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Travel Nursing Salaries: How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?
Travel nurses can earn$1,500-3,000+ per week. Here's how the salary works, which states pay the most, and how to break into travel nursing.
Travel Nursing Salary
| Experience | Weekly Pay | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 years | $1,500-2,000 | $78,000-104,000 |
| 3-5 years | $2,000-2,800 | $104,000-145,000 |
| 5+ years | $2,500-3,500+ | $130,000-182,000 |
| ICU/ER specialists | $2,800-4,000+ | $145,000-208,000 |
Highest Paying States
- California: Highest base pay, strict regulations
- New York: High cost of living = high pay
- Massachusetts: Strong demand, good pay
- Texas: High demand, lower cost of living
- Alaska: Remote locations, premium pay
Requirements
- RN License: Active registered nurse license
- Experience: At least1-2 years in your specialty
- Certifications: BLS, ACLS, and specialty certifications
- Compact license: NLC license allows work in 40+ states
The tax-free stipend: Travel nurses often receive tax-free housing stipends ($1,000-2,000/week) and meal allowances. This can add$20,000-40,000/year tax-free. The key: you must maintain a tax home (permanent address) to qualify.
⚠️ Travel Nursing Tips:
- Don't start travel nursing without1-2 years of experience " — you need a strong foundation
- Don't ignore the housing stipend " — it's tax-free and can add$20K+/year
- Don't forget to get your compact license " — it opens up 40+ states
- Don't skip the recruiter " — good recruiters find better assignments
The bottom line: Travel nurses earn$78K-200K+/year depending on specialty and location. Requires1-2 years of RN experience, BLS/ACLS certifications, and a compact license. The tax-free housing stipend can add$20K+/year. Best specialties: ICU, ER, OR, Labor & Delivery.