How Much Do Travel Nurses Make

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Travel nurses are in high demand, and for good reason. They provide essential care to patients in need, and they offer hospitals and clinics the flexibility to staff their facilities as needed. As a result, travel nurses can earn very competitive salaries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for travel nurses was $75,330 in May 2020. The top 10% of earners made more than $109,810, while the bottom 10% earned less than $56,240. These figures include salaries for both short-term and long-term travel nursing assignments. Short-term assignments typically last for a few weeks or months, while long-term assignments can last for a year or more.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Here are 8 important points about how much travel nurses make:

• Median annual salary: $75,330
• Top 10% earners: $109,810+
• Bottom 10% earners: $56,240+
• Short-term assignments: a few weeks or months
• Long-term assignments: a year or more
• Hourly rates: $25-$50+
• Benefits: health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off
• Demand for travel nurses: high and growing

Travel nurses can earn very competitive salaries, and the demand for their services is only going to grow in the years to come.

Median annual salary: $75,330

The median annual salary for travel nurses was $75,330 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that half of all travel nurses earned more than this amount, and half earned less.

• Salary range:
  

  Travel nurse salaries can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, location, and specialty. However, most travel nurses can expect to earn between $60,000 and $100,000 per year.

• Short-term vs. long-term assignments:
  

  Travel nurses who work short-term assignments (a few weeks or months) typically earn a higher hourly rate than those who work long-term assignments (a year or more). However, long-term assignments often come with benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

• Location:
  

  Travel nurses who work in high-demand areas, such as large cities or rural areas with a shortage of nurses, can earn higher salaries than those who work in less-populated areas.

• Specialty:
  

  Travel nurses who specialize in certain areas, such as critical care, neonatology, or oncology, can also earn higher salaries.

Overall, travel nurses can earn very competitive salaries. The demand for travel nurses is high and growing, so there are plenty of opportunities for nurses to find well-paying jobs.

Top 10% earners: $109,810+

The top 10% of travel nurses earned more than $109,810 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These nurses are typically the most experienced and skilled in their field, and they often work in high-demand specialties, such as critical care, neonatology, or oncology.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to a travel nurse's high salary, including:

• Years of experience: Travel nurses with more experience are typically paid more than those with less experience.
• Education and certifications: Travel nurses with advanced degrees and certifications are also typically paid more than those without.
• Specialty: Travel nurses who specialize in certain areas, such as critical care, neonatology, or oncology, can earn higher salaries than those who work in less-specialized areas.
• Location: Travel nurses who work in high-demand areas, such as large cities or rural areas with a shortage of nurses, can also earn higher salaries.
• Employer: Some travel nursing agencies pay higher salaries than others.

Overall, the top 10% of travel nurses are able to earn very high salaries. This is due to their experience, skills, and the high demand for their services.

Here are some tips for travel nurses who want to increase their earning potential:

• Gain experience: The more experience you have, the more valuable you will be to potential employers.
• Get advanced degrees and certifications: Advanced degrees and certifications can help you to stand out from other travel nurses and earn a higher salary.
• Specialize in a high-demand area: Travel nurses who specialize in certain areas, such as critical care, neonatology, or oncology, can earn higher salaries.
• Work in a high-demand location: Travel nurses who work in high-demand areas, such as large cities or rural areas with a shortage of nurses, can also earn higher salaries.
• Negotiate your salary: When you are negotiating your salary with a travel nursing agency, be sure to ask for what you are worth. You may be surprised at how much you can earn.

Bottom 10% earners: $56,240+

The bottom 10% of travel nurses earned less than $56,240 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These nurses are typically the least experienced and skilled in their field, and they often work in less-demanding specialties.

• Years of experience: Travel nurses with less experience are typically paid less than those with more experience.
• Education and certifications: Travel nurses without advanced degrees or certifications are also typically paid less than those with.
• Specialty: Travel nurses who work in less-specialized areas, such as medical-surgical nursing or pediatrics, are typically paid less than those who specialize in high-demand areas, such as critical care, neonatology, or oncology.
• Location: Travel nurses who work in less-populated areas, where there is less demand for their services, are typically paid less than those who work in high-demand areas, such as large cities or rural areas with a shortage of nurses.

It is important to note that even the bottom 10% of travel nurses still earn a relatively high salary. This is because the demand for travel nurses is so high. However, there are a number of things that travel nurses can do to increase their earning potential, such as gaining experience, getting advanced degrees and certifications, specializing in a high-demand area, and working in a high-demand location.

Short-term assignments: a few weeks or months

Short-term travel nursing assignments typically last for a few weeks or months. These assignments are often ideal for nurses who are looking for a temporary change of pace or who want to travel to new places.

• Flexibility: Short-term assignments offer nurses a great deal of flexibility. Nurses can choose the assignments that they want to work, and they can typically start and stop working whenever they want.
• Variety: Short-term assignments also offer nurses a lot of variety. Nurses can work in different hospitals and clinics, and they can care for a wide variety of patients.
• Higher pay: Short-term travel nurses typically earn a higher hourly rate than long-term travel nurses. This is because short-term assignments are often more difficult to fill.
• Less commitment: Short-term assignments require less commitment than long-term assignments. This can be ideal for nurses who are not sure if they want to commit to a long-term travel nursing job.

Short-term travel nursing assignments can be a great way for nurses to earn a high salary, gain experience, and see new places. However, it is important to note that short-term assignments can also be more challenging than long-term assignments. Short-term travel nurses may have to work long hours, and they may have to travel to unfamiliar places.

Long-term assignments: a year or more

Long-term travel nursing assignments typically last for a year or more. These assignments are often ideal for nurses who are looking for a more stable job or who want to settle down in a new place.

There are a number of benefits to working long-term travel nursing assignments, including:

• Stability: Long-term assignments offer nurses more stability than short-term assignments. Nurses can typically expect to work regular hours and have a consistent schedule.
• Benefits: Long-term travel nurses are often eligible for benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunity to build relationships: Long-term assignments give nurses the opportunity to build relationships with their colleagues and patients. This can be a very rewarding experience.
• Chance to learn and grow: Long-term assignments can also give nurses the chance to learn and grow professionally. Nurses can work with different preceptors and mentors, and they can gain experience in a variety of different clinical settings.

However, there are also some challenges associated with working long-term travel nursing assignments. These challenges include:

• Less flexibility: Long-term assignments require more commitment than short-term assignments. Nurses may have to sign a contract for a year or more, and they may have to relocate to a new city or town.
• Less variety: Long-term assignments can also be less varied than short-term assignments. Nurses may work in the same hospital or clinic for the entire duration of their assignment.
• Lower pay: Long-term travel nurses typically earn a lower hourly rate than short-term travel nurses. This is because long-term assignments are typically easier to fill.

Overall, long-term travel nursing assignments can be a great way for nurses to earn a good salary, gain experience, and build relationships. However, it is important to weigh the benefits and challenges of long-term assignments before making a decision.

Hourly rates: $25-$50+

Travel nurses can earn hourly rates ranging from $25 to $50 or more, depending on their experience, skills, and location. The average hourly rate for travel nurses is $35.

There are a number of factors that can affect a travel nurse's hourly rate, including:

• Years of experience: Travel nurses with more experience typically earn higher hourly rates than those with less experience.
• Education and certifications: Travel nurses with advanced degrees and certifications typically earn higher hourly rates than those without.
• Specialty: Travel nurses who specialize in certain areas, such as critical care, neonatology, or oncology, typically earn higher hourly rates than those who work in less-specialized areas.
• Location: Travel nurses who work in high-demand areas, such as large cities or rural areas with a shortage of nurses, typically earn higher hourly rates than those who work in less-populated areas.
• Employer: Some travel nursing agencies pay higher hourly rates than others.

Overall, travel nurses can earn very competitive hourly rates. This is due to the high demand for their services.

Here are some tips for travel nurses who want to increase their hourly rate:

• Gain experience: The more experience you have, the more valuable you will be to potential employers.
• Get advanced degrees and certifications: Advanced degrees and certifications can help you to stand out from other travel nurses and earn a higher hourly rate.
• Specialize in a high-demand area: Travel nurses who specialize in certain areas, such as critical care, neonatology, or oncology, can earn higher hourly rates.
• Work in a high-demand location: Travel nurses who work in high-demand areas, such as large cities or rural areas with a shortage of nurses, can also earn higher hourly rates.
• Negotiate your hourly rate: When you are negotiating your hourly rate with a travel nursing agency, be sure to ask for what you are worth. You may be surprised at how much you can earn.

Benefits: health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off

Many travel nursing agencies offer benefits to their nurses, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. These benefits can vary depending on the agency and the assignment, but they can be very valuable to travel nurses.

Health insurance: Health insurance is an important benefit for travel nurses, as it can help them to cover the costs of medical care. Many travel nursing agencies offer health insurance plans to their nurses, and some even offer coverage for the nurse's family members.

Retirement plans: Retirement plans can help travel nurses to save for their future. Some travel nursing agencies offer retirement plans to their nurses, and some even match the nurse's contributions. This can be a great way for travel nurses to save for their retirement.

Paid time off: Paid time off is important for travel nurses, as it allows them to take breaks from their work and travel to new places. Many travel nursing agencies offer paid time off to their nurses, and some even offer paid sick leave and paid holidays.

Overall, the benefits that travel nursing agencies offer to their nurses can be very valuable. These benefits can help travel nurses to save money, protect their health, and take breaks from their work.

Here are some tips for travel nurses who are looking for agencies that offer good benefits:

• Ask about benefits: When you are interviewing with travel nursing agencies, be sure to ask about the benefits that they offer to their nurses.
• Compare benefits: Once you have received offers from multiple agencies, compare the benefits that they offer. Consider the cost of the benefits, the coverage that they provide, and the eligibility requirements.
• Choose the agency that offers the best benefits: Once you have compared the benefits that different agencies offer, choose the agency that offers the best benefits for you.

Demand for travel nurses: high and growing

The demand for travel nurses is high and growing. This is due to a number of factors, including:

• Nursing shortage: There is a nationwide shortage of nurses. This shortage is expected to continue to grow in the years to come, as the demand for healthcare services increases.
• Aging population: The population of the United States is aging. As people age, they are more likely to need healthcare services, including nursing care.
• Increased healthcare needs: The increased prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, is also leading to an increased demand for healthcare services, including nursing care.
• Flexibility of travel nursing: Travel nursing offers nurses the flexibility to work in different locations and to choose the assignments that they want to work. This flexibility is appealing to many nurses, especially those who are looking for a change of pace or who want to travel to new places.

The high and growing demand for travel nurses is leading to increased salaries and benefits for travel nurses. Travel nurses can now earn very competitive salaries, and they can also enjoy a variety of benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Overall, the outlook for travel nurses is very positive. The demand for travel nurses is high and growing, and this is leading to increased salaries and benefits for travel nurses.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about how much travel nurses make:

Question 1: How much do travel nurses make per hour?
Answer 1: Travel nurses can earn hourly rates ranging from $25 to $50 or more, depending on their experience, skills, and location. The average hourly rate for travel nurses is $35.

Question 2: How much do travel nurses make per year?
Answer 2: The median annual salary for travel nurses was $75,330 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of earners made more than $109,810, while the bottom 10% earned less than $56,240.

Question 3: What factors affect how much travel nurses make?
Answer 3: A number of factors can affect a travel nurse's salary, including their experience, skills, specialty, location, and employer.

Question 4: What are the benefits of being a travel nurse?
Answer 4: Travel nurses can enjoy a number of benefits, including competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, and the opportunity to travel to new places.

Question 5: What are the challenges of being a travel nurse?
Answer 5: Travel nurses may face a number of challenges, including long hours, unfamiliar work environments, and being away from home.

Question 6: How can I become a travel nurse?
Answer 6: To become a travel nurse, you must be a registered nurse (RN) with a valid nursing license. You will also need to have at least one year of experience as an RN.

Question 7: Where can I find travel nursing jobs?
Answer 7: There are a number of websites and agencies that list travel nursing jobs. You can also search for travel nursing jobs on social media.

Overall, travel nursing can be a very rewarding career. Travel nurses can earn competitive salaries, enjoy flexible work schedules, and travel to new places. However, travel nursing can also be challenging. Travel nurses may face long hours, unfamiliar work environments, and being away from home.

If you are interested in becoming a travel nurse, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:

Tips

Here are a few tips for travel nurses who want to increase their earning potential and job satisfaction:

Tip 1: Gain experience: The more experience you have, the more valuable you will be to potential employers. Travel nurses with more experience can typically earn higher salaries and have more job opportunities.

Tip 2: Get advanced degrees and certifications: Advanced degrees and certifications can help you to stand out from other travel nurses and earn a higher salary. Some of the most popular advanced degrees and certifications for travel nurses include the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).

Tip 3: Specialize in a high-demand area: Travel nurses who specialize in certain areas, such as critical care, neonatology, or oncology, can earn higher salaries. These areas are in high demand, and there is a shortage of qualified nurses.

Tip 4: Work in a high-demand location: Travel nurses who work in high-demand areas, such as large cities or rural areas with a shortage of nurses, can also earn higher salaries. These areas are willing to pay more to attract and retain qualified nurses.

Tip 5: Negotiate your salary and benefits: When you are negotiating your salary and benefits with a travel nursing agency, be sure to ask for what you are worth. You may be surprised at how much you can earn. Be sure to also negotiate for benefits that are important to you, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Overall, travel nursing can be a very rewarding career. Travel nurses can earn competitive salaries, enjoy flexible work schedules, and travel to new places. By following these tips, you can increase your earning potential and job satisfaction as a travel nurse.

If you are interested in becoming a travel nurse, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for success:

Conclusion

Travel nursing can be a very rewarding career. Travel nurses can earn competitive salaries, enjoy flexible work schedules, and travel to new places. However, travel nursing can also be challenging. Travel nurses may face long hours, unfamiliar work environments, and being away from home.

If you are considering a career as a travel nurse, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you will need to have a valid nursing license and at least one year of experience as a registered nurse (RN). You will also need to be prepared to work long hours and travel to new places. However, if you are up for the challenge, travel nursing can be a very rewarding career.

Here are some of the main points to remember about how much travel nurses make:

• The median annual salary for travel nurses was $75,330 in May 2020.
• The top 10% of earners made more than $109,810, while the bottom 10% earned less than $56,240.
• A number of factors can affect a travel nurse's salary, including their experience, skills, specialty, location, and employer.
• Travel nurses can earn higher salaries by gaining experience, getting advanced degrees and certifications, specializing in a high-demand area, and working in a high-demand location.

Overall, travel nursing can be a very rewarding career. Travel nurses can earn competitive salaries, enjoy flexible work schedules, and travel to new places. If you are interested in becoming a travel nurse, there are a few things you can do to increase your earning potential and job satisfaction.