and what you can expect if you choose this exciting career path.

How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make?

Salary for different types of travel nurses, what other benefits will you receive as a travel nurse, how to boost your travel nurse salary, 10 best states to work for travel nurses + salary, travel nurse salary by state – highest to lowest, travel nurse salary by city, what are the 10 best travel nursing agencies to work for in the united states, what does the future look like for travel nursing jobs.

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Travel Nurse Salary Guide: How Much Travel Nurses Make In 2023?

• Last Updated: July 28, 2023

Travel nursing is a popular career path for registered nurses looking for flexibility, adventure, and higher pay rates. Travel nurses work on temporary assignments in healthcare facilities across the country, filling in gaps in staffing and providing patient care. 

One of the key benefits of travel nursing is the potential for higher salaries than permanent nursing positions, with many travel nursing assignments offering additional incentives such as travel reimbursement and housing allowances. However, the pay rates for travel nurses can vary significantly depending on various factors, including specialty, location, and experience level. 

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to travel nurse salaries, including average pay rates across different specialties, top-paying states, and ways to increase your salary. If you are interested to learn more specifics as to how much a travel nurse makes an hour, follow the guide below.

Table of contents

What is a travel nurse, lowest- and highest-paying states for travel nurses, salary based on the different types of travel nurses, salary based on experience, career outlook for travel nurses, benefits you will receive as a travel nurse, ways you can increase your travel nurse salary, what’s the bottom line.

A travel nurse is a healthcare professional who works on a temporary basis in various healthcare facilities across different locations. Travel nurses are highly skilled and experienced, often working in critical care units or other specialized areas of nursing. 

The role of a travel nurse is to provide temporary staffing support in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities, usually for a period of 13 weeks or longer. The facility may hire them directly or work through an agency specializing in travel nursing assignments. 

Travel nurses enjoy a high degree of flexibility, as they can choose their assignments based on location, specialty, and contract length. In addition to competitive salaries, travel nurses often receive benefits such as housing, travel expenses, and health insurance. 

This career path is ideal for those who love to travel and want to gain experience working in different healthcare settings.

Travel Nurse Salary in 2023

The salary of a travel nurse may vary depending on a few factors, such as location, experience, and specialty. According to recent data, the average annual salary for travel nurses in the U.S. is $106,030 or $51/hr . However, the salary range can vary widely on the factors mentioned above, with the lowest salary reported at $31,000 and the highest at $179,500.

Location plays a significant role in a travel nurse’s salary. The cost of living and demand for healthcare services vary significantly from state to state and even within cities, which can substantially impact a travel nurse’s compensation. But how much do travel nurses make in each state?

Below you can find the list of states with the lowest travel nurse salaries . The list goes as follows: 

• Texas $87,843
• Nebraska $85,776
• Idaho $85,262
• Kentucky $82,639
• North Carolina $81,884
• Arkansas $81,209

Conversely, the average travel nurse salary in some states exceeds $100,000. More specifically, New York is the highest paying state for travel nurses, reaching up to $104,675, followed by Idago with $102,559, and California with $100,323.

Now that we have covered the highest and lowest paying states for travel nurses, let’s see what city travel nurses make the most money in. The first in the list of the best cities for travel nurses to make the most money is Barrow, AK, with $137,200, followed by San Jose, CA, with $133,873, and Oakland, CA, and Antioch, CA, with $132,042 and $129,387 respectively. 

Travel nurse salaries can vary based on their specialty, as some specialties require more experience, skill, and demand, resulting in higher pay rates. To provide an idea of the highest-paying travel nurse specialties, we have listed the average annual salary for each specialty in 2023:

Experience plays a crucial role in determining the salary of a travel nurse. In most cases, the more experience a travel nurse has, the higher their pay will be. 

Experienced travel nurses possess valuable skills and knowledge which can benefit the healthcare facilities they work for. As a result, many employers are willing to pay a higher salary to attract and retain experienced travel nurses.

In addition, experienced travel nurses often have a deeper understanding of their specialties and can handle complex cases with greater ease. This means they can work more independently, which is particularly valuable in rural or remote locations where staffing may be limited. Moreover, experienced travel nurses have often worked in various healthcare settings, making them adaptable and able to easily handle new situations. 

According to Zippia , travel nurses with entry-level experience earn an average annual salary of $66,600, whereas mid-level experienced travel nurses have an average annual salary of $83,700. Lastly, senior-level travel nurses can expect to earn an average annual salary of over $115,000.

The career outlook for travel nurses is positive, with increasing demand for their services in various healthcare settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of registered nurses, including travel nurses, will grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031. 

This growth is due to an aging population that requires more healthcare services, a greater emphasis on preventive care, and advances in medical technology that allow patients to receive care outside of traditional hospital settings. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the need for more healthcare workers, including travel nurses, to assist with sudden surges in patient volume. Overall, travel nursing offers an exciting and rewarding career path with considerable growth and professional development opportunities.

Travel nursing comes with a range of benefits that make it an attractive career choice:

• Travel nurses have the opportunity to work in different healthcare settings, which allows them to broaden their skills and experience.
• Travel nurses typically earn higher salaries than their permanent counterparts, and many travel nursing assignments offer additional incentives, such as sign-on bonuses, travel reimbursements, and housing allowances.
• Travel nurses often have greater flexibility in their work schedule, allowing them to take time off between assignments to pursue personal interests or spend time with family. Travel nursing also enables nurses to explore new cities and regions, providing a unique cultural experience.

Overall, travel nursing offers numerous benefits, making it an appealing career path for many nurses.

There are several ways that a travel nurse can increase their salary, such as:

• Specializing in a high-demand area: Consider specializing in an area with a high demand for travel nurses, such as intensive care or emergency departments. Specializing in a high-demand area can increase your value as a travel nurse, leading to higher-paying job offers.
• Gaining more experience in their specialty: They can achieve this by taking on challenging assignments and pursuing advanced certifications.
• Negotiating higher pay rates when signing on for new assignments: This may involve researching typical salaries for their specialty in the location they will be working and negotiating with their agency or employer.
• Taking on additional responsibilities: More responsibilities at work, such as precepting new staff or taking on leadership roles, can lead to increased compensation.
• Traveling to higher-paying locations: Travel nurses can seek assignments in high-demand areas where pay rates may be higher due to a staff shortage.

In conclusion, travel nursing can be a rewarding and lucrative career path for registered nurses who enjoy new challenges and experiences. While the pay rates for travel nurses can vary depending on multiple factors, including expertise and location, there are many ways to increase your salary as a travel nurse, such as gaining experience in your specialty, negotiating for higher pay rates, taking on additional responsibilities, and more. 

It’s essential to do your research on typical pay rates for your specialty in different locations and to work with a reputable travel nursing agency that can provide you with competitive pay rates and additional benefits. With the right approach, travel nursing can offer you a fulfilling career and a comfortable lifestyle while exploring new places and meeting new people. 

Don’t wait any longer to start living your best life as a travel nurse. Take charge of your career and find your next high-paying placement in a desirable location today! 

Nurse Luke is a CRNA who specializes in Nursing content and still enjoys a very busy career with Locum, Per Diem and Travel nursing in the greater midwest. He has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare field and received his CRNA masters degree from the Mayo Clinic School of Healthcare. He is passionate about helping nurses explore the options of becoming a travel nurse as well as spending time with his Family. 

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Travel Nurses Get the Best Salaries in These U.S. States

However close you are to graduating from nursing school, it’s always a good time to consider which specialty to get into afterward. One career path to consider is travel nursing across the US. Pay is a major factor in considering which state to work in, so stick around to find out which are the highest paying states for travel nurses.

Travel nursing has become increasingly in demand for nurses in several specialties. It’s a great option for those looking for higher-paying short-term work at various medical facilities. 

The average salary varies state by state for travel nurses based on demand and specialty. The top three highest-paying states include: Idaho ($151,203), Nevada ($149,196), and Illinois ($148,382) .

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What is Travel Nursing?

If you love being on the move and don’t mind putting in long hours, then travel nursing might be the perfect job for you. You get to work in different locations across the country – keeping your skills sharp and your options open. 

Travel nurses work in different hospitals and departments, depending on where they need to fill staffing gaps. And it’s also a way to make more money than you would as a permanent employee in any one location.

Here’s how it works: you work for a few weeks or months at a medical facility, typically under a contract. Then, once your obligations are fulfilled (or your contract is up), you move on to the next place where you’re needed.

You might even not have to worry about finding an apartment – some employers take care of housing for you .

All sorts of positions are up for travel nurses — you just have to decide which ones you want. And there are so to choose from thanks to the recent rising travel nurse demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked the medical world, and as a result, it’s created one of the biggest worldwide shortages of nurses.

Hospitals and other medical facilities have struggled, and continue to struggle, to find enough staff to keep their facilities running smoothly. Because of COVID-19, travel nursing, amongst other types of temporary employment, is becoming more popular than ever before.

Travel nursing agencies have stepped in to provide temporary staffing solutions for these hospitals and other medical facilities. These agencies recruit nurses from all over the country and abroad and place them in positions at various facilities, providing them with an opportunity to earn serious money.

But you don’t need an agency if you’re considering travel nursing – travel nurses can also be independent contractors.

Average Travel Nursing Salary by State

Travel nurse salaries vary widely depending on where you work, how many hours you work per week (and whether those hours are on-call), and whether you’re working in an urban or rural area. 

That’s why we’ve put together this list of the average travel nursing salary by state. We found that the national average in the US for travel nursing is $133,540/year .

Take a look at our findings below by state using Indeed’s and ZipRecruiter’s salary database:

1. Travel Nurse Salary Alaska

Employers in Alaska pay a little more than Hawaii’s, which is just slightly below the national average.

The average base salary in Alaska is: $133,316/year.

2. Travel Nurse Salary Hawaii

Although employers in Hawaii pay less than the national average, you’ll benefit from a beautiful island location.

The average base salary in Hawaii is: $126,659/year.

3. Travel Nurse Salary Washington

Although Washington state employers pay the least out of the west coast states – it’s still a great location for work, and pays more than the national average.

The average base salary in Washington is: $141,096/year.

4. Travel Nurse Salary Oregon

As the middle state of the west coast, Oregon employers pay slightly more than Washington’s, but less than California’s.

The average base salary in Oregon is: $144,423/year.

5. Travel Nurse Salary California

With its high cost of living, it’s unsurprising that California travel nurse employers pay out the most out of the west coast states. Travel nurses are in the highest demand in California, and it’s the fourth-highest paying state in the US.

The average base salary in California is: $147,633/year.

6. Travel Nurse Salary Idaho

As the number one highest paying state for travel nurses, Idaho is the way to go if salary is your top priority.

The average base salary in Idaho is: $151,203/year.

7. Travel Nurse Salary Nevada

Lying south of the highest-paying state, Nevada is the second highest-paying state in the US for travel nurses.

The average base salary in Nevada is: $149,196/year.

8. Travel Nurse Salary Montana

Montana is a beautiful state with lots of wide-open space. The cost of living is low, and the job market is strong.

The average base salary in Montana is: $119,765/year.

9. Travel Nurse Salary Wyoming

Out of all the western states, Wyoming employers pay the least for travel nurses, and is the fifth lowest-paying state in the US.

The average base salary in Wyoming is: $101,317/year.

10. Travel Nurse Salary Utah

Utah is a great option if you want to stay on the west and make well into six figures while doing it.

The average base salary in Utah is: $126,093/year.

11. Travel Nurse Salary Colorado

Despite its high cost of living (especially in the Denver area), Colorado employers pay below the national average for travel nurses.

The average base salary in Colorado is: $118,832/year

12. Travel Nurse Salary Arizona

Arizona employers pay out the most out of southwestern states, and it’s the fifth highest paying state in the US.

The average base salary in Arizona is: $145,900/year.

13. Travel Nurse Salary New Mexico

Travel nurse employers in New Mexico pay the least out of all southwestern states, but just slightly below the national average.

The average base salary in New Mexico is: $125,036/year.

14. Travel Nurse Salary Texas

As the second highest-demand state in the US for travel nurses, there are plenty of opportunities for travel nurses in Texas. And average pay is just a hair below the national average.

The average base salary in Texas is: $132,088/year.

15. Travel Nurse Salary Oklahoma

Travel nurses in Oklahoma make close to the national average pay, but with inexpensive housing options.

The average base salary in Oklahoma is: $130,724/year.

16. Travel Nurse Salary North Dakota

The cost of living is relatively low in North Dakota, and the job market is strong, so you’ll get paid well as a travel nurse.

The average base salary in North Dakota is: $131,667/year.

17. Travel Nurse Salary South Dakota

South Dakota employers offer the second lowest salary for travel nurses in the US, but still close to six figures.

The average base salary in South Dakota is: $93,853/year.

18. Travel Nurse Salary Nebraska

Nebraska has one of the lowest rates of RN per capita in the US, and is also one of the most affordable states for housing and living expenses overall.

The average base salary in Nebraska is: $123,047/year.

19. Travel Nurse Salary Kansas

Kansas is another state with low RN rates per capita, but is also among the more affordable places to live and work as a travel nurse. 

The average base salary in Kansas is: $121,537/year.

20. Travel Nurse Salary Minnesota

The cost of living is fairly low compared to other parts of the US, but higher in the Minneapolis metro.

The average base salary in Minnesota is: $126,778/year.

21. Travel Nurse Salary Iowa

If you want a better salary and lower cost of living in the midwest, consider Iowa.

The average base salary in Iowa is: $130,292/year.

22. Travel Nurse Salary Missouri

Missouri employers pay the absolute least out of all fifty states for travel nurses, but offers a lower cost of living.

The average base salary in Missouri is: $89,983/year.

23. Travel Nurse Salary Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers some great opportunities for travel nurses looking for employment, and the cost of living is quite reasonable.

The average base salary in Wisconsin is: $144,556/year.

24. Travel Nurse Salary Illinois

Illinois is the third top state in the US for travel nurse pay, making it the highest paying state in the midwest.

The average base salary in Illinois is: $148,382/year,

25. Travel Nurse Salary Michigan

Michigan is a popular choice for travel nurses to work in, and is a great place to live – whether it’s long or short-term.

The average base salary in Michigan is: $136,707/year.

26. Travel Nurse Salary Indiana

Indiana employers pay over the national average, and this state is a great option for cost of living.

The average base salary in Indiana is: $136,082/year.

27. Travel Nurse Salary Ohio

Travel nurses can make some great pay here with opportunities in the Cleveland area.

The average base salary in Ohio is: $132,568/year.

28. Travel Nurse Salary Arkansas

Nursing salaries in Arkansas aren’t as impressive as those of other states, and there’s a good chance you’ll work in a rural area, like the Ozarks.

The average base salary in Arkansas is: $125,489/year.

29. Travel Nurse Salary Louisiana

Louisiana employers pay out the least out of the southeast states, and is the third lowest paying state in the US.

The average base salary in Louisiana is: $94,049/year.

30. Travel Nurse Salary Kentucky

Out of all southeast states, Kentucky employers pay the most – and at slightly above the national average.

The average base salary in Kentucky is: $135,604/year.

31. Travel Nurse Salary Tennessee

If you work near Memphis or Nashville, there are many opportunities available for making good money as a travel nurse.

The average base salary in Tennessee is: $126,282/year.

32. Travel Nurse Salary Mississippi

Travel nurses can still make six figures in Mississippi and benefit from low cost of living.

The average base salary in Mississippi is: $115,569/year

33. Travel Nurse Salary Alabama

Along with Mississippi, they are still plenty of travel nursing opportunities with six figure pay.

The average base salary in Alabama is: $118,602/year

34. Travel Nurse Salary Vermont

Vermont is a popular state for travelers because it offers an escape from dense city life, and offers decent pay for travel nurses.

The average base salary in Vermont is: $123,081/year

35. Travel Nurse Salary New York

Unsurprisingly with its high cost of living and population – New York state pays out the most in the northeast region, and is the fourth highest-demand state for travel nurses.

The average base salary in New York is: $145,327/year.

36. Travel Nurse Salary Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a lot to offer for travel nurses, including decent pay.

The average base salary in Pennsylvania is: $125,242/year.

37. Travel Nurse Salary West Virginia

The cost of living in West Virginia is lower than other states, so you can get more out of your travel nursing pay.

The average base salary in West Virginia is: $123,979/year.

38. Travel Nurse Salary Maine

Maine is a beautiful state with lots of natural beauty and plenty of fun things to do outside of the travel nurse workday.

The average base salary in Maine is: $127,051/year.

39. Travel Nurse Salary New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an attractive destination for travel nurses who want to make good money on the northeast coast.

The average base salary in New Hampshire is: $112,004/year.

40. Travel Nurse Salary Massachusetts

Although the average pay is on the lower end, Massachusetts overs lots of culture, especially in the Boston area.

The average base salary in Massachusetts is: $108,733/year.

41. Travel Nurse Salary Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the fourth lowest-paying state in the US for travel nurses, but still makes it in the six-figure range.

The average base salary in Rhode Island is: $100,607/year.

42. Travel Nurse Salary Connecticut

Travel nurses have great opportunities in areas like Hartford or Stamford with decent pay.

The average base salary in Connecticut is: $104,433/year.

43. Travel Nurse Salary New Jersey

New Jersey employers pay well above the national average, and is a great option for east coast travel nursing.

The average base salary in New Jersey is: $143,232/year.

44. Travel Nurse Salary Delaware

Even though it’s small, Delaware has big opportunity for travel nurse positions and pay.

The average base salary in Delaware is: $140,952/year.

45. Travel Nurse Salary Maryland

Although housing can be tough to lock down on, Maryland is a great travel nurse option with above national average pay.

The average base salary in Maryland is: $142,848/year.

46. Travel Nurse Salary Virginia

Virginia offers beautiful scenery and great culture for those wanting to practice as a travel nurse.

The average base salary in Virginia is: $126,990/year.

47. Travel Nurse Salary North Carolina

North Carolina is the fifth highest-demand state for travel nurses, offering just above the national average salary.

The average base salary in North Carolina is: $134,667/year.

48. Travel Nurse Salary South Carolina

Although South Carolina employers offer less than North Carolina’s, it’s still a great option for southeast coast travel nursing.

The average base salary in South Carolina is: $125,152/year.

49. Travel Nurse Salary Georgia

Georgia employers offer close to the national average pay for travel nurses with lower cost of living. 

The average base salary in Georgia is: $131,958/year.

50. Travel Nurse Salary Florida

Last, but not least – Florida is the third highest-demand state for travel nurses, and offers decent pay.

The average base salary in Florida is: $129,859/year.

Highest Paying Travel RN Jobs to Look for

For registered nurses (RNs), these are the top paying jobs to consider if you’re getting into travel nursing. Salaries are based on a national average and vary from state to state.

Operating Room RN

An operating room registered nurse (OR RN) is responsible for ensuring the safety of patients during surgical procedures. 

This can include everything from monitoring the patient’s vital signs, to administering anesthesia, and keeping track of instruments and equipment used throughout the procedure.

The average base pay for an OR RN is: $168,184

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) RN

An Intensive Care Unit registered nurse (ICU RN) provides advanced medical care and life support to critically ill patients. 

They work with physicians to ensure that their patients receive the best possible care and treatment, including helping them determine when it’s time to transfer out of the ICU into regular inpatient care.

The average base pay for an ICU RN is: $156,837

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) RN

A Post-Anesthesia Care Unit registered nurse (PACU RN) provides support after a patient has been put under general anesthesia during surgery or other medical procedure. 

This includes monitoring their vital signs, ensuring they’re breathing normally, and administering pain medication if needed.

The average base pay for a PACU RN is: $154,402

Emergency Room RN

An Emergency Room registered nurse (ER RN) provides emergency medical care to patients who need it immediately after being brought into an ER facility by ambulance or other means. 

They check vitals, give any necessary medications, perform tests on them (such as x-rays), and more — the list goes on. ER nurses also help coordinate patient transfers between facilities when necessary.

The average base pay for a PACU RN is: $151,634

Check out our other breakdown of nurse base pay per position . 

Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career with Us

There’s a lot of monetary and career opportunity waiting for nursing students, like you. after graduation. Travel nursing is a great option for those looking for higher-paying short-term work at various medical facilities. And it’s important to keep salary expectations at top of mind.

But the first step into a travel nursing career is acing your classes and exams.

You’ll need more than lecture notes to help – SimpleNursing offers comprehensive resources specifically for nursing students.

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Traveling Nurse Salaries: Payscale By State How to Negotiate Pay

• October 11, 2022

Though travel nurses may work in various facilities–hospitals, doctors’ offices, long-term care facilities, etc.–they can choose where they work, which helps keep life more interesting. Travel nurses have direct control over the assignments they take, influencing their salary and benefits. Some may even earn more than staff RNs with the same education and credentials.

Travel nursing salaries vary by skill level, experience, and location. In fact, travel nurse destinations are one of the prime factors travel nurses consider before taking their next assignment—the more popular locations usually mean a more competitive market but a higher payday. According to ZipRecruiter, the average traveling nurse salary in the U.S. is $118,400 a year. We can break this down into three categories:

• Hourly: The average hourly rate for a travel nurse is about $57. However, if you’re just starting out, you could earn less than the average while more experienced travelers receive more. Working in one of the highest-paid travel nursing specialties could also increase your dollar amount. 
• Monthly: The monthly salary for travel nurses averages $9,790. This amount may also vary depending on overtime pay, bonuses, stipends, etc.
• Annually: As mentioned, the average traveling nurse salary in the U.S. is $118,400, with variations above and below.

It’s important for travel nurses to know how they will be compensated for their labor upfront. At Nurse First Travel Agency, we pride ourselves on being 100% transparent with our travelers to ensure they choose the best travel nurse assignment , whether for the pay, location, facility, or a combination. According to NursingProcess.Org , some states offer very competitive pay. The top five with the best average traveling nurse salaries include:

• California travel nurse jobs ($177,040)
• Hawaii travel nurse jobs ($153,940)
• Massachusetts travel nurse jobs ($141,340)
• Oregon travel nurse jobs ($141,310)
• Alaska travel nurse jobs ($139,900)

Negotiating Travel Nurse Salaries by State

How to negotiate your travel nursing pay.

If you’re uncomfortable with the terms of your travel nurse contract , it’s time to negotiate. Negotiating as a travel nurse is important for a few reasons. If you don’t speak up, you could put yourself in less than satisfactory situations. Here are a few tips to help you find the right contract.

Find Your True Rate Of Pay

Before negotiating the pay in your travel nursing contract, you must first understand what they usually include, especially the pay packages. Fully understanding what you’re looking at will help you better compare different contracts and instill the impression that you know what you’re doing—even if you’re not sure yet. Travelers can ask for a sample contract to know what to expect from a specific facility. This will increase your chances of a successful negotiation. 

Once you understand how contracts work, you can more accurately determine the value of their pay packages. Since travel nursing pay rates often include more than just the hourly rate, make sure to read between the lines. Does the contract cover real travel expenses? What will reimbursements include? Are there contract extension bonuses and overtime and holiday pay? Some travel nurse contracts combine the hourly rate and non-taxable items into a blended rate which can be more confusing than it’s worth. Don’t be afraid to ask ALL of the questions you need answered.

Related Post: 5 Tips For Helping Travel Nurses Navigate A Contract Extension

Be Flexible

Travel nurse agencies offer different pay packages and bring various benefits to the table, so it’s okay to keep your options open—you should always have a plan A, B, and C. Doing your research and comparing each agency will help guide you in accepting or negotiating a position. This contract may have a higher pay rate, but you don’t care for the location; the other contract has a lower pay package, but the facility is highly recommended. The process can involve a little compromising. However, understanding that your agency and recruiter want to help you find your dream assignment will help put you in the best situation. 

You will always be your biggest advocate, and sometimes that means listening to your intuition. If you feel unappreciated or undervalued, address it with your agency and talk it out. If you think an assignment isn’t right for you, don’t feel pressured to take it—the best travel nurse recruiters will understand and find something better. Your needs should be a priority, and it’s okay to decline certain contracts that don’t meet them. If that seems to be a problem, there are hundreds of other agencies and travel nurse assignments to choose from. At the end of the day, you’re the one putting on the scrubs and clocking in. 

In travel nursing, you have more control over all aspects of your career—your salary is just one of them. Travel nurses should always be negotiating for themselves to ensure they make the most out of their assignments. If you’re ready to find the best travel nurse assignment for you, visit our job board for the latest travel nurse jobs in the top travel nurse locations !

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Travel nurses' pay, state by state

The average weekly travel nurse pay in November in the U.S. was $3,204, down 16.32 percent from $3,829 during the same month in 2021, according to a report from Vivian Health, a national healthcare hiring marketplace.    

While this is among the largest year-over-year decreases Vivian Health has seen in 2022, travel pay rates increased from October to November in many states.

Vivian Health told  Becker's  that the 'tridemic' is a likely contributor to the growth.

"As states begin to grapple with increased infections and hospitalizations of RSV, flu and COVID cases, travel pay has increased alongside increased case rates," the healthcare hiring marketplace said.

As of Dec. 7, there were 850,468 active travel nurse jobs on the Vivian Health platform nationwide in the last 90 days.

Here is a breakdown of average weekly travel nurse pay (November 2022 compared to October 2022), state by state:

October: $2,470

November: $2,558

October: $3,359

November: $3,310

October: $2,988

November: $3,154

October: $2,701

November: $2,958

October: $3,811

November: $4,060

October: $2,928

November: $3,027

Connecticut

October: $3,285

November: $3,267

October: $3,124

November: $3,054

October: $2,487

November: $2,600

October: $2,804

November: $2,815

October: $3,060

November: $3,102

October: $2,843

November: $3,038

October: $3,130

November: $3,237

October: $3,145

November: $3,203

October: $2,970

November: $3,169

October: $2,649

November: $2,668

October: $2,889

November: $2,975

October: $2,765

November: $2,801

October: $3,377

November: $3,374

October: $3,069

November: $3,266

Massachusetts

October: $3,368

November: $3,505

October: $2,831

November: $3,123

October: $3,246

November: $3,458

Mississippi

October: $2,563

November: $2,603

October: $2,815

November: $2,963

October: $2,832

November: $2,868

October: $3,114

November: $3,150

October: $3,111

November: $3,199

New Hampshire

October: $3,105

November: $3,304

October: $3,529

November: $3,894

October: $2,943

November: $3,115

October: $3,206

November: $3,406

North Carolina

October: $2,908

November: $2,978

North Dakota

October: $3,265

November: $3,181

October: $2,982

November: $3,086

October: $2,637

November: $2,612

October: $3,311

November: $3,424

Pennsylvania

October: $3,440

Rhode Island

October: $3,131

November: $3,148

South Carolina

October: $2,655

November: $2,728

South Dakota

October: $3,222

November: $3,343

October: $2,623

November: $2,733

October: $2,673

November: $2,750

October: $2,802

November: $2,797

October: $3,382

November: $3,451

October: $2,987

November: $3,080

October: $3,230

November: $3,293

Washington, D.C.

October: $3,553

November: $3,504

West Virginia

October: $3,134

November: $3,330

October: $2,985

November: $3,184

October: $3,346

November: $3,321

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Average Registered Nurse (RN) Salary by State

Table of Contents

Are you ready for your next travel nurse assignment but unsure of where you want to go next? Health Carousel Travel Nursing has put together a list of the average registered nurse salaries of each state to help you decide where to take your next assignment.

Average registered nursing salaries vary significantly from state to state. According to Zip Recruiter , the average travel RN salary is $106,030 annually. Travel nurse registered nursing salaries currently range between $80,000 to $127,500 depending on location and specialty. The average staff registered nurse's salary is $77,976 per year.  

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Salaries also depend on the nurse's specialty, certifications, and experience. Registered nurse salary is typically influenced by education levels. A licensed practical nurse salary is below average when compared to registered nurses. However, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) require less schooling and a different national council licensure examination than registered nurses. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is the minimum requirement for RNs, however, a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) is preferred by most healthcare systems. According to the BLS, nurses with a BSN earned a median annual wage of $80,010 in May 2020, compared to $73,300 for those with an ADN. RNs with a master's degree in nursing (MSN) can earn even higher salaries, particularly if they become nurse practitioners or specialize in areas like an acute care nurse practitioner or a neonatal nurse practitioner.

This article will explore the average registered nurse salary by each state, factors that influence salary variation, and how salary relates to nursing roles and responsibilities.

The Average RN Salary by state according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics :

• Alabama $61,920

Alaska $97,230 ‍

Arizona $81,600 ‍

Arkansas $65,810 ‍

California $124,000 ‍

Colorado $80,670 ‍

Connecticut $88,530 ‍

Delaware $77,760

District of Columbia

Massachusetts

Mississippi

New Hampshire

North Carolina

North Dakota

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

West Virginia

Although salary isn't the only reason why nurses choose to travel, it can be a big deciding factor. Nurses have plenty of options when it comes to choosing where to work. You will find that some assignments are more attractive than others based on location, lifestyle choice, and your preferred career path.

Highest Paying States

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS occupational employment), the 5 highest paying states for nurses include:

• California $ 124,000
• Hawaii $ 106,530
• Oregon $ 98,630
• District of Columbia $ 98,540
• Alaska $ 97,230

Nurses in California and Hawaii receive a significantly higher salary than the national average for RNs. Both states also have a higher cost of living than the rest of the United States, which can offset the higher salaries. These five states offer great salaries, excellent healthcare facilities, and high job demand for nursing professionals. California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Alaska offer amazing adventures for nurses who love to be in nature. Whether you are just starting your nursing career or looking for new opportunities, these highest paying states are great places to consider.

Lowest Paying States

The 5 lowest median annual salary states largely include the south and midwest:

• South Dakota $60,540
• Mississippi $63,130
• Iowa $64,990
• Arkansas $65,810

The annual salary for RNs in South Dakota is significantly lower than the national average for nurses. Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Arkansas nurses are paid significantly lower or below the national average compared to nurses in other states. Lower salaries can make it difficult for nurses to pay off student loans or cover living expenses. However, these states often have a lower cost of living, especially in rural areas, which may help nurses cover their expenses comfortably.

Some states offer more job opportunities, higher salaries, and a better quality of life. By comparing salaries, employment opportunities, and cost of living, you can choose the best state that would benefit you to work in.

If salary is more important to you than location, you may want to consider a travel nursing job in one of the higher-paying states.

Salary Advice for RNs

There is a wide range in the median annual wage of nurses within many states throughout the US. A registered nurse salary varies depending on the nurse's specialty, level of experience, education, and geographic location. Salary also depends on the nursing specialty, for example, a neonatal intensive care nurse and a nurse who works in the intensive care unit may make more than a medical-surgical nurse.

Factors such as the cost of living and demand for healthcare services can impact overall job opportunities and your earning potential. When considering a travel nursing contract in one of the highest paying states, you should also factor in the amount of money needed to cover living expenses, such as housing, transportation, utilities, taxes, food, and childcare. States like Hawaii or California's cost of living will be significantly higher than most other states in the US. Try to calculate your cost of living versus net salary when making a decision about where your next travel nursing assignment should be.

Geographical location also plays a significant role in nursing salaries. Nurses in metropolitan areas tend to earn higher salaries than those in rural areas. However, living costs are also typically higher in metropolitan areas, so this must be taken into account when deciding where you want to work and live.

Nurses who are interested in the highest paying travel jobs may want to consider furthering their education to become advanced practice registered nurses or attending nursing health administration programs. Nurses in health administration positions ensure that the hospital runs smoothly that all standards are met and that all protocols are followed. They help coordinate patient care and ensure that the nursing staff develops care plans according to healthcare industry standards.

Nurse practitioners provide professional nursing care like registered nurses, however, they usually do not work at the bedside often. They can prescribe medications and assess and diagnose conditions under the direction of a physician. There are many nurse practitioner specialties available for nurses to choose from depending on their preferences and area of focus. It is natural for a neonatal intensive care nurse to become a neonatal nurse practitioner, however, you may decide that you prefer to become a womens health nurse practitioner instead.

Advanced practice registered nurse specialties include acute care nurse practitioner, mental health nurse practitioner, womens health nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, or psychiatric nurse practitioner, as well as many others. Advanced practice nurses have one of the highest paying jobs available in nursing, but it comes with a lot of responsibility and extra schooling, as well as an additional national council licensure examination.

Find More Nursing Help with Health Carousel Travel Nursing

Health Carousel Travel Nursing offers full circle support to help travel nurses start their careers and improve their average annual salary. Our recruiters are well-versed in travel nursing salaries and which states offer the best pay. HCTN has created an On Demand app to make it easy to see how much you could earn each week for each travel nursing job. Download the app to view available contracts and create a profile to start searching for travel assignments.

Travel nurse salaries vary significantly depending on which state the nurse practices in. Nurses can increase their salaries by accepting assignments in higher paying states, obtaining certifications, and furthering their education. Nurses may choose their travel assignment location based on various reasons such as salary, cost of living, climate, proximity to family, and available entertainment and adventures. It is essential to choose a travel nurse assignment that is best suited to your interests, skills, and desired salary range.

Contact one of our nurse recruiters at HCTN to discuss which state you should go to for your next travel assignment. Whether you are a new traveler or a seasoned travel nurse, our recruiters will help guide you through the process of landing your assignment, as well as help you maximize your compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has the highest salary for nurses.

California is the highest paying state for registered nurses. The average pay for nurses is $124,000 annually. The cost of living is high in California, but increased pay offsets some of the high costs of living. This state offers a high standard of living, with multiple job opportunities, good weather, and excellent healthcare facilities. The demand for nurses in California is high, especially in urban areas.

What nursing job pays the highest?

The highest paying nursing job is a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Nurse anesthetists can administer anesthesia and mainly work in the operating room. They stay with the patient during surgery constantly monitoring their reaction to anesthesia and the patient's pain level, as well as monitoring medical equipment used to deliver oxygen to the patient. In the United States, CRNAs earn an average income between $150,000 and $250,000 a year.

What kind of nurse practitioner is most common?

A primary care nurse practitioner is the most common type of nurse practitioner. These NPs treat patients of all ages with chronic or acute diseases. They prescribe medications, therapies, and treatments. An NP records patient histories and develops patient care plans. A primary care nurse practitioner, similar to a family nurse practitioner, can treat and diagnose illnesses across the spectrum but will often refer to specialists for specific illnesses.

How can a nurse increase their salary?

Nurses can increase their salary by pursuing advanced education, certifications, and specialized training, as well as by gaining experience in high-demand specialties or locations. They may also negotiate for higher pay with their employer or seek out higher-paying job opportunities.

Which state pays registered nurses the lowest salary?

South Dakota pays nurses the lowest salary ( $60,540) compared to any other state in the United States. While the cost of living is lower in South Dakota, nurses are still making far less than in most other states. The difference between a nurse's salary in South Dakota and a nurse's salary in New York City is about $63,000.

Lauren Rivera is a nationally certified neonatal intensive care nurse with over 15 years of experience. She serves as a nurse expert offering support and educational classes for women from preconception through childhood. Lauren is also a freelance health and wellness writer with works published on several nursing sites. She develops and curates content for various healthcare companies, and writes continuing education modules for other healthcare professionals.

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Travel Nurse Salary by State: How Much Do Travel Nurses Make Across the US in 2024?

Posted on: May 20, 2021; Updated on: Jan 17, 2024

Traveling nurse is a profession fit for those who like to combine work and leisure. It requires nurses to go to healthcare facilities that struggle with personnel shortage and work there for a specific amount of time. These assignments usually last from 4 to 13 weeks, during which most travel nurses perform tasks similar to those of a regular RN.

The travel nurse profession is one of the most sought out nurse professions out there, not only for the benefit of traveling the world but also because of the competitive wages it offers.

If you’re interested in becoming a travel nurse you need to either earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which might soon become the norm for registered nurses in many states.

Become a learner in our accredited BSN Program and embark on your traveling nurse journey today!

Is a Travel Nurse Salary Really That Good?

Travel nurses typically earn far more than regular nurses and their contracts include different base pays and benefits such as paid housing and travel costs reimbursement.

This is why calculating the annual salary of a travel nurse is a bit tricky. However, ZipRecruiter , one of the top job platforms out there, managed to collect data on travel nurse salaries across all 50 states of the USA.

In January 2024, ZipRecruiter reported that the average annual pay for a Travel Nurse in the United States is $121,710 , with a monthly wage of $10,142 , and an hourly wage of $59 .

The travel nurse salary you may expect will vary depending on the percentile you find yourself in, with top earners in the field taking home around $66,000 more than travel nurses in the bottom percentile .   

Here is a breakdown of the expected traveling nurse salary based on performance percentiles:

A travel nurse’s salary will also be affected by the place of employment and state they reside and work in. Next, we will look at the variation in salaries for travel nurses based across the 50 US states.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make By State?

The highest paying state for travel nurses is New York , with a $135,031 travel nurse annual salary with an hourly wage of $64.92 . This may be the case because the Big Apple is one of the most expensive US states to live in. Since travel nurses' wages include both housing and travel expenses , it makes sense that the most expensive states to live in are the ones that offer the highest pay for travel nurses.

On the opposite end, Florida has a $91,074 travel nurse annual salary (with a $43.79 hourly wage), which makes it the lowest paying state in America.

Here is a list with the best and worst paying states for travel nurses, ranked from highest to lowest pay:

• Annual salary: $64.92
• Monthly pay: $11,252
• Hourly wage: $135,031
• Annual salary: $63.80
• Monthly pay: $11,058
• Hourly wage: $132,707
• Annual salary: $130,341
• Monthly pay: $10,861
• Hourly wage: $62.66
• Annual salary: $126,575
• Monthly pay: $10,547
• Hourly wage: $60.85
• Annual salary: $125,217
• Monthly pay: $10,434
• Hourly wage: $60.20
• Annual salary: $124,240
• Monthly pay: $10,353
• Hourly wage: $59.73

Pennsylvania

• Annual salary: $123,669
• Monthly pay: $10,305
• Hourly wage: $59.46

Massachusetts

• Annual salary: $122,156
• Monthly pay: $10,179
• Hourly wage: $58.73
• Annual salary: $121,382
• Monthly pay: $10,115
• Hourly wage: $58.36
• Annual salary: $120,934
• Monthly pay: $10,077
• Hourly wage: $58.14

New Hampshire

• Annual salary: $120,647
• Monthly pay: $10,053
• Hourly wage: $58.00
• Annual salary: $119,997
• Monthly pay: $9,999
• Hourly wage: $57.69

North Dakota

• Annual salary: $119,877
• Monthly pay: $9,989
• Hourly wage: $57.63
• Annual salary: $119,111
• Monthly pay: $9,925
• Hourly wage: $57.27
• Annual salary: $118,043
• Monthly pay: $9,836
• Hourly wage: $56.75
• Annual salary: $117,602
• Monthly pay: $9,800
• Hourly wage: $56.54
• Annual salary: $116,968
• Monthly pay: $9,747
• Hourly wage: $56.23
• Annual salary: $115,975
• Monthly pay: $9,664
• Hourly wage: $55.76
• Annual salary: $114,771
• Monthly pay: $9,564
• Hourly wage: $55.18
• Annual salary: $114,453
• Monthly pay: $9,537
• Hourly wage: $55.03
• Annual salary: $114,294
• Monthly pay: $9,524
• Hourly wage: $54.95
• Annual salary: $113,577
• Monthly pay: $9,464
• Hourly wage: $54.60

South Dakota

• Annual salary: $113,297
• Monthly pay: $9,441
• Hourly wage: $54.47
• Annual salary: $111,865
• Monthly pay: $9,322
• Hourly wage: $53.78
• Annual salary: $111,315
• Monthly pay: $9,276
• Hourly wage: $53.52

Rhode Island

• Annual salary: $111,146
• Monthly pay: $9,262
• Hourly wage: $53.44
• Annual salary: $110,939
• Monthly pay: $9,244
• Hourly wage: $53.34
• Annual salary: $110,469
• Monthly pay: $9,205
• Hourly wage: $53.11
• Annual salary: $109,735
• Monthly pay: $9,144
• Hourly wage: $52.76

Connecticut

• Annual salary: $108,976
• Monthly pay: $9,081
• Hourly wage: $52.39
• Annual salary: $108,771
• Monthly pay: $9,064
• Hourly wage: $52.29
• Annual salary: $107,945
• Monthly pay: $8,995
• Hourly wage: $51.90

Mississippi

• Annual salary: $107,802
• Monthly pay: $8,983
• Hourly wage: $51.83
• Annual salary: $107,540
• Monthly pay: $8,961
• Hourly wage: $51.70
• Annual salary: $106,277
• Monthly pay: $8,856
• Hourly wage: $51.09
• Annual salary: $106,005
• Monthly pay: $8,833
• Hourly wage: $50.96
• Annual salary: $105,533
• Monthly pay: $8,794
• Hourly wage: $50.74
• Annual salary: $104,121
• Monthly pay: $8,676
• Hourly wage: $50.06

South Carolina

• Annual salary: $103,067
• Monthly pay: $8,588
• Hourly wage: $49.55
• Annual salary: $102,909
• Monthly pay: $8,575
• Hourly wage: $49.48
• Annual salary: $102,199
• Monthly pay: $8,516
• Hourly wage: $49.13
• Annual salary: $102,065
• Monthly pay: $8,505
• Hourly wage: $49.07
• Annual salary: $101,486
• Monthly pay: $8,457
• Hourly wage: $48.79

North Carolina

• Annual salary: $100,940
• Monthly pay: $8,411
• Hourly wage: $48.53
• Annual salary: $99,788
• Monthly pay: $8,315
• Hourly wage: $47.98
• Annual salary: $96,957
• Monthly pay: $8,079
• Hourly wage: $46.61
• Annual salary: $96,919
• Monthly pay: $8,076
• Hourly wage: $46.60

West Virginia

• Annual salary: $95,511
• Monthly pay: $7,959
• Hourly wage: $45.92
• Annual salary: $92,113
• Monthly pay: $7,676
• Hourly wage: $44.29
• Annual salary: $91,074
• Monthly pay: $7,589
• Hourly wage: $43.79

What Are the Highest Travel Nursing Jobs in 2024?

According to ZipRecruiter , the highest paying jobs in traveling nursing are received by NICU and PACU travel nurses , with annual salaries reaching $154,500 and $147,500, respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, the salary for a visiting nurse ranges from $70,000 and $105,500 per year, being the lowest in the industry.

Here is an overview of the travel nurse salary ranges, based on the specialization and role they occupy:

If you want to discover the 20 best-paying positions as a travel nurse, read our Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs in the US article and orient yourself towards the best career choice, from a financial perspective.

Is the Travel Nurse Salary Better Than for Other Nursing Staff?

Travel nurses take home $32,700 more annually, compared to registered nursing staff, the difference being equivalent to making $16.2 more per hour. Additionally, traveling nurses make on average $740 less per year than nurse midwives, and $2,970 less per year than nurse practitioners.

So, is it better to be a travel nurse or staff nurse? From an economic standpoint, the answer is a clear yes , as travel nurses can win considerably more on average and have greater opportunities for advancement than staff RNs. And, since both job positions have similar academic requirements, you can simply earn a lot more with your ADN .

The downsides to a higher travel nurse salary are a lack of flexibility in working hours, less job security and varying pay, lack of paid leave, and many other benefits that come with a stabler nursing staff position. The choice between these options will depend on your priorities and ability to adapt to a more dynamic work environment.

If you’re interested in the average annual income for Registered Nurses of all career specialties, check out our Nurse Salaries in the US study and find out which are the happiest states for RNs, from a financial point of view.

Travel Nurse Tax Guide 2023

Navigating travel nurse taxes can be a challenge, especially because travel nurse tax amounts can be a bit different depending on what state or states you worked in. In general, however, taxes are very different for travel nurses compared to traditional staff nurses. From choosing a tax home to keeping your receipts to knowing exactly how your income will affect your long-term financial goals, here is the information you need to know about travel nurse taxes.

RN’s can earn up to $2,300 per week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!

Travel Nurse Taxes + Income Breakdown

Travel nurses are paid differently than staff nurses because they receive both a base hourly pay that is taxed and additional “payments” that are non-taxed to make up their “total” pay. When you sign up to commit to a travel nurse position you’ll receive a pay package that will detail all of the different aspects of what will make up your actual compensation.

Essentially it’s in the travel nursing agency’s best interest to keep the base rate of a travel nurse’s pay package low, so many travel nurses have a modest base pay but will receive additional stipends. In a technical and legal sense, those additional stipends — which typically cover things like meals, housing , and work-related expenses — are expense reimbursements for doing your job as a travel nurse, which is why they aren’t considered income and are non-taxable.

Travel agencies offer “standardized” bill rates. This means that there is one rate for all workers with any given license covered by the contract. For example, all Registered Nurses have the same bill rate, all Physical Therapists have the same bill rate, and so on. It’s also possible for the licenses to be broken down by specialty and every so often by level of experience. For example, Medical Surgical and Telemetry Registered Nurses have one rate while all other Registered Nurses have another. Registered Nurses with 1-3 years of experience get one rate, while those with more than 3 years of experience get a slightly higher rate. The important thing to understand is that standardized bill rates are set in stone by the contract for all intents and purposes. There is no possibility of negotiating a higher bill rate based on a particular travel nurse’s salary history or work experience.

Joseph Smith, EA/MS Tax, an international “taxation master” and founder of Travel Tax , explains that in addition to their base pay, most travel nurses can reasonably expect to see $20,000-$30,000 of non-tax reimbursement payments in a typical year working as a travel nurse.

Find travel nurse credit cards to earn points or miles while traveling.

Qualifying For Non-Taxable Income

In order to avoid being taxed on those reimbursement payments, however, you need to clearly prove that you have what’s called a “tax home” to the IRS. The IRS defines a tax home as “the entire city or general area where your main place of business or work is located, regardless of where you maintain your family home.”

Smith explains that you can qualify for a tax home in two main ways:

• If your primary area of residence is also your main area of income, which typically does not apply to travel nurses.
• You visit your primary residence at least once every 12 months and can prove that you are paying for expenses to maintain your primary home.

If you can’t prove that you have a tax home, or don’t meet the qualifications for having a tax home, you will be taxed on the stipend payments you receive as part of your travel nurse pay package. Additionally, Smith cautions that most travel nursing agencies will not verify that you qualify for a tax home, so it’s up to you, the travel nurse, to ensure that you are meeting all requirements for establishing a tax home in order to collect your non-taxable stipends.

Joseph Smith, EA/MS Tax, an international “taxation master” and founder of Travel Tax, explains that in addition to their base pay, most travel nurses can reasonably expect to see $20,000-$30,000 of non-tax reimbursement payments in a typical year working as a travel nurse.

While many people commonly believe that you must have your tax home at least 50 miles away from where you work as a travel nurse, there’s actually no specific distance requirement . The only real requirement is that you must prove that it’s farther away than a reasonable commute and requires rest and sleep before going back and forth.

You should always check with a tax professional, but in general, travel nurses can take the following steps to help ensure that they qualify for a tax home in the eyes of the IRS:

• Keep proof of any payments you are making to show that someone else is maintaining your primary residence, such as receipts for a house sitter, mortgage, rent, utilities, or home maintenance expenses.
• Maintain your driver’s license and voter registration in your home state.
• Keep your car registered in your home state.
• Keep a per-diem position, if possible, in your home state.
• Return to your permanent home at least once every 13 months.
• File a Residence Tax Return with your home state.

To file taxes correctly, it’s very important to maintain your tax home and prove that you have to actually pay for “double” of everything—for both your tax home and your new living situation as a travel nurse. That means that if you rent out your home temporarily while you’re gone, you no longer can classify it as a tax home.

What About State Taxes?

Travel nurses should plan on filing their taxes by the April 15th deadline, just like everyone else in the United States, although there may be a little wiggle room for extensions due to the nature of being a multi-state professional as a travel nurse, according to Smith. Every state has different laws for filing taxes, but travel nurses may need to file a non-resident tax return in every state they have worked in, as well as the state that they consider their permanent tax home.

Travel Nurse Tax Tips

Smith advises travel nurses to keep a receipt book to help them make tax preparation a little easier by having all of their paperwork in one place. Although digital receipts may be more convenient or “modern” for younger nurses, keeping paper copies as a backup is always recommended. Your receipts can include things like:

• Housing and lodging expenses while traveling
• Mileage travel
• Uniform and scrub expenses
• Work-related expenses, such as continuing education courses or certifications you must maintain to keep your position
• Costs for Internet and phone providers

The 2022 tax reform laws did away with many job expenses at the federal level , which means that travel nurses can’t deduct certain travel-related expenses such as food, mileage, and gas on their federal return. You can still get a stipend or reimbursement from your travel agency for those expenses, but they may not count as deductions.

That being said, a handful of states still allow job expense deductions on your state tax return, such as New York , California , Alabama, Hawaii , and Arkansas, so there may be additional tax deductions you can make if you’ve worked in a qualifying state.

Smith also adds to be careful when filling out residency on your tax return, as he sees many travel nurses make the mistake that working a travel assignment means they have moved. However, working a temporary (under 12 months) travel nursing position does not qualify as a move of your permanent residence — instead, they are just away from home temporarily and that’s an important distinction to make come tax time.

Keep your tax home as a permanent residence address, and don’t change it unless you actually move permanently!

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Can You Get Audited As A Travel Nurse?

The travel nursing industry as a whole does tend to be scrutinized closely, says Smith. As a travel nurse, you may be more at risk for an audit if you’re displaying high expenses and low income. For instance, if your mortgage is $10,000 a month, but your overall income with your base pay as a travel nurse is only $20,000 annually, the IRS may be puzzled as to how you’re actually affording your lifestyle.

You can reduce your risk of an audit, or increase your risk of getting through an audit favorably by always making sure to work with a certified tax professional who is familiar with traveling healthcare professionals and not solely relying on your nurse recruiter or travel staffing agency for tax advice.

Lower Taxable Income Considerations

One of the appeals of travel nursing is that you have the potential to make a high income, especially through non-taxed stipends. And although at first glance, having non-tax stipends for things like housing may sound like a great deal for you as a travel nurse, it does come with a catch: because the additional stipends you receive as a travel nurse are not taxed, they are not considered income, and as such, will not be reflected in your annual income.

That may not sound like that big of a deal unless you find yourself in need of a loan, mortgage, or disability payment, or are nearing the age to collect Social Security. All of the aforementioned items are calculated based on your income. The lower your income, the lower the loan amount you will qualify for, and the less you are contributing to Social Security and therefore will be eligible to collect when you’re ready for retirement.

If you know that you will be needing a loan or a mortgage in the near future, Smith suggests talking to your lender as far in advance as possible to explain your situation and plan ahead. Working with a lender who is familiar with the pay structure for travel nurses can also be helpful.

In some circumstances, such as for nurses who are nearing Social Security’s retirement age, it may also be helpful to legally declare that you don’t have a tax home on your tax return, and instead, pay taxes on all of your stipends, so you can count it as taxable income.

And remember – you should use this guide as information to help you learn more about filing taxes as a travel nurse but remember that it is not tax advice. You should always consult your own CPA or tax professional before filing your tax return.

Travel Nurse Tax FAQs

Yes, all travel nurses must pay taxes on all income that they earned. They will need to file a tax return for every state that they worked in, as well as their home state where they have permanent residence.

If possible, it’s always beneficial to work with a tax professional, such as a Certified Public Accountant who can help you file and pay taxes that you owe as a travel nurse. An accountant can provide you with the physical paperwork that you can use to mail your tax payment in or help you set up an online account if digital payments are acceptable. If you file your own taxes using TurboTax or another software, you will be provided with the exact mailing address and instructions to submit payment. If you don’t have one already, you may need a book of checks in order to pay your taxes. The most important thing you need to know about paying taxes as a travel nurse is that you will need to both pay taxes and file a tax return in every single state you have worked in. If you’ve worked in many different states, that’s where hiring a CPA can be very helpful to help you navigate all that paperwork and payment.

It depends. American Traveler explains that you may end up paying taxes in every state you worked in as a travel nurse, depending on which states those are. Some states have what’s called a “reciprocity” agreement, which means that they have agreed that travel nurses working in those states will only be responsible for paying taxes to one state in total. You will have to check with your accountant or look into the tax rules for each state that you’ve worked in to determine exactly how much you owe in taxes. You should also check with your travel nursing agency if this is your situation because you will most likely need to file tax exemption paperwork through them as well. You will also need to pay taxes in both your home state and any state you worked in. That means that all income you make will be ultimately taxed through your home state taxes as well as the state where you earned the money. That might look like getting taxed twice, but the good news is, your home state will deduct the difference if the percentage rate of your home state is higher. And if it’s the other way around, you will generally only pay the higher state rate. This can get a little confusing, which is why we recommend hiring a tax professional.

Some states do not have an income tax , including Alaska , Washington , Wyoming, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas , Florida , New Hampshire, USVI, and the District of Columbia (if you don’t live there.) If you live in one of these states, you will still need to pay any set income tax rate in the state where you work. If you don’t live in those states but you do work in those states, you will still pay your home state tax rate, so be sure you keep that in mind with your total earnings so you can have enough to pay your taxes come tax time.

This depends on if you’re considered a W2 employee or a 1099 contractor, but in general, travel nurses may be able to deduct the following expenses: – Mileage or the cost of gas – A rental car – Uniform and equipment costs – Continuing education – Licensing fees – Travel expenses – Some meals – Retirement and insurance contributions – Expenses that go into paying for your tax home

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Crime and Public Safety | Monrovia nursing-home chain to pay $7M to…

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Crime and Public Safety

Crime and public safety | monrovia nursing-home chain to pay $7m to settle false-claims allegations.

A Monrovia-based nursing home chain and its executives have agreed to pay more than $7 million to settle COVID-19-related, false-claims allegations.

ReNew Health Group, ReNew Health Consulting Services, and two corporate executives agreed to the settlement with federal and state prosecutors for knowingly submitting false Medicare Part A claims for nursing-home residents, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

To conserve hospital beds during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services waived the requirement that a person must have had a hospital stay of at least three days — signaling an acute illness or injury — before reimbursing for skilled care in a nursing home.

The federal government and the state of California alleged that the defendants knowingly misused this waiver by routinely submitting claims for nursing-home residents when they did not have COVID-19 or any other acute illness or injury, but merely had been near other people who had COVID-19, the DOJ said.

Under the settlement, the defendants will pay $6,841,727 to the United States and $242,273 to the state of California, plus interest, it was announced.

The investigation was prompted by a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government to redress false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. The DOJ said the settlement agreement provides for the whistleblower, Bay Area Whistleblower Partners, to receive $1.2 million, plus interest, as its share of the settlement.

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Nursing homes must meet minimum federal staffing levels under Biden rule

Most U.S. nursing homes will need to add staffing under a federal rule announced Monday that for the first time sets minimum staffing ratios nationwide for homes that care for elderly and disabled people.

The rule, announced Monday by Vice President Kamala Harris, mandates that nursing homes meet minimum staffing requirements for registered nurses and nurse aides. The rule is intended to limit cases of resident neglect or delays in care, a lingering issue that was exposed when more than 200,000 nursing home residents and staff died from COVID-19 in the first two years of the pandemic.

Experts call the rule a significant step toward bolstering nursing home quality and safety.  

“This is the most important nursing home reform in decades,” said David Grabowski, a professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School. “We need more staff in nursing homes. This is a big development in terms of setting a floor such that nursing homes can’t grossly understaff facilities.”

Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the nursing home industry group American Health Care Association, blasted the rule as "unconscionable" given the nation's nursing shortage.

"Issuing a final rule that demands hundreds of thousands of additional caregivers when there’s a nationwide shortfall of nurses just creates an impossible task for providers," Parkinson said in a statement. "This unfunded mandate doesn’t magically solve the nursing crisis."

The White House said in a fact sheet the new rule requires all nursing homes receiving federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid to provide staffing that is the equivalent of nearly 3.5 hours of daily care for each resident. The rule also requires that nursing homes have registered nurses on duty 24 hours, seven days a week to "provide skilled nursing, which will further improve nursing home safety."

On average, a nursing home with 100 residents would have two to three registered nurses and at least 10 nurse assistants on duty for each shift around the clock. Officials said this level of staffing is necessary to provide safe care with good outcomes for vulnerable residents.

Xavier Becerra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, told USA TODAY on Monday these staffing requirements represent the minimum level of care for more than 1.2 million Americans in federally certified nursing homes.

"If you're going to represent yourself to be a nursing home, you should have a nurse available to care for my loved one that I'm about to put in your facility," Becerra said. "We insist that the care that you're going to provide must be quality."

It's a level of care any family member would expect, he said.

The Biden administration said the rule will be implemented in phases to give nursing homes, especially those in rural communities, time to hire the additional workers. Nursing homes must complete an assessment gauging the day-to-day needs of residents within 90 days of the rule being finalized. The minimum staffing levels will be phased in over two to three years.

Nursing homes in communities facing a workforce shortage will get "limited, temporary exemptions" to meet the registered nurse requirement and overall staffing ratios, the White House said.

Federal and academic researchers have long established staffing levels as the best predictor of quality nursing home care. However, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which regulates nursing homes that take Medicare and Medicaid funding, has never required a specific number of nurses and aides. The agency has only made recommendations which few facilities followed.

In a related rule also announced Monday, the Biden administration seeks to bolster home care for seniors and disabled residents on Medicaid, the federal health program for low-income populations. The rule requires companies that provide home care services spend a minimum of 80% of Medicaid payments on workers' wages.

The Biden administration said higher wages for home health care workers would reduce turnover and lead to higher quality home care for the elderly and disabled.

Home health care workers "can sometimes find a better paying job going to flip burgers than to offer your loved one the care that he or she needs," Becerra said. "We need to do more."

The home care rule, which is similar to the rule on nursing home staffing ratios, would allow states to account for "unique experiences that small home care providers and providers in rural areas face" in meeting such requirements, the White House said.

A  USA TODAY investigation  found that although nursing homes have submitted daily staffing data to federal officials for years, they have rarely been punished for violating the existing guidelines and rules. 

Such penalties have been unusual even at facilities where inspectors noted low staffing in the course of investigating avoidable deaths, and people who'd suffered broken bones, spent days without help getting out of bed or hours sitting in feces, among other violations. Fines for such violations have been even rarer. 

Contributing: Jayme Fraser

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Fact Sheet: Vice President Harris Announces Historic Advancements in Long-Term Care to Support the Care   Economy

Actions are the latest in a series of steps the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to improve safety, provide support for care workers and family caregivers, and to expand access to affordable, high-quality care

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and to have access to quality care. That’s why, today, Vice President Harris is announcing two landmark final rules that fulfill the President’s commitment to safety in care, improving access to long-term care and the quality of caregiving jobs. Ensuring that all Americans, including older Americans and people with disabilities, have access to care – including home-based care – that is safe, reliable, and of high quality is an important part of the President’s agenda and a part of the President’s broader commitment to care. Today’s announcements deliver on the President’s promise in the State of the Union to crack down on nursing homes that endanger resident safety as well as his historic Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers , which included the most comprehensive set of executive actions any President has taken to improve care for millions of seniors and people with disabilities while supporting care workers and family caregivers.

Cracking Down on Inadequate Nursing Home Care

Medicare and Medicaid pay billions of dollars per year to ensure that 1.2 million Americans that receive care in nursing homes are cared for, yet too many nursing homes chronically understaff their facilities, leading to sub-standard or unsafe care. When facilities are understaffed, residents may go without basic necessities like baths, trips to the bathroom, and meals – and it is less safe when residents have a medical emergency. Understaffing can also have a disproportionate impact on women and people of color who make up a large proportion of the nursing home workforce because, without sufficient support, these dedicated workers can’t provide the care they know the residents deserve. In his 2022 State of the Union address, President Biden pledged that he would “protect seniors’ lives and life savings by cracking down on nursing homes that commit fraud, endanger patient safety, or prescribe drugs they don’t need.”

The Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule finalized today will require all nursing homes that receive federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid to have 3.48 hours per resident per day of total staffing, including a defined number from both registered nurses (0.55 hours per resident per day) and nurse aides (2.45 per resident per day). This means a facility with 100 residents would need at least two or three RNs and at least ten or eleven nurse aides as well as two additional nurse staff (which could be registered nurses, licensed professional nurses, or nurse aides) per shift to meet the minimum staffing standards. Many facilities would need to staff at a higher level based on their residents’ needs. It will also require facilities to have a registered nurse onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide skilled nursing care, which will further improve nursing home safety. Adequate staffing is proven to be one of the measures most strongly associated with safety and good care outcomes.

To make sure nursing homes have the time they need to hire necessary staff, the requirements of this rule will be introduced in phases, with longer timeframes for rural communities. Limited, temporary exemptions will be available for both the 24/7 registered nurse requirement and the underlying staffing standards for nursing homes in workforce shortage areas that demonstrate a good faith effort to hire.

Strong transparency measures will ensure nursing home residents and their families are aware when a nursing home is using an exemption.

This rule will not only benefit residents and their families, it will also ensure that workers aren’t stretched too thin by having inadequate staff on site, which is currently a common reason for worker burnout and turnover. Workers who are on the frontlines interacting with residents and understanding their needs will also be given a voice in developing staffing plans for nursing homes. The Biden-Harris Administration also continues to invest in expanding the pipeline of nursing workers and other care workers, who are so essential to our economy, including through funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Improving Access to Home Care and the Quality of Home Care Jobs

Over seven million seniors and people with disabilities, alongside their families, rely on home and community-based services to provide for long-term care needs in their own homes and communities. This critical care is provided by a dedicated home care workforce, made up disproportionately by women of color, that often struggles to make ends meet due to low wages and few benefits. At the same time, home care is still very inaccessible for many Medicaid enrollees, with more than threequarters of home care providers not accepting new clients, leaving hundreds of thousands of older Americans and Americans with disabilities on waiting lists or struggling to afford the care they need.

The “Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services” final rule, finalized today, will help improve access to home care services as well as improve the quality caregiving jobs through its new provisions for home care. Specifically, the rule will ensure adequate compensation for home care workers by requiring that at least 80 percent of Medicaid payments for home care services go to workers’ wages. This policy would also allow states to take into account the unique experiences that small home care providers and providers in rural areas face while ensuring their employees receive their fair share of Medicaid payments and continued training as well as the delivery of quality care. Higher wages will likely reduce turnover, leading to higher quality of care for older adults and people with disabilities across the nation, as studies have shown. States will also be required to be more transparent in how much they pay for home care services and how they set those rates, increasing the accountability for home care providers. Finally, states will have to create a home care rate-setting advisory group made up of beneficiaries, home care workers and other key stakeholders to advise and consult on provider payment rates and direct compensation for direct care workers.

Strong Record on Improving Access to Care and Supporting Caregivers

Today’s new final rules are in addition to an already impressive track record on delivering on the President’s Executive Order on Care. Over the last year, the Biden-Harris Administration has:

• Increased pay for care workers, including by proposing a rule to gradually increase pay for Head Start teachers by about $10,000, to reach parity with the salaries of public preschool teachers.
• Cut child care costs for low-income families by finalizing a rule that will reduce or eliminate copayments for more than 100,000 working families, and lowering the cost of care for lower earning service members, thereby reducing the cost of child care for nearly two-thirds of children receiving care on military bases. Military families earning $45,000 would see a 34% decrease in the amount they pay for child care.
• Supported family caregivers by making it easier for family caregivers to access Medicare beneficiary information and provide more support as they prepare for their loved ones to be discharged from the hospital. The Administration has also expanded access to mental health services for tens of thousands of family caregivers who are helping veterans.

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California-Based Nursing Home Chain and Two Executives to Pay $7M to Settle Alleged False Claims for Nursing Home Residents Who Merely Had Been Near Other People With COVID-19

The United States and the State of California have reached a $7,084,000 civil settlement with ReNew Health Group LLC, ReNew Health Consulting Services LLC and two corporate executives for knowingly submitting false Medicare Part A claims for nursing home residents.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to conserve hospital beds, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services waived the requirement that a person must have had a hospital stay of at least three days (signaling an acute illness or injury) before reimbursing for skilled care in a nursing home. The United States and the State of California alleged that the defendants knowingly misused this waiver by routinely submitting claims for nursing home residents when they did not have COVID-19 or any other acute illness or injury, but merely had been near other people who had COVID-19. Under the settlement, the defendants will pay $6,841,727 to the United States and $242,273 to the State of California, plus interest.

“The Justice Department is committed to protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable those who sought to defraud such programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, including those who knowingly misused emergency waivers for personal gain.”

“False claims are anathema to the Medicare system, especially during a public health crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “This settlement agreement highlights my office’s determination to ensure our nation’s health care programs help those who actually need them.”

This investigation was prompted by a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government to redress false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. The settlement agreement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Bay Area Whistleblower Partners, to receive $1,204,280, plus interest, as its share of the settlement. The case is captioned United States and State of California ex rel. Bay Area Whistleblower Partners v. ReNew Health Group LLC et al ., No. 2:20-cv-09472 (C.D. Cal.).

Senior Trial Counsel Albert P. Mayer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Y. Paik for the Central District of California are handling the matter, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General and the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse.

The claims settled by the United States and the State of California are only allegations. There was no determination of liability.

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .