May 2, 2025

838 Views

How Travel Nurses Get Paid: A Breakdown of Travel Nurse Pay, Stipends, and Benefits

Posted on May 2, 2025April 24, 2025 by AMN Healthcare

One of the biggest draws of travel nursing is the opportunity to earn higher pay while enjoying a flexible lifestyle. Travel nurse pay includes more than just a base wage—it often comes with tax-free stipends and other financial benefits that can significantly increase your take-home pay.

If you’re considering a travel nursing career, here’s a breakdown of the structure and what makes it so rewarding.

Two Key Components of Travel Nurse Pay

1. Taxable Wages

This is your hourly rate and is subject to taxes at the federal, state, and local levels. It might look lower than a staff nurse’s wage, but don’t be discouraged—this is only part of the travel nurse pay package.

2. Non-Taxable Income

Travel nurse pay often includes non-taxable stipends for things like housing, meals, and incidental expenses. These stipends are typically paid out weekly and are not subject to income tax, which allows you to keep more of your earnings.

Understanding both the taxable and non-taxable portions of your travel nurse pay is key when evaluating offers.

Average Travel Nurse Pay

Compared to the national average for staff nurses, travel nurse pay is often higher. While permanent RNs make about $77,000 per year, travel nurses typically earn between $80,000 and $120,000 annually. Those working in high-demand specialties—like intensive care, neonatal care, or the operating room—can earn even more.

For a deeper dive into how rates vary by specialty, check out our post on high-paying travel nurse specialties.

Factors That Influence Travel Nurse Pay

Location

States with a high cost of living often offer higher travel nurse pay to match. Additionally, remote or underserved areas may boost wages to attract skilled nurses. You can explore some of the top destinations in our guide to the best cities for travel nurses.

Specialty

Nurses working in specialized areas such as critical care, labor and delivery, or emergency medicine typically earn higher travel nurse pay rates.

Experience

The more clinical experience you have, the more negotiating power you’ll have when it comes to travel nurse pay and assignments.

Stipends and Reimbursements: Enhancing Travel Nurse Pay

In addition to your base wage, travel nurse pay frequently includes non-taxable financial benefits that enhance your total compensation.

Housing Stipend

Agencies often provide housing or offer a stipend so you can secure accommodations that meet your preferences. Not sure which option is best for you? Read our full guide on travel nurse housing options.

Meals and Incidentals

This allowance helps cover daily living expenses like food, transportation, and minor necessities, which further contribute to your overall travel nurse pay.

Travel Reimbursements

Many travel nurse packages reimburse you for the cost of travel to and from your assignment, whether by car, plane, or public transportation.

Additional Perks for Travel Nurses

Licensing and Certification Support

Agencies may reimburse you for obtaining new state licenses or updating required certifications like BLS, ACLS, or PALS. Learn more about multistate licenses and compact state eligibility.

Health Insurance

Most travel nurse employers offer health benefits—including medical, dental, and vision coverage—that begin on the first day of your assignment.

Retirement Savings

Some staffing agencies include 401(k) retirement plans, giving you the opportunity to build long-term financial security while enjoying short-term financial rewards as part of your travel nurse package.

Career Growth Opportunities

Working in various healthcare environments helps broaden your skill set and boosts your resume. This can lead to higher-paying opportunities and more flexibility in the future, further increasing your travel nurse pay potential.

Why Travel Nursing Pays Off

Travel nurse pay offers a compensation structure that stands out in the healthcare industry. With competitive wages, tax-free stipends, and valuable benefits, it’s a career path that delivers both financial and professional rewards.

Understanding how travel nurse pay works—from hourly wages to additional perks—can help you make informed decisions and choose assignments that align with your goals.

Looking to boost your travel nurse pay even more? Don’t miss our resource on maximizing your income as a contract nurse.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By AMN Healthcare

December 9, 2024

2612 Views

Understanding Your Travel Nurse Pay Package: A Simple Breakdown

Posted on December 9, 2024October 9, 2024 by AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

Ever wonder how travel nurses make good money while exploring new places? A big part of the answer lies in how their pay is structured. If you’re thinking about becoming a travel nurse, understanding your travel nurse pay package is key. This guide will help break down the main parts of a travel nurse pay package, including base pay, stipends, and bonuses, so you can make the most of your career.

What is a Travel Nurse Pay Package?

A travel nurse pay package isn’t just about your hourly wage; it’s a full compensation plan designed to cover your work and lifestyle while on assignment. It usually includes base pay, stipends (for housing and meals), and sometimes bonuses. Knowing how these packages work will help you maximize your earnings.

Travel Nurse Base Pay

What is Base Pay?
Base pay is the hourly wage you earn for your work as a travel nurse. It’s the foundation of your pay package, but it can vary based on several factors.

Factors That Affect Base Pay:

Location:
Where you work matters! If you take assignments in cities with a high cost of living or states with a high demand for nurses, you’ll likely earn more.
Experience:
The more experience you have, the higher your pay could be. If you have special skills or certifications (like ICU or ER nursing), you might also see a pay bump.
Specialty:
Nurses with specialized skills tend to earn more. For example, an ICU nurse or operating room nurse might make more than a general medical-surgical nurse.

Typical Base Pay Ranges:

Most travel nurses earn between $30 and $50 per hour, but this can go up or down depending on location, experience, and specialty.

Travel Nurse Stipends and Allowances

What Are Stipends and Allowances?
Stipends and allowances are extra payments that cover things like housing and meals while you’re on assignment. These payments help offset the costs of living and working in different places.

Common Stipends:

Housing Stipend:
This is money to cover your accommodation while on assignment. You can either take the housing provided by the agency or receive a stipend to find your own place.
Meals and Incidentals:
You’ll also get a daily or weekly allowance for food and other everyday expenses, like gas or laundry.
Tax Perks:
One of the best parts about stipends? They’re often tax-free! This means more money in your pocket compared to getting the same amount through your hourly wage.

Travel Nurse Bonuses and Incentives

Types of Bonuses:

Sign-On Bonus:
Some assignments offer a one-time payment when you sign your contract. This can be a great way to make extra cash just for choosing a particular job.
Completion Bonus:
Finish your assignment, and you could earn a bonus just for sticking to your contract until the end.
Referral Bonus:
Know other nurses who might want to join your agency? You can earn extra money by referring them.

How Bonuses Boost Your Earnings:

Bonuses can make a big difference in your take-home pay. For example, a sign-on bonus can range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the assignment.

Tips for Getting Bonuses:

Ask for Them:
Don’t be shy about asking if bonuses are available when negotiating your contract.
Keep Up Your Performance:
If you want that completion bonus, make sure you maintain a good record throughout your assignment.
Refer Friends:
Spread the word to other nurses, and you can earn extra cash through referral bonuses.

More Than Just Pay: Other Travel Nurse Benefits

Besides great pay, travel nurse jobs often come with additional benefits like:

Health Insurance:
Many travel nursing agencies offer solid health insurance plans that include medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement Plans:
Some agencies will contribute to your retirement savings, like a 401(k), helping you prepare for the future.
Continuing Education:
Many travel nursing jobs offer stipends for continuing education so you can keep learning and stay up-to-date with your skills.
Other Perks:
You might also get reimbursed for things like licensing fees and travel costs and even have access to employee assistance programs.

Understanding all the parts of a travel nurse pay package can help you make smarter decisions about your assignments and boost your earnings. From hourly wages and tax-free stipends to bonuses and retirement plans, each part plays a role in making your travel nurse career both exciting and financially rewarding. Ready to start your next adventure? Connect with us today and explore the opportunities that travel nursing has to offer!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Fastaff Travel Nursing

December 5, 2024

1592 Views

High-Paying Travel Nurse Positions: Unlock Your Earning Potential

Posted on December 5, 2024November 25, 2024 by Fastaff Travel Nursing

Fastaff provided this article.

Travel nursing is known for offering competitive salaries, but some assignments truly stand out for their earning potential. High-paying travel nurse positions are a fantastic way to grow your career, achieve financial goals, and gain valuable experience in some of the nation’s most in-demand specialties. If you’re ready to maximize your skills and your paycheck, here’s what you need to know about these lucrative opportunities.

Factors That Influence Pay for Travel Nurses

Several factors contribute to why some travel nursing positions offer significantly higher pay than others:

Specialty Demand – Nurses with specialized skills, such as those in ICU, OR, or NICU, are often in higher demand and command higher salaries.
Location – Facilities in states with nursing shortages or high cost-of-living areas frequently offer premium rates to attract top talent.
Urgent Needs – Crisis assignments, such as those during flu season or emergency events, typically come with increased pay to fill immediate gaps in staffing.
Shift Preferences – Taking night shifts or weekend schedules often includes additional compensation.
Experience Level – Nurses with advanced certifications and years of expertise are better positioned to secure high-paying assignments.

Benefits of High-Paying Assignments

While the salary is the standout feature, high-paying travel nursing jobs come with additional perks:

Professional Growth: Challenging assignments in specialized units provide opportunities to expand your skills and enhance your resume.
Financial Freedom: Whether you’re saving for a big goal or paying off debt, these roles can accelerate your financial plans.
Adventure and Flexibility: Many of these assignments are in exciting locations, allowing you to explore new cities or enjoy unique experiences between shifts.

Tips for Landing High-Paying Assignments

To secure one of the top-paying travel nursing roles, consider these strategies:

Stay Credentialed – Ensure your certifications and licensure are up to date, especially in high-demand specialties.
Be Flexible – Being open to different locations, shifts, and immediate start dates can put you in line for the highest-paying opportunities.
Work with the Right Agency – Partnering with an agency known for high-paying assignments ensures you’re seeing the best options available.

Explore Fastaff’s Top 10 High-Paying Positions Each Month

If high-paying travel nurse positions are your goal, Fastaff Travel Nursing is your partner in success. Fastaff is renowned for offering some of the most competitive salaries in the travel nursing industry.
Every month, Fastaff highlights their Top 10 Highest-Paying Travel Nurse Positions: a curated list of the most rewarding assignments across the country. Ready to explore your next lucrative opportunity?

Check out their latest top-paying positions and start planning your next career move today!

We hope you found this article on high-paying travel nurse positions helpful. Do you have any tips or advice to share for new or fellow travel nurses for finding high-paying travel nurse positions? Comment any advice below in the comments.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Medical Solutions

November 18, 2024

2463 Views

Why Do Travel Nurses Get Paid More?

Posted on November 18, 2024November 15, 2024 by Medical Solutions

Medical Solutions provided this article.

Ever wondered why travel nurses seem to pull in higher paychecks than staff nurses? The reasons go beyond just dollars and cents. Travel nurses step into specific roles that fill urgent gaps or cover high-need areas, which means hospitals and agencies often pay a premium for their flexibility. It’s about timing, location, and needing someone ready to jump in quickly, whether for a seasonal surge or a specialized role. This unique setup helps support staff nurses by bringing in reinforcements exactly when they’re needed most. Now, let’s take a closer look at all the components that factor into a travel nurse’s paychecks.

Filling Critical Gaps

Healthcare doesn’t take a day off, but it does have seasons—times when the demand for skilled nurses skyrockets. Travel nurses help hospitals fill those critical gaps fast, and by hopping into assignments when demand is high, they give facilities the flexibility they need. As such, they are compensated for being ready to step in at a moment’s notice. That ability to keep healthcare running smoothly, wherever and whenever needed, makes travel nurses invaluable.

Specialized Skills = Specialized Pay

Nursing specialties come with a whole set of advanced skills and certifications, and facilities rely on travel nurses to bring their specialized know-how, paying higher rates for those unique skill sets. Plus, specialized travel nurses have flexibility and adaptability worth their weight in gold, moving seamlessly between roles and locations where needed.

Location, Location, Location

Where you take your assignment can significantly impact your earnings. States like California and New York offer increased compensation due to higher living costs. However, location isn’t just about the cost of living—some states simply have a more significant need for nurses, meaning travel nurses can earn top dollar. So, depending on where you want to land, travel nursing lets you maximize your earnings in high-demand spots across the country.

Bonuses and Extra Incentives

It’s not just the paycheck that sweetens the deal! Travel nursing agencies, like Medical Solutions, often offer bonuses to recognize your commitment. With loyalty and referral bonuses, you can put a little extra cash in your pocket just by doing what you do best. For example, at Medical Solutions, you can earn a $600 loyalty bonus for every 600 hours worked and $500 for each friend you refer.

Benefits Built for the Traveler

Travel nurses can access benefits that go well beyond base pay. Think health, dental, and vision insurance from day one, along with 401k plans and licensure reimbursements. With travel nursing, you get the security of a benefits package designed for you, wherever you work. It’s a complete setup, so you can focus on what you love without missing a beat on the benefits front.

Housing and Travel Stipends

Traveling to a new place is exciting, but finding housing in a new city? Not always. That’s where travel nursing agencies come in. Many agencies provide non-taxable housing stipends or arrange housing for you. Plus, if you’d rather pick your own housing arrangements, there’s the option of a stipend to cover your chosen accommodation. And travel costs? Those are often covered by the agency, too. Check with your chosen agency to see what is or is not covered with a stipend.

Licensing and Certification Perks

Moving around means new licenses and possibly more certifications. Fortunately, agencies often reimburse these costs, so you don’t have to worry about extra expenses. From licensing fees to continuing education, travel nursing has your back, allowing you to broaden your horizons easily.

Adding it All Up

From specialized skills to bonuses, location flexibility, and the added perks that come with travel nursing, it’s clear why these nurses earn more. Travel nurses are on the frontlines of addressing critical staffing needs, often moving across the country to fill gaps and support facilities in high-stress situations. They’re compensated for their expertise, adaptability, reliability, and willingness to step into a role at a moment’s notice.

In short, travel nurses bring flexibility, experience, and resilience to every assignment—and the pay reflects that. If you’re ready to maximize your earnings, explore new locations, and shape your own career path, travel nursing with Medical Solutions might just be the opportunity that lets you have it all.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Triage Healthcare Staffing

August 23, 2024

1800 Views

How to Make the Most Out of Your Travel Nurse Pay

Posted on August 23, 2024August 19, 2024 by Triage Healthcare Staffing

Triage Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

Even post-pandemic, travel nursing can be a way for nurses to make more money than they would if they were a staff nurse. If you’re traveling for the money (no shame in that game), look for ways to stretch your dollars so you can maximize your take-home travel nurse pay.

How to make the most out of your travel nurse pay:

Look For a Contact with Paid Housing

One of the easiest ways to stretch your funds is to look for a good-paying job that includes housing. Not all agency-provided housing is created equal. Everyone has heard horror stories of roach-infested apartments with moldy bathrooms and gross kitchens. For this reason, check to make sure you know exactly where you’re staying and talk to the recruiter about what to do if the housing isn’t up to par—you don’t want to be stuck living somewhere for three months if you’re not happy.

For that reason, we recommend a hotel if the agency is providing your housing. Even better is if the hotel offers amenities like free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a free continental breakfast. When the hotel offers breakfast items like yogurt, fresh fruit, and other breakfast foods, you can get a meal before or after work (if you’re on the night shift) and even get a grab-and-go snack for later, which can help stretch your meal budget even further.

Many hotels will provide a small fridge if you request it, but if they don’t have any available, you can usually find a second-hand one on Facebook marketplace and then pass it along to another travel nurse or resell it when you leave.

Travel With a Buddy and Share Housing

If hotel life isn’t for you, or you struggle with finding an assignment that offers paid housing, you can usually find a travel buddy and split the cost of an apartment. This will help you make the most of your travel nurse pay. To do this, it’s best to find a traveler who works with the same agency so you can better coordinate your travel assignments. Two is better than one, especially when you’re paying for housing!

Rent a Room Instead of an Entire Apartment

We know this won’t be for everyone, but it is an option, so we want to bring it up. One big way to save money is to rent a single room instead of an entire apartment. If you do go this route, you’ll want to thoroughly vet your landlord, as well as the room—we don’t recommend signing a lease for these situations sight unseen.

If you don’t want to arrive early to your assignment, it’s a good idea to rent a hotel room for at least a few days so you can evaluate your living situation in person to see if it works for you. The last thing you want to do is sign a lease for a room with loud kids, barking dogs, and an overbearing landlord who lives in the next room.

If you’re looking for ways to cut expenses while on a travel assignment, look no further than housing. Use these tips during your next travel nurse assignment to save on housing costs so you can put more money directly into your own pocket.

Looking for travel nurse jobs? Connect with a Triage recruiter and let them do all the work of finding you a new position.

We hope you found these tips on making the most of your travel nurse pay helpful. How do you maximize your travel nurse pay? Comment any tips you have below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Jackson Nurse Professionals

July 12, 2024

3014 Views

Navigating the Shifting Tides of Travel Nursing Pay

Posted on July 12, 2024July 2, 2024 by Jackson Nurse Professionals

Jackson Nurse Professionals provided this article.

The travel nursing profession has seen a remarkable transformation over the past few years, with shifts in demand, location desirability, and, most notably, compensation. As healthcare facilities nationwide grapple with fluctuating staffing needs, travel nurses find themselves in a unique position to negotiate and secure competitive pay rates. However, navigating the evolving landscape of travel nursing pay requires insight, strategy, and a keen understanding of the market dynamics at play.

Navigating the Shifting Tides of Travel Nursing Pay

Understanding the Market Forces

The first step in navigating travel nursing pay is understanding the forces that drive market changes. Several factors contribute to the fluctuating demand for travel nurses:

Seasonal Variations: Some locations experience a higher demand for travel nurses during certain times of the year due to seasonal population increases.
Public Health Emergencies: Outbreaks, pandemics, and other public health emergencies can suddenly increase the need for healthcare workers, including travel nurses.
Changing Healthcare Needs: The aging population and the evolution of healthcare needs also play a role in shaping the demand for travel nursing services.
Technological Advancements: Innovations in healthcare technology can lead to shifts in staffing needs as new skills and specialties become sought after.

Maximizing Your Earning Potential

In addition to understanding market forces at play, you may consider adopting the following strategic approaches to maximizing your earning potential which are:

Stay Informed
Being well-informed is crucial. Regularly consult with professional associations, online forums dedicated to travel nursing, and specialized recruitment agencies to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, demand shifts, and pay scales. Knowledge empowers you to negotiate confidently and effectively.
Flexibility is Key
Adaptability in your job preferences can significantly impact your earning potential. Be open to taking assignments in less sought-after locations or those outside your primary specialty. Facilities in remote or less popular areas might offer higher compensation to attract the nursing staff they need.
Negotiate Wisely
Look beyond the hourly rate when negotiating your pay. Consider the entire compensation package, which includes housing allowances, reimbursement for travel expenses, health insurance, and other benefits. The total value of these additional perks can substantially increase your overall compensation.
Build a Strong Network
A robust professional network can open doors to new opportunities and offer insights into lucrative assignments. Networking with fellow travel nurses and healthcare professionals can also provide valuable tips for negotiating better terms and navigating your career path more effectively.
Consider the Long-Term
It’s tempting to chase the highest pay rates, but also consider the stability of assignments and opportunities for professional growth. A balance between immediate financial rewards and long-term career objectives can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable career trajectory.

Take Advantage of Referral Bonuses and Agencies that Offer Loyalty Programs

Many travel nursing agencies offer referral bonuses as an incentive for bringing new nurses into their fold. If you have friends or colleagues interested in travel nursing, referring them can lead to substantial bonuses for you. Additionally, some agencies have loyalty programs that reward nurses for completing multiple assignments with them. These programs often offer incremental pay increases, bonuses, or other perks. Actively participating in these programs can significantly boost your income over time.

The Future of Travel Nursing Pay

The landscape of travel nursing pay is as dynamic as it is promising. By understanding the market forces, maximizing earning potential through strategic choices, and staying adaptable to the ever-changing healthcare environment, travel nurses can thrive. Amidst the fluctuations, the constant will always be the invaluable service travel nurses provide, ensuring they remain a vital and respected force within the healthcare industry.

We hope you found this article on navigating the shifting tides of travel nursing pay helpful. Is there any other information on travel nursing pay you would like to know? Comment them below.

About Jackson Nurse Professionals

As one of the premier nurse staffing firms, Jackson Nurse Professionals provides world-class travel nurse solutions to thousands of healthcare facilities across the country while connecting the brightest nurse professionals with the placements and career opportunities they desire. Powered by a national talent pool of Joint Commission Compliant Registered Nurses who adapt quickly to new environments and technologies while integrating easily with established teams, Jackson Nurse Professionals helps ensure highly skilled, compassionate nurses are available to deliver quality patient care in client environments, helping prevent staffing shortages and alleviate burnout.

Whether you’re a seasoned travel nurse seeking your next assignment or you’re ready to dive into the dynamic world of travel nursing for the first time, our comprehensive job search portal is your gateway to exciting positions across the country. Connect with us today and take the first step toward fulfilling your next travel nursing adventure! Jackson Nurse Professionals is part of the Jackson Healthcare® family of companies. Learn more by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By CareerStaff Unlimited

July 12, 2023

4076 Views

10 Tips to Maximize Your Travel Nurse Salary

Posted on July 12, 2023July 12, 2023 by CareerStaff Unlimited

CareerStaff Unlimited provided this article.

Travel nurse salaries hit record highs during the pandemic. And while those numbers have come back down a little in the past year, travel nursing jobs still usually pay much more than staff positions.

With travel nursing, there’s no reason not to seize a well-deserved opportunity to maximize your wages. With that in mind, here are a few helpful tips to make sure you earn as much as possible during your next travel nursing job!

1. Don’t be afraid to be upfront.

When discussing with your recruiter, it’s perfectly okay to ask about the salary range for your desired position and share your own pay expectations. After all, it’s essential to have an idea of what you could potentially earn before diving into a job search. Being upfront about your worth can give you a better shot at getting the amount you want.

2. Be ready to justify your request.

It’s also reasonable to expect to be asked why you deserve the amount you’re requesting. Be ready with a list of what you’re bringing to the table — especially if that includes particularly valuable skills like OR, acute care, or telehealth experience.

3. Practice your negotiation skills.

Because they’re in such high demand, travelers have room to negotiate for their desired salary. But negotiation skills may not come naturally for people whose main focus is usually empathy and caring for others. If you’re that type of person, it’s a good idea to work on building those skills. Try practicing with a friend, colleague, or loved one.

4. Factor in stipends, benefits, and bonuses.

You can expect to receive certain stipends as a traveler — in other words, extra cash for common expenses like housing and getting to your assignment. You may be offered benefits, too, as well as an extension bonus if you stay on after a certain time. Make sure you’re clear on whether all of this is part of the base salary you’re offered or in addition to it.

5. Be clear on job expectations.

Make sure you understand just how many hours you’ll have to work to get the compensation package they’re offering. Getting an offer based on a 48-hour week isn’t unheard of, after all. And that means you’ll literally be working overtime to get the salary you want.

6. Factor in the location.

Nursing salaries vary widely from state to state and city to city. For instance, you can expect to earn more in a high-paying place like California or Massachusetts as opposed to one on the lower end, like Nebraska or Tennessee. Make sure you consider this before accepting or turning down an offer, and explore where your state fits in.

7. Factor in the cost of living.

Nurse salaries also tend to be higher in cities than in rural areas. Before you let that affect your decision to accept a travel assignment, though, you should also consider that it’s usually cheaper to live in the country than in the city. So, even though your base salary may be lower, you could end up earning more by saving on rent for a few months.

8. Ask about extra opportunities.

Even though overtime shouldn’t be included in a salary package, it could still be a good option if you’re looking to maximize your earnings while traveling. Asking if you’ll be able to pick up extra nursing shifts (especially weekends and holidays) could also make you a more appealing candidate. In addition, that can give you a better chance of getting hired and getting the salary you want.

9. Understand your tax liability.

Depending on your employment situation, you may not have taxes withheld from your paycheck. Some parts of your compensation, like stipends, are also usually taxed differently than your salary. Your best bet is to calculate your overall liability in advance and set aside that amount each week. If you have trouble understanding this, consider consulting a tax specialist.

10. Consult an expert!

There’s a good reason why so many travel nurses rely on agencies to find the best jobs and the best pay. Leading travel nurse companies offer expert-level recruiters who walk you through every detail, which is a great resource even for seasoned travelers. So, before you accept your next travel job, talk with a recruiter about your specific situation, whether your pay expectations are reasonable, how to avoid any unpleasant tax surprises, and anything else you need to know.

We hope you found these tips on how to maximize your travel nurse salary helpful. Have you found any ways to maximize your travel nurse salary? Comment them below.

Good luck with your next travel adventure! If you’re looking for expert advice and a competitive salary, CareerStaff is a great place to find both. We’ve got opportunities across the United States and amazing recruiters to help you maximize your travel nurse salary. Visit CareerStaff.com today for all the details.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By RNnetwork

May 15, 2023

5373 Views

Travel Nurse Pay Pitfalls — And How to Avoid Them

Posted on May 15, 2023May 15, 2023 by RNnetwork

RNNetwork provided this article.

There are many factors that go into the decision to accept a travel nurse job, but one of the first questions most nurses ask is: How much will I get paid? However, the answer to that question isn’t always as clear and simple as it should be.

When you receive an offer from a travel nursing agency, it’s important to ask clarifying questions and dig deeper to make sure you understand what you’re getting. Not all offers are created equal, and you may end up disappointed if you don’t know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Here are three common travel nurse pay pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. An offer that isn’t really an offer

Once you’ve shown interest or have spoken to a recruiter, some agencies will send you a letter that looks like an offer — look closely because it may not be. Instead, it may just be a generic pay package that doesn’t take your personal preferences or situation into consideration.

“Sometimes nurses think an email they received is an offer, but it’s generic to everyone,” says Michele Kluger, a senior recruiter with RNnetwork. “I hear this a lot, and I recommend they send me the letter. I can help them clarify what it means, and then we can calculate what they’d actually earn with RNnetwork.”

RNnetwork works diligently to come up with a compensation package that’s customized to each nurse’s situation. Senior recruiter Chris Georgiou says it may take a few extra minutes on the phone with your recruiter, but by the end of the conversation, you’ll know exactly what you’re going to get paid.

“It’s best to be as specific as possible,” he says. “That way, you know exactly what you’re going to earn for that specific assignment.”

2. More hours than you signed up for

It goes without saying that before you accept an assignment, you should read the offer thoroughly. One issue that comes up again and again, Kluger says, is you were quoted a weekly pay that looked attractive but was higher only because you ended up working more hours than you anticipated.

Some agencies may not be as transparent as they should be in this regard, and you’ll only discover this after you begin your assignment. Kluger gives an example of someone who began working for another agency: “The nurse didn’t notice, and it wasn’t clearly communicated, that the wages being quoted were for a 48-hour work week rather than a 36-hour work week.”

You may be making the promised weekly pay, but you’ll be working more hours than you planned to earn it.

3. Overdoing the non-taxable reimbursements

Travel nurses’ paychecks, at their most elemental level, are comprised of three buckets: hourly, taxable wages; per diem; and housing (or housing reimbursement). Per diem and housing are non-taxable reimbursements but are still part of the total compensation package. RNnetwork offers a custom compensation package whereby nurses can work with their recruiter to determine how they’d like to split up their compensation into these buckets.

For example, some nurses choose to take a higher hourly taxable wage, then a lower stipend and/or per diem. Another nurse may choose a lower hourly taxable wage but a higher housing and per diem. In either scenario, the gross compensation is the same. The only difference is how much of your compensation is taxable vs. non-taxable reimbursement.

Some agencies may try to entice you with offers of lower taxable wages and really high non-taxed compensation to inflate your take-home pay. Be wary of this: Accepting an excessively low taxable hourly wage — what Kluger refers to as a “babysitter’s” wage — could set you up for tax penalties later on. RNnetwork is committed to never going below a reasonable hourly wage because we don’t want to expose you to higher risk down the road if you were audited by the IRS.

Open and honest is best

There are a lot of factors that come into play when considering travel nurse pay and how it works. It may initially seem confusing, but when you connect with an experienced recruiter, they should work diligently to be transparent, open, and honest — and help you to secure the perfect job with the best compensation package possible.

To learn more about travel nurse pay, check out RNnetwork’s Travel Nurse Pay Guide, view today’s travel nurse job openings, or call us at 800.866.0407 to speak to a recruiter.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

By Medical Edge Recruitment

February 15, 2023

3252 Views

Pay Rates: A Changing Trend

Posted on February 15, 2023January 30, 2024 by Medical Edge Recruitment

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Taylor Dupont, Recruitment Consultant, Medical Edge Recruitment

It’s official. We have entered the post-pandemic phase where we, as an industry, are no longer seeing “COVID pay” or “crisis rates”, which were often considerably above average pay rates being offered to nurses. For many professionals in the medical industry, this has likely led to a lifestyle change as take-home pay has decreased for the majority of individuals. This transition has not only been a harsh reality for nursing staff and medical personnel, but it has also initiated tough conversations for recruiters who now have to explain why they are offering rates that seem low compared to the amounts being offered and earned just one to two years ago.

The unfortunate truth is that requests for local and travel contract pay rates that match or exceed pandemic earnings are hard to come by the further out we are from the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that you can still find opportunities through recruiting agencies offering more money versus staff jobs, but you will see below how the pay rates have changed overall.

States with the highest registered nurse employment numbers

California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania are the five states with the highest registered nurse (RN) employment numbers as of May 2021 (Bureau of Labor Statistics section 4). In 2019, the average annual salary for registered nurses were as follows for the states mentioned previously, respectively: $113,240, $74,540, $87,840, $67,610, and $71,410 (Nurse License Map, section 4). As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic started in early 2020. This led to an increase in rates across the nursing profession. Flash forward to 2021 – pay rates increased due to the simple economic concept known as “supply and demand”. The pandemic caused a high demand for medical staff, highlighting the shortage of staff (or “supply”) amongst the medical industry. As of May 2021, the average annual salaries for RNs in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania are as follows respectively: $124,000, $79,120, $93,320, $72,000, and $76,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics section 4). Now that we have entered the year 2023, we have an idea of what the projected annual salaries for RNs might be in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania: $109,900, $76,470, $88,570, $68,300, and $74,260.

This table provides a comparison-style view of the above-mentioned states and associated pay rates for all RNs, both agency and staff, employed during 2019, 2021, and 2023:

State	Average Annual RN Salary in 2019	Average Annual RN Salary in 2021	Average Annual RN Salary Projected for 2023
California	$113,240	$124,000	$109,900
Texas	$74,540	$79,120	$76,470
New York	$87,840	$93,320	$88,570
Florida	$67,610	$72,000	$68,300
Pennsylvania	$71,410	$76,000	$74,260

Table 1: The data gathered for this table provides a comparison of average annual wages for registered nurses from 2019-2023.

When comparing the changes in pay from 2019 to 2021, there was an increase in the average annual salary of RNs, and then there is a decrease in the numbers from 2021 to 2023. As you may have assumed, LPN and CNA rates have followed very similar trends over the same time frame (Nightingale College section 6, Nursing License Map, section 2, and CNA Free Training Resources, section 2).

RNs, LPNs, and CNAs are often given offers in terms of hourly wages. The conversions for the average annual salaries into hourly rates are below:

State	Average RN Hourly Rate in 2019	Average RN Hourly Rate in 2021	Average Projected RN Hourly Rate in 2023
California	$54.44	$59.62	$52.84
Texas	$35.84	$38.04	$36.76
New York	$42.23	$44.86	$42.58
Florida	$32.50	$34.62	$32.84
Pennsylvania	$34.33	$36.54	$35.70

Table 2: These calculations are based on the annual salaries from Table 1 for a full-time position totaling 2080 hours worked in one calendar year.

Graph 1: Provides a visual of the average annual RN salary for the 5 US states that had the highest number of RNs employed in May 2021.

Do nurses and other healthcare staff deserve this higher pay rate as the norm? ABSOLUTELY! The unfortunate side of this is that it is physically impossible for your recruiter to offer these rates to you because of the amount of money that they are receiving from facilities, which in turn is used to pay your hourly rate and, if applicable, your stipends, has also decreased. It’s the trickle-down effect – as the urgency for nurses decreases (aka the “demand”), the rates that facilities are willing to pay staffing agencies decreases, leaving less money to pass on to you.

While we might not be happy about decreasing rates, the bright side is that we made it through the pandemic! It was a rough few years, and although it was a challenging time, COVID-19 highlighted the demand and need for nurses and healthcare staff. It led to a greater appreciation for everyone in the medical field and set a new precedent for the perception and value that society has on the importance of practicing medicine.

Looking For an Agency to Help Navigate the Changing Pay Rates?

Medical Edge Recruitment is the premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits; let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

WORKS CITED

“2023 RN to BSN Salary – Learn How Much RN to BSN Graduates Earn?” RN to BSN Salary in 2023 – Learn How Much RN to BSN Graduates Earn?, https://www.nursingprocess.org/rn-to-bsn-salary/.

Admin. “CNA Salary: How Much Does a CNA Make in 2023?” CNA Free Training, https://cnafreetraining.com/cna-career-info/cna-salary/.

Logan, Kylie. “Nursing Salaries Surge 4% to Combat Burnout and Worker Shortages.” Fortune, Fortune, 19 Nov. 2021, https://fortune.com/2021/11/19/nursing-shortage-salary-increases-average-pay/.

LPN/LVN Salary by State [ Updated 2022] – Nightingale College. https://nightingale.edu/blog/lpn-salary/.

“Registered Nurse Salary 2023: How Much Does an RN Make?” Registered Nurse Salary || Latest 2023 Data, https://www.nursingprocess.org/rn-salary/.

“Registered Nurses.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 31 Mar. 2022, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm.

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1. Taxable Wages

2. Non-Taxable Income

Average Travel Nurse Pay

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Health Insurance

Retirement Savings

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