How much does a Traveling Nurse make?
Traveling nurses can expect a rewarding career with competitive pay. They provide essential care in various locations, often in high-demand areas. The average yearly salary for traveling nurses is about $114,635. This figure can vary based on several factors, including experience, specialty, and location.
The salary range for traveling nurses is quite broad. Some nurses start at around $70,887 per year, while the highest earners can make up to $169,468 annually. Most travel nurses fall within the range of $97,773 to $142,582 per year. This wide range reflects the dynamic nature of the job and the opportunities for growth and higher pay as nurses gain experience and take on more complex roles.
What are the highest paying cities for a Traveling Nurse?

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Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $150,772
In Visalia, California, nursing professionals enjoy a welcoming community. Hospitals like Adventist Health offer great opportunities. The area provides a balance of urban and rural lifestyles.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $150,387
Stockton offers dynamic nursing opportunities with a variety of healthcare facilities. Hospitals such as Kaiser Permanente provide robust career growth. It’s a city with a strong community spirit.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $146,504
Salinas is known for its agricultural industry, providing unique healthcare challenges. Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital is a prominent employer. The city's laid-back atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to work.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $145,034
San Jose has a thriving healthcare sector, offering diverse opportunities. Facilities like Stanford Health Care are well-known employers. The tech-driven economy adds to the city's vibrant energy.
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Ann Arbor, MI
Average Salary: $144,026
Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan Health System, offering top-tier medical care. Working here means access to cutting-edge technology and research. The city's cultural offerings enrich the work-life balance.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $137,670
Fresno’s healthcare needs create a demand for skilled nurses. Hospitals such as Saint Agnes Medical Center are key employers. The city’s diverse population adds to the richness of patient care experiences.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $137,538
San Francisco provides a dynamic environment for healthcare professionals. UCSF Health is a major employer, offering diverse patient care experiences. The city’s iconic landmarks add to its allure.
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Chico, CA
Average Salary: $137,467
Chico offers a blend of small-town charm and modern healthcare facilities. Enloe Medical Center is a prominent employer. The city’s close-knit community fosters a supportive work environment.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $136,995
Santa Maria’s healthcare sector is supported by facilities like Twin Cities Community Hospital. The city’s relaxed atmosphere provides a great work-life balance. It’s a great place for those who enjoy a slower pace.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $131,742
Las Vegas offers exciting opportunities in a bustling city. Facilities like University Medical Center provide diverse experiences. The city’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment options make it a lively place to work.
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What are the best companies a Traveling Nurse can work for?

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FlexStaff
Average Salary: $157,878
FlexStaff offers excellent pay and benefits for traveling nurses. Nurses work in various states across the U.S. They provide opportunities in large cities and rural areas, allowing flexibility in career choices.
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All's Well
Average Salary: $147,562
All's Well values its traveling nurses, offering competitive salaries and benefits. They place nurses in hospitals throughout the country, from coast to coast, ensuring diverse experiences and locations.
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Stability HealthCare
Average Salary: $143,352
Stability HealthCare provides attractive salaries for traveling nurses. They have positions available in many states, helping nurses gain valuable experience and enjoy varied work environments.
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Prime Time Healthcare
Average Salary: $142,073
Prime Time Healthcare offers good compensation for traveling nurses. They place nurses in a variety of locations across the country, allowing for professional growth and diverse experiences.
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Global Technical Talent
Average Salary: $141,098
Global Technical Talent pays traveling nurses well and offers a variety of assignments across the U.S. They work in large urban centers and smaller towns, providing a broad range of experiences.
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Allcare Medical Services, LLC
Average Salary: $140,724
Allcare Medical Services, LLC offers competitive salaries for traveling nurses. They place nurses in hospitals in many states, offering a mix of urban and rural settings.
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Care Team Solutions LLC
Average Salary: $140,421
Care Team Solutions LLC provides attractive salaries for traveling nurses. They have positions available in numerous states, allowing nurses to work in a variety of locations and settings.
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Sentara
Average Salary: $139,245
Sentara offers good pay for traveling nurses, with assignments available in multiple states. They support nurses in gaining experience in different hospital environments.
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Seven Healthcare
Average Salary: $138,621
Seven Healthcare provides competitive salaries for traveling nurses. They place nurses in a wide range of locations across the country, offering diverse work environments.
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Trusted Health
Average Salary: $138,039
Trusted Health offers attractive compensation for traveling nurses. They have assignments in many states, allowing nurses to explore different regions and work settings.
How to earn more as a Traveling Nurse?
Becoming a traveling nurse offers exciting opportunities to explore new places while providing essential healthcare services. Those who embrace this lifestyle can significantly boost their earnings. Several factors contribute to a traveling nurse's higher income.
First, travel nursing assignments often come with higher pay rates. These positions frequently offer competitive wages to attract nurses to different locations. Second, many travel nurses receive additional benefits. These benefits might include housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and health insurance. Third, working in different places allows nurses to choose high-demand areas. These areas often offer higher pay due to increased demand and lower supply of nursing staff. Fourth, experienced travel nurses can negotiate better contracts. They build reputations and networks that lead to more lucrative opportunities. Lastly, overtime pay can significantly increase earnings. Many travel nurses work longer hours to meet staffing needs.
Exploring these avenues can help nurses maximize their income while enjoying the benefits of travel nursing.
Consider these factors for an effective strategy:
- Seek out high-paying travel nursing assignments.
- Negotiate for better benefits in contracts.
- Choose high-demand areas for travel assignments.
- Build a strong reputation and network in the industry.
- Be open to working overtime when possible.



