We all know that traveling nurses are a dime a dozen, but how much do they make?

Well, it turns out the answer is a LOT. But what's even more interesting is the way that their salaries vary depending on the region and their specialty. 

We've compiled all of this information for you in one place: our comprehensive guide to how much a traveling nurse makes!

So sit back, relax, and read on!

What is a traveling nurse?

Traveling nurses are registered nurses who work in different locations over a period of time.

They provide short-term coverage for hospitals that need extra help during busy times or when staff members are unavailable. 

Unlike locum tenens physicians, who typically work on an assignment basis, traveling nurses typically work under contracts with specific facilities and provide long-term coverage.

How to Become a Travel Nurse?

Becoming a travel nurse can be one of the best decisions you ever make, but it’s not an easy process. 

To become a travel nurse, you need to be prepared to take care of yourself and others, be flexible and adaptable and have thick skin.

You must first have your RN license, which means you have completed your BSN or diploma degree program and passed the NCLEX licensing exam. 

This is the most common requirement for all nurses. Once you've earned your degree, it may take some time before you find an employer who will hire you as a travel nurse. 

In most cases, employers prefer to hire nurses with at least one year of experience in the field because they know that these nurses are not only qualified but reliable too!

How Much Does a Traveling Nurse Make?

According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a traveling nurse is $2,000 per week. 

When you include the company-paid housing accommodations and travel expenses, this figure can easily top $5,000 per week.

However, these numbers vary based on your location and the type of assignment you take on.

Some nurses make as much as $45 an hour, while others make less than $30 per hour. 

The average salary is around $20 an hour, which can go up to $30 per hour if you are in high demand.
The majority of nurses work full-time hours, and they typically work 36 hours per week or more.

The top Paying States For Travel Nurses

Here’s a quick breakdown of the average travel nurse salary by state:

How Much Experience Do I Need to Become a Traveling Nurse?

In order to be eligible for a travel nursing job, you’ll need at least one year of experience as a registered nurse (RN). 

However, experience is only part of the equation. You also need to pass a background check and drug test — no exceptions. 

And if you want to work in high-risk areas like pediatrics or surgery, then you must be able to pass an additional physical exam that will determine whether or not your body is able to handle the rigors of working in that environment.

What are the Travel Nursing Requirements?

• The first thing you need to do is make sure you have a license to practice nursing. 
• The second thing you need to do is make sure that your state board of nursing has registered you as an RN (Registered Nurse). 
• The last thing that needs to be done is make sure that your state board approves of the specialty in which you want to work.

If all three steps are successfully completed, then congratulations! You're ready for the world of travel nursing!

When you're hired by an agency, they will work with you to find an assignment that matches your skills, experience, and interests. 

They'll help you with the travel arrangements—and if you need housing, they can set up temporary accommodations until you find a permanent place to stay.

They'll also ensure that the whole moving process goes smoothly so that when it's time for your first day on the job, there won't be any hassles or surprises.

Difference Between Travel Nursing And Normal Nursing

Travel nurses are temporary workers who take jobs with hospitals or other healthcare facilities for a set period of time. On the other hand, registered nurses have a permanent position in the hospital. 

Travel nurses do not work for one specific place; instead, they move from job to job as needed—often working in multiple states or even countries. 

This aspect makes travel nursing different from traditional nursing professions such as nurse practitioners (NPs), registered nurses (RNS) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

Factors That Impact Your Pay as a Traveling Nurse

Here are the factors that impact your pay as a travel nurse:  

1. Location  

The first thing to consider when it comes to how much you can make as a travel nurse is location. 

The more remote the area where you’re working, the less you can expect to make — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. 

If you’re looking for a job in a rural location that has few jobs available, you may not be able to find one at all without traveling.  

2. Experience level  

Another factor that impacts how much you can earn as a travel nurse is your experience level. 

As with any other job, the more experienced you are, the more money you can expect to make, and vice versa. 

You may start out making less than $20 an hour. Still, with time and experience, that number will increase significantly as long as your employer recognizes your skills and value to their company or facility.

3. Your Specialty

Your specialty matters a lot; it will impact how much money hospitals are willing to pay for certain types of nurses over others. 

If they need more nurses in a specific area (like surgery), then they'll offer higher wages for those types of nurses.

4. The Type of Assignment 

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities pay more for highly skilled nursing professionals who have specialized training or certifications.

How To Maximize Your Pay As A Traveling  Nurse?

The travel nursing industry is booming. And, with good reason — a career as a travel nurse offers more opportunities, better pay, and an overall more rewarding experience than many other jobs in healthcare.  

If you're considering becoming a travel nurse, here are some tips for maximizing your pay:

1. Work For the Highest Paying Agency

While agencies don't always advertise their rates, you should be able to find out from them what the average rate is for each hospital that they work with. 

In order to get the highest pay possible, you should try to work at hospitals that have the highest-paying agencies.  

2. Work Long Days

Some agencies pay more if you work 12-hour shifts instead of 8-hour shifts, so try to find assignments where this is an option. 

If you're not sure what's available, ask your recruiter or manager at the beginning of your contract and see if they can find something for you!

3. Choose Your Location Wisely  

The best way to make money as a travel nurse is by choosing a location that has high pay and a low cost of living. 

If you live in a city like San Francisco or New York City and work in another city like Lubbock, Texas, or Prescott, Arizona, then your paycheck will be much bigger than it would be if you worked in the same city where you live. 

4. Choose The Right Specialty  

If you have any specialty certifications (like critical care or pediatrics), then use them when applying for jobs! This can increase your salary by up to 20%.

5. Know Your Worth

Before you start applying for jobs, take some time to research what other travel nurses are making in your area. 

You can use websites like Glassdoor and Indeed to see salary ranges in your city or state.  

6. Search Strategically

Once you know what the going rate is for travel nurse positions in your area, it's time to start searching for jobs that fit within those parameters. 

Search sites like Indeed.com and Americanmobile.com will help keep you up-to-date with open positions around the country as they become available.

It's A Wrap!

The answer to the question, "How much does a traveling nurse make?" is: it depends.

It depends on what kind of traveling nurse you are and whether or not you have experience as one. It also depends on where and when.

If you're just starting out as a traveling nurse, you'll probably start with a lower salary than someone who's been doing it for years—and that's okay! 

You can still make great money, and there are plenty of opportunities for advancement and growth if you stick with it.

But if you want to make the most money possible? Then do your research and find out exactly who is hiring in your area—and then go get 'em!

FAQs

What is the starting salary for a traveling nurse?

The starting salary for a traveling nurse depends on the area of travel and the type of job. 

In general, you can expect to make anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 per year as a traveling nurse. The average salary is $65,000.

Do travel nurses make more money than doctors?

The answer is yes; travel nurses make more money than doctors. 

In fact, according to a Singaporean newspaper, most travel nurses could earn an average of $8,000 per week on the road.

Is it worth being a travel nurse?

It depends.

If you are a traveler who wants to make an impact and develop your skills, then YES! 

It is worth it! If you are looking for something temporary or just want to get through your training, then NO!

Travel nursing is not for everyone. There are many reasons why people choose to travel, but I believe the most important reason is because of the impact you can make on others. 

Travelers get to see so much more than just one hospital or one city.

We get to share our knowledge with other nurses and learn from them as well. It's a win-win situation!

Finding the right travel nurse housing can be a tricky business.

From searching on Airbnb to checking local listings, you want to make sure you're in an area where there are plenty of jobs for you, but you also need to make sure that the area is safe and comfortable enough for you to live in.

It's a balancing act—you need to be somewhere that has everything you need but also somewhere where you feel comfortable and like you belong.

Of course, there are other things to consider, too: do the people around me speak English? Is there good public transportation? Is the neighborhood safe enough for my family and me?

Let's take a look at seven tips to find the right travel nurse housing: 

1. Find out your options

2. Do you research

3. Find the location near your work

4. Look at the neighborhood 

5. Ask about the utilities included in the rent

6. Consider short term rentals as compared to hotels and apartments

7. Check for pet policies

8. Avoid scams

1. Find Out Your Options

You have several options when it comes to housing for travel nurses:

• Agency-provided housing: This is the most common option for travel nurses. The agency will set you up with a place to live and often includes utilities. However, this option can be pricey and may force you to live farther away from work or other amenities.
• Rental or apartment: You may want to go this route if you want more freedom or less expensive options. You'll also need to do your own grocery shopping and transportation. But you'll be able to choose where you live and how much you spend on rent.
• Roommates: Many travel nurses will find roommates because it's cheaper than living alone and can be an excellent way to meet other people in the area.

2. Do Your Research

You want to ensure you're getting a good deal and not paying more than you should be for your travel nurse housing. 

There are many websites out there that can help with this, including:

Airbnb

Airbnb is a popular short-term rental site, allowing people to rent their homes or rooms to guests worldwide. It's a great way to find cheap accommodation when traveling abroad! 

Most travel nurses use Airbnb to find the right travel nurse housing for their needs. 

You can search by location or price range to find something suitable for your needs. 

The host will usually provide photographs of their property and reviews from previous guests who have stayed there, so you can get an idea of what kind of accommodation it is before booking it yourself.

Craigslist

Craigslist is a great place to find affordable furnished apartments and travel nurse housing for rent. You can also check out other classified ads sites such as Backpage, Kijiji, and Gumtree for more options.

Furnished Finder

Furnished Finder is another excellent resource for finding an apartment or house that's already furnished with all the amenities you need. This site has listings from across the country and can help you find exactly what you're looking for at a price that fits your budget.

Facebook

Explore Facebook Marketplace too! 

You might be surprised by how many people are renting their homes, which can help to find the right travel nurse housing. 

Homestay.com

One good resource for finding affordable travel nurse housing is housestay.com. This website has listings for available rooms in homes across the country for people who are looking for roommates. 

You can search by location and get an idea of what kind of room will fit your budget before making any commitments.

Zumper

This site lets you search for apartments by city or neighborhood and filter by price range, amenities (like parking or laundry), number of bedrooms, and more. It also has reviews from previous renters—which is always helpful when finding suitable housing!

3. Find The Location Near Your Work

Location is an essential factor in finding traveling nurses housing for your travel nurse position. 

You want to be close enough to work, so you don't waste time commuting, but far enough away that you can find affordable housing that fits your budget and meets your needs. 

If you're working at a hospital, consider looking for apartments near the hospital instead of trying to find them in the city center or downtown area, where there are more expensive options available.

4. Look At The Neighborhood

The quality of the neighborhood where your rental property is significantly located impacts how safe your stay will be.

You want to make sure that any apartments or houses that you consider are well maintained and clean, with plenty of parking available nearby and good access to public transportation options if needed (like buses and trains).

5. Ask About Utilities Included In The Rent

Utilities are one of the most significant expenses for renters; they include electricity, water, and gas. 

Some landlords include these costs in their rental price, while others charge individually based on usage (which can be hard to track).

 Ask about this before signing anything official!

6. Consider Short-term Rentals As An Alternative To Hotels And Apartments

If you don't want to commit long-term to a place, consider short-term rentals like Airbnb or HomeAway/VRBO as an alternative to hotels and apartments. 

Many owners use these sites when they are out of town, so they can make some extra cash from their homes while they're away. 

If the owner has good reviews from other travelers, this could be an excellent way for both parties to save money!

7. Check For Pet Policies

Some travel nurse housing agencies allow pets, but others do not allow them at all. 

If you have a pet, it is essential that you get a property where pets are allowed because it will be difficult for you to find a new home if your current property does not allow pets in the community or area where it is located. 

You should also check what pet fees are charged by different properties because these fees vary from one property to another depending on their terms and conditions.

8. Avoid Scams

There are many people who will try to scam you by offering travel nurse housing services without any real estate license or experience. 

They may offer you a room that doesn't exist or charge a deposit without providing any documents regarding the property. 

Make sure to check out the reviews before signing up with anyone. If possible, ask for references from previous clients and make sure they are legitimate ones.

Do Travel Nurses Get Free Housing?

Yes, many travel nurses get free housing. Most agencies will offer free travel nurse housing to their nurses. 

It's usually a room in a shared apartment or house. The rest of your expenses are covered as well, including food and transportation.

Housing stipends are often paid out in the form of an hourly rate or daily rate, although some employers offer lump-sum payments. 

It’s up to employers to decide whether they want to reimburse travel nurses for housing costs or provide them with free housing.

Ending Thoughts

When you're traveling, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of your new adventure. But don't forget to take the time to find an apartment that will make your stay comfortable and enjoyable!

If you follow these steps and consider the advice we've provided, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect travel nurse housing for your next adventure.

FAQs

How Does Travel Nurse Housing Work?

Travel nurse housing is an option for travel nurses who do not have a permanent living situation. 

Most travel nursing companies offer this service, which is handy when moving from assignment to assignment. 

The housing is usually furnished, so you can focus on work and enjoy your free time.

Can Travel Nurses Buy a House?

The short answer is yes. But it will be very difficult and expensive.

Travel nurses are usually paid by the hour or by the shift, so they have a limited time frame in which to make their money. That means they need to spend as little time as possible in one place and move on to another location as soon as possible.

Because of this, most travel nurses don't settle in one place for more than a few weeks at a time. This makes buying a house difficult because it's hard for lenders to verify your income when it's not consistent or steady.

Where Do Travel Nurses Look For Housing? 

Travel nurses are often unfamiliar with the area they're working in, so they look for housing where they can easily find it.

Many look at apartment listing websites like Craigslist and Apartment Guide, which allow them to search by location and amenities.

Some use other services that specialize in connecting tenants with landlords. Zumper is a popular option, as is RentHackr.

The best way to find a place to live as a travel nurse is to ask your recruiter or agency about their preferred housing options.

Where Do Most Travel Nurses Live?

Most travel nurses live in agency-placed housing. This is because most travelers are on temporary assignments and need to move around frequently. 

The agency will help find you housing in the area you'll be working, so all you have to do is show up with your bags ready for the move!

Are you interested in working with people from all walks of life while having the opportunity to live and work abroad?

Travel nurse recruiters are the liaisons between hospitals and travel nurses. Travel nurse recruiting is a great way to see the world.

If you're interested in joining this exciting field, we've put together this guide on becoming a travel nurse recruiter. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an RN recruiter in today's market—from what it takes to become qualified, how much money you can make, and where you can find jobs.