AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.
Over the last few years, there has been a demand for healthcare professionals all across the country. As more states scramble for qualified healthcare workers, the demand for travel nurses and the importance of travel nursing statistics will only increase in 2025 and beyond.
- What is the outlook for aspiring travel nurses for the coming year, you ask?
- How much can an average travel nurse make?
- We answer these questions and more below.
Here are the most up-to-date travel nursing statistics for 2025:
Understanding travel nursing statistics is essential for navigating the job market effectively.
- Travel nursing is expected to fill a 60,000-nurse shortage.
- Travel nursing has grown by 430%.
- The average travel nurse makes about $103,695 yearly.
- There are over a million travel nurses in the country.
- Two high nursing-demand states are Arizona and Texas.
- Four out of five of the highest-paying states are on the East Coast.
- A typical travel nursing contact can last 13 weeks.
- Two years is the average experience needed to work as a travel nurse.
There’s a Shortage of 63,720 Nurses That Travel Nursing Is Expected to Fill
According to recent travel nursing statistics, the demand for registered nurses is projected to grow significantly.
These travel nursing statistics indicate that more professionals are choosing this rewarding career path.
Travel nursing statistics show that job satisfaction remains high among professionals in this field.
Recent 2024 data has identified a significant nursing shortage that will only get worse in the years to come. More specifically, there’s a shortage of 63,720 registered nurses as of 2024, and these shortages are expected to be palpable in states like Washington and Georgia.
In light of growing shortages, many hospitals and state health bodies have turned to travel nursing to fill in the gaps.
Travel nurses remain to be the silver bullet to the staffing problem experienced by many hospitals and communities. As a result, the demand for these healthcare professionals will likely increase in 2025 and beyond.
Travel Nursing Has Witnessed a 430% Growth Between 2018 and 2024
As demand increases, so too does the number of registered nurses getting into travel nursing.
Between 2018 and 2024, the number of travel nurses has increased from 33,000 to more than 175,000. This is 430% more than the number of travel nurses in 2018.
This is where travel nursing statistics play a crucial role in understanding the financial benefits.
With more RNs making the transition to travel nursing, we can expect that the trend will continue in 2025 as the United States battles with an increasingly aging population and more healthcare staff shortages.
There are many factors for why more nurses are transitioning to travel nursing. One is likely the high pay given to these professionals — as you’ll see in the next statistic.
Travel nursing statistics indicate that there are many opportunities for growth in this sector.
The Average Travel Nurse Makes About $103,695 Yearly.
Being aware of current travel nursing statistics can significantly enhance your career prospects.
In essence, travel nursing statistics provide valuable insights into this dynamic profession.
Besides being able to make a difference and seeing other parts of the country, a commonly cited perk of being a travel nurse is the pay. According to recent industry data, travel nurses in 2024 and beyond can expect to make an average of $103,695 a year. This amount is roughly $20,000 more than the national average for in-hospital registered nurses in the United States!
With wages like these, it’s easy to see why more nurses are considering travel nursing as a career.
But how many have already made the shift?
There Are 1,733,502 Travel Nurses in the United States
If you’re planning on being a travel nurse, you’re in good company.
Based on the most recent industry data, you’ll be joining 1,733,502 other registered nurses and LPNs when you join the travel nurse journey. This population is over a third of the number of registered nurses in the country.
If you’re wondering where to travel or what the regional hot spots are, we’ve got you covered below.
Arizona and Texas Are Two States Where Demand for Travel Nurses Is Expected to Increase
California has long been a destination for prospective travel nurses. However, before you consider the Bear Republic as your next travel nursing destination, shift your gaze towards these two states that may see a surge in travel nurse demand in the coming years: Texas and Arizona.
According to data from Staffing Industry Analysts, these states may overtake California in terms of travel nurse demand beyond 2024. Among the reasons for this trend are the growing number of “snowbirds” in these states and increasing populations.
The East Coast Is Home to Four Out of Five of the Highest-Paying States for Travel Nurses
Overall, travel nursing statistics reflect the growing importance of this profession in healthcare.
Arizona and Texas may be great picks for where you start your travel nursing journey. However, if pay is one of your main priorities, look no further than the East Coast.
Recent data suggests that the East Coast is home to four out of five states where the rates for travel nurses are the highest across the country. These states are New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.
Of the five states mentioned, New York pays travel nurses the most, with an average yearly salary of $120,132.
The Average Travel Nursing Contract Lasts Roughly 13 Weeks
Travel nurses work on a contractual basis, so if you’re considering making the jump, you need to know how long an average contract lasts.
On average, assignments have a duration of roughly 13 weeks. On the longer end, there are contracts that last for up to 26 weeks.
Travel Nurses Need to Have at Least Two Years of Work Experience
As you plan your career, consider how travel nursing statistics influence your pathway.
Utilizing travel nursing statistics can help you forecast your potential earnings and job satisfaction.
In addition to knowing how long a travel contract normally lasts, you should also be aware of some of the requirements, such as minimum work experience.
There’s much variation across the board. For the most part, most employers require registered nurses to have at least two years of relevant work experience.
By “relevant work experience,” we mean working as a registered nurse in either a hospital or community setting. Working as a specialized ambulatory care nurse also counts as relevant experience.
It Can Take One to Four Years to Become a Travel Nurse in 2025
Stay updated with the latest travel nursing statistics to make informed job choices.
Lastly, let’s talk about how much time you’re looking at when you’re preparing to get into travel nursing.
By reviewing travel nursing statistics, you can better prepare for your assignments.
Assuming that you’re currently either in nursing school or a graduate, we’ll go on and say that it can take four years for you to be a travel nurse. The four-year timeframe accounts for the following:
- Finishing your BSN or ADN
- Taking the necessary state licensure examinations
- Gaining sufficient work experience in your chosen specialty
Final Thoughts
When you look at the travel nursing statistics for 2025, you can see that it’s a profession that’s growing and will continue to be relevant given the country’s healthcare needs.
All you need to do is complete your education, take the necessary licensure exams, and amass sufficient work experience. Set yourself up for a thriving career that’s sure to be rewarding on numerous fronts in 2025 and beyond.
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