Travel nursing is an exciting career path that allows you to use your skills in a variety of settings while exploring various parts of the country. But is it financially practical? Do travel nurses make more than nurses who work in a singular hospital or medical network?
The answer is not a simple yes or no. Oftentimes, travel nursing wages do exceed those of Registered Nurses (RNs) with the same level of education and credentials. But there are multiple factors at play when it comes to travel nursing pay. Let us take a closer look.
How much do travel nurses make?
A travel nursing salary can vary widely depending on the location, assignment, and the contract itself. According to Nursejournal.org, travel nurses typically earn a little over $3,000 a week, although some travel nurses can earn much more. That is higher than RNs working at hospitals, doctor’s offices, or specialized care facilities – but that is not the whole picture.
What other factors need to be considered?
Keep in mind that RNs that work full-time in a healthcare facility setting will earn a salary, while travel nurses are usually paid by the hour. Additionally, travel nurses have numerous amount of expenses than your average nurse because of life on the road – there are housing expenses, food, and transportation expenses to consider.
Here is something else to remember: Travel nurses can take advantage of crisis pay, as we saw at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. When healthcare organizations need added staff because of a lack of nurses or hazardous conditions, travel nurses can command significantly higher wages as well as sign-on bonuses and other benefits.
How can I increase my pay as a travel nurse?
If you’re considering a career as a travel nurse or you already work in a travel nurse setting, you might wonder how you can go about making more money. One way is to earn certification in a high-demand specialty, like palliative or hospital care, labor and delivery, or emergency medicine. You can also research travel nurse opportunities in higher-paying areas – just remember to consider that higher pay against the cost of living in the region.
We are Your Travel Nursing Advocate
Make the highest wages as a travel nurse by partnering with a travel nurse staffing agency: Medical Talent. We will collaborate with you to find assignments that check every box. Contact our team to learn more and get started.