Dónde ganan más (y menos) las enfermeras viajeras: Tendencias salariales por estado y especialidad

If you’re a travel nurse or thinking about becoming one, you’re probably wondering: Where can I earn the most? And maybe just as importantly: Where should I avoid if I want to make bank?

We’ve crunched the numbers to bring you a friendly, easy-to-digest look at travel nurse pay across the country, by state y by specialty, so you can choose your next assignment with confidence (and maybe a little extra in your pocket).

The Big Picture: What’s the Average Travel Nurse Salary?

Travel nursing doesn’t just offer freedom, it often comes with a pretty sweet paycheck, too.

  • Average yearly pay: Around $101,000

  • Average weekly pay: About $2,150

  • Top earners: Over $132,000/year

  • Lower range: Around $73,000/year

That said, your actual take-home pay depends a lot on dónde you go, and what kind of nurse you are.

The Highest-Paying States

Some states consistently offer higher pay for travel nurses, whether due to demand, cost of living, or staffing shortages. Here are the top five:

  1. Washington – ~$114,500/year

  2. D.C. – ~$114,300/year

  3. Nueva York – ~$110,600/year

  4. Massachusetts – ~$110,400/year

  5. Alaska – ~$108,900/year

Other great states for high pay include Vermont, Dakota del Norte, Oregón, Colorado, y Hawai.

And the Lowest-Paying States

Not every location is a goldmine. These states tend to pay less—sometimes significantly so:

  • Florida – ~$75,500/year

  • Virginia Occidental – ~$78,000/year

  • Arkansas – ~$83,600/year

Surprised to see Florida on the list? While it’s a favorite for sunshine and beach days, it doesn’t shine quite as bright when it comes to nurse salaries.

Where Your Money Goes Further

Here’s a fun twist: Some states may pay less on paper, but once you factor in cost of living, you could actually save more.

States like Dakota del Norte, Dakota del Sur, Misisipí, Oklahoma, y Misuri offer the best bang for your buck when adjusted for expenses like rent and groceries.

So, if your goal is to save up or stretch that paycheck, don’t sleep on the Midwest or South!

Highest-Paying Specialties for Travel Nurses

Your specialty can seriously impact your earning potential. Some of the highest-paying areas right now include:

  • NICU (Neonatal ICU) – Up to $154,000/year

  • PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) – Up to $147,500/year

  • ICU & Oncology – Around $143,000–144,000/year

  • Enfermeras de urgencias – Weekly rates of $2,500–4,500

  • CRNAs (Nurse Anesthetists) – Up to $212,000/year

🛑 Psst… CRNAs and Cath Lab nurses often take the crown for best-paid specialties—especially for those willing to travel and work flexible hours.

Why the Big Differences?

Several factors affect travel nurse pay, like:

  • Supply & demand: Some states are desperate for nurses and will pay top dollar.

  • Living expenses: High-pay states like California may offer more, but it’s often offset by rent and taxes.

  • Skill level: Advanced certifications and specialties = higher earnings.

  • Stipends: Don’t forget tax-free housing and meal stipends—they can really boost your bottom line!

  • So… Where Should You Go?

    That depends! If you want excitement and high hourly rates, head to places like Washington or New York. If you’re focused on saving and long-term financial goals, a less flashy, but more affordable, state like North Dakota might be your best bet.

    And if you’re in a high-demand specialty? You’re golden no matter where you go.

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