Travel nursing has always been one of the most attractive professions in healthcare, offering both financial rewards and personal freedom. In 2025, the demand for skilled nurses willing to work on short-term contracts across the United States continues to rise, driven by staffing shortages, an aging population, and the lingering effects of healthcare system challenges. But the question most people are asking remains the same: How much do travel nurses make?
To answer that, let’s break down salaries, hourly wages, regional differences, and the many factors that influence pay in the travel nursing industry today.
Average Travel Nurse Salary in 2025
Before diving into the nuances of pay rates and specialties, let’s look at a snapshot of what travel nurses are earning this year. The figures vary depending on contract length, specialty, and location, but here’s an overview:
| Category | Average Pay (2025) |
|---|---|
| Average Weekly Pay | $2,200 – $3,800 |
| Average Hourly Rate | $45 – $85 |
| Monthly Income (Estimate) | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Annual Salary (Estimate) | $110,000 – $180,000+ |
| Crisis/High-Demand Pay | $4,500 – $6,000 weekly |
This table gives a broad picture, but the reality is more nuanced. Some nurses in specialized fields like ICU, ER, or OR can make significantly more, especially if they’re open to working in high-demand regions.
Why Travel Nurses Earn More Than Staff Nurses
How much do travel nurses make more than permanent staff nurses because they fill urgent staffing gaps. Hospitals and clinics pay a premium to quickly bring in qualified professionals. Unlike staff nurses, travel nurses don’t usually receive the same retirement benefits or long-term perks, but they often receive tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and travel expenses. These extras add thousands of dollars in value each month, boosting their effective income far beyond the base salary.
Factors That Affect Travel Nurse Salaries in 2025
Several variables determine how much a travel nurse earns in 2025. Let’s explore the biggest ones:
Location
States with higher costs of living or severe staffing shortages pay the most. For example, California, New York, and Massachusetts often top the charts, while states in the Midwest may pay less but balance it with lower living expenses.
Nursing Specialty
Specialized nurses in fields like intensive care (ICU), emergency room (ER), neonatal intensive care (NICU), and operating room (OR) often command higher wages. In 2025, ICU travel nurses can average $3,500–$4,800 per week.
Contract Length
Shorter contracts with urgent start dates often come with higher pay. Facilities in crisis mode are willing to pay more for nurses who can arrive quickly.
Shift Type
Night shifts, weekends, and holiday shifts typically come with pay differentials. A nurse willing to work nights in a high-demand specialty may earn significantly more than someone on a standard day shift.
5. Experience
Just like permanent roles, experience matters. A nurse with five to ten years in a specialty will almost always secure higher-paying contracts than a new graduate.
Regional Breakdown of Travel Nurse Pay in 2025
Travel nurse pay can vary dramatically depending on location. Here’s a look at what you might expect across different parts of the United States in 2025:
- West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington): $3,000 – $4,800 per week
- Northeast (New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey): $2,800 – $4,500 per week
- South (Texas, Florida, Georgia): $2,200 – $3,600 per week
- Midwest (Illinois, Ohio, Michigan): $2,000 – $3,200 per week
- Rural or Remote Assignments: Sometimes higher than average to attract talent
Stipends and Non-Salary Benefits
One of the hidden gems of travel nursing pay lies in the stipends. Many contracts offer tax-free housing stipends, meal allowances, and travel reimbursements. In 2025, average housing stipends range from $700 to $1,500 per week, depending on the region. For many nurses, this means they can pocket extra cash if they find affordable housing or share accommodations.
Other perks include:
- Paid travel expenses to and from assignments
- Health insurance through staffing agencies
- Completion bonuses
- Overtime opportunities
High-Demand Specialties in 2025
Hospitals are paying top dollar for nurses in critical care and specialty areas. In 2025, the highest-paying specialties include:
- ICU Nurses – up to $4,800/week
- ER Nurses – up to $4,600/week
- OR Nurses – $4,000–$4,500/week
- NICU Nurses – $3,800–$4,400/week
- Telemetry Nurses – $3,200–$4,000/week
These specialties remain in demand due to the complexity of care and the shortage of highly trained professionals.
Comparing Travel Nursing to Staff Nursing
On average, staff nurses in the U.S. earn around $80,000 – $100,000 annually in 2025. Travel nurses, on the other hand, regularly exceed $120,000 and can push toward $180,000 or more with overtime and crisis pay. While staff nurses enjoy job security, retirement benefits, and consistency, travel nurses trade stability for higher pay, adventure, and flexibility.
How much do travel nurses make 2025?
For many, the answer is yes. Travel nursing offers the chance to earn a lucrative salary while exploring new cities and gaining diverse clinical experience. However, it also comes with challenges: moving every few months, adjusting to new workplaces, and living away from family. Those who value freedom, flexibility, and financial growth often find it the perfect career path.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, travel nursing continues to stand out as one of the most rewarding career paths in healthcare, both financially How much do travel nurses make and personally. With weekly paychecks often ranging from $2,200 to $4,800—or even higher in crisis contracts—travel nurses are in a unique position to earn well above the national average for staff nurses. Beyond the numbers, the profession offers unmatched flexibility, exposure to diverse healthcare settings, and the freedom to explore new places while building a thriving career.
FAQs About Travel Nurse Salaries in 2025
Q1: How much do travel nurses make per week in 2025?
A: On average, travel nurses make between $2,200 and $3,800 per week, but some specialized or crisis contracts can pay $4,500–$6,000 weekly.
Q2: Do travel nurses get paid hourly or weekly?
A: Travel nurses are usually quoted weekly rates, but this breaks down into an hourly wage of around $45–$85, depending on the assignment.
Q3: Do travel nurses pay for housing in 2025?
A: Most contracts include housing stipends, which are often tax-free. Nurses can use this to pay for their own accommodations or take agency-provided housing.
Q4: Which states pay the highest salaries to travel nurses?
A: California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington are among the highest-paying states in 2025, often exceeding $4,000 weekly.
Q5: Can new nurses become travel nurses in 2025?
A: Most agencies require at least 1–2 years of clinical experience before nurses can qualify for travel contracts.
Q6: Do travel nurses receive benefits like health insurance?
A: Yes, most staffing agencies provide health, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement options and bonuses.
Q7: How much can a travel nurse make in a year in 2025?
A: Annual salaries typically range from $110,000 to $180,000+, depending on specialty, hours worked, and contract locations.
