Travel nursing has become one of the most rewarding and flexible careers in the healthcare industry. For many nurses, the opportunity to earn competitive pay while exploring different cities and states is a major draw. But naturally, the burning question is: how much do travel nurses make? In this article, we break down salaries, hourly rates, regional variations, and factors that affect pay.
Average Pay for Travel Nurses
Travel nurses are compensated differently from staff nurses due to the temporary nature of their contracts and the demand in specific regions. Here’s a snapshot of typical salaries across the United States:
| State/Region | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary | Notes |
| California | $55 – $80 | $110,000 – $160,000 | High cost of living; high demand in major cities like LA and SF |
| Texas | $45 – $65 | $95,000 – $135,000 | Lower cost of living; growing healthcare demand |
| Florida | $50 – $70 | $100,000 – $140,000 | Popular destination for retirees; high demand for travel nurses |
| New York | $55 – $85 | $110,000 – $170,000 | Large urban hospitals; high pay to attract talent |
| Illinois | $50 – $75 | $100,000 – $150,000 | Mix of urban and suburban hospitals |
This table clearly shows that how much travel nurses make can vary widely depending on the location, experience, and specialty.
How Much Do Travel Nurses Make a Year?
When considering the yearly income of a travel nurse, the range is influenced by several factors such as shift type, contract length, and overtime availability. On average:
- New or entry-level travel nurses can expect to earn $90,000 – $110,000 per year.
- Experienced nurses with specialized skills can earn $120,000 – $170,000 annually.
- High-demand states such as California and New York typically offer the higher end of the salary spectrum.
This means if you ask, “how much do travel nurses make a year?”, the answer largely depends on your location, specialty, and experience.
How Much Do Travel Nurses Make Per Year vs. Per Hour
Hourly rates give a more flexible view of compensation. For most travel nurses:
- Standard shifts: $45 – $80 per hour depending on specialty and location
- Overtime or double shifts: Can exceed $100 per hour in some high-demand regions
- Annual salaries are typically calculated based on 36-40 hours per week, 48-52 weeks per year
So if you want to know how much do travel nurses make per year, you can roughly estimate using your hourly rate multiplied by hours worked. For example, a nurse making $60/hour and working 40 hours a week for 48 weeks would earn $115,200 per year.
State-Specific Pay: California, Texas, Florida
California
California is consistently one of the highest-paying states for travel nurses. High demand in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego drives salaries up. On average:
- Hourly rate: $55 – $80
- Annual salary: $110,000 – $160,000
- Popular specialties: ICU, OR, ER, and Telemetry
Texas
Texas offers a slightly lower cost of living, which means pay is slightly lower than California but still competitive. Key cities include Houston, Dallas, and Austin:
- Hourly rate: $45 – $65
- Annual salary: $95,000 – $135,000
- Popular specialties: Med-Surg, ER, ICU
Florida
Florida attracts nurses with its warm climate and large retiree population. The demand for travel nurses is high, especially in coastal cities:
- Hourly rate: $50 – $70
- Annual salary: $100,000 – $140,000
- Popular specialties: Geriatrics, ER, ICU
Factors Affecting How Much Travel Nurses Make
Several variables can affect your compensation as a travel nurse:
- Specialty: ICU, ER, and OR nurses usually earn more than Med-Surg nurses.
- Experience: Nurses with 5+ years of experience or certifications earn higher rates.
- Location: Cost of living and hospital demand can drive rates up or down.
- Shift Type: Night shifts, weekends, and overtime are often paid at a premium.
- Contract Duration: Longer contracts may offer slightly lower hourly rates but provide stability.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Travel nursing often comes with additional benefits:
- Housing stipends or provided accommodations
- Travel reimbursements
- Health insurance and retirement contributions
- Flexible schedules that allow for travel and personal time
These perks can make a significant difference in overall compensation, especially if your contract is in a high-cost-of-living area.
Tips to Maximize How Much You Make as a Travel Nurse
- Negotiate hourly rates based on your specialty and experience.
- Consider high-demand states like California, New York, or Massachusetts.
- Opt for contracts with overtime or premium shifts.
- Maintain certifications and advanced skills to qualify for higher-paying roles.
Final Thoughts
Travel nursing offers a unique combination of high earning potential, flexibility, and adventure. By understanding how much travel nurses make, both annually and hourly, you can make informed decisions about which contracts, locations, and specialties best align with your career goals.
States like California, Texas, and Florida provide varied pay scales, so evaluating cost of living, demand, and lifestyle preferences is essential. Beyond salary, the additional perks—housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and flexible schedules—can significantly enhance overall compensation and quality of life.
FAQ
Q: How much do travel nurses make on average?
A: On average, travel nurses earn between $50,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and specialty.
Q: How much do travel nurses make a year?
A: Travel nurses typically make $90,000 to $170,000 per year, with higher rates in high-demand states.
Q: How much do travel nurses make per hour?
A: Hourly rates range from $45 to $80 per hour, with some specialties and regions paying more.
Q: How much do travel nurses make in California?
A: In California, travel nurses earn $55 to $80 per hour, equating to $110,000 – $160,000 per year.
Q: How much do travel nurses make in Texas?
A: Texas travel nurses earn $45 to $65 per hour, or $95,000 – $135,000 annually.
Q: How much do travel nurses make in Florida?
A: In Florida, pay ranges from $50 to $70 per hour, with yearly salaries between $100,000 – $140,000.
Q: What factors influence travel nurse pay?
A: Specialty, experience, location, shift type, and contract length are the main factors affecting pay.
