Last Updated: April 2026
Travel Nurse Salary by State — 2026 Data
Travel nurse pay varies dramatically by state. A 13-week ICU contract in California can pay $15,000+ more than the same contract in a lower-paying state. Below is the full state-by-state breakdown for 2026.
Travel Nurse Pay by State — Full Table
| State | Weekly Pay Range | Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $2,800–$3,600/wk | $62–$78/hr | Highest pay, high COL |
| New York | $2,600–$3,400/wk | $58–$74/hr | NYC premiums |
| Massachusetts | $2,500–$3,200/wk | $56–$70/hr | Strong demand |
| Washington | $2,400–$3,100/wk | $54–$68/hr | No income tax |
| Oregon | $2,300–$3,000/wk | $52–$66/hr | |
| Texas | $2,200–$2,900/wk | $50–$65/hr | No income tax |
| Florida | $2,000–$2,700/wk | $46–$60/hr | No income tax |
| Arizona | $2,100–$2,800/wk | $48–$62/hr | Growing market |
| Nevada | $2,200–$2,900/wk | $50–$64/hr | No income tax |
| Colorado | $2,200–$2,800/wk | $50–$62/hr |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel contract data, Q1 2026
Highest-Paying States for Travel Nurses
California, New York, and Massachusetts consistently top the list. However, these are also high cost-of-living states. When you factor in housing costs and taxes, states like Washington and Nevada — both with no state income tax — can deliver comparable or better take-home pay.
Lowest-Paying States (and Why They Might Still Be Worth It)
Southern and midwestern states like Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas typically offer lower weekly rates ($1,800–$2,200). However, extremely low cost of living means your stipend goes further. If you're strategic about housing and have a tax home in a no-income-tax state, these assignments can be surprisingly profitable.
Cost of Living vs. Travel Nurse Pay
Always compare pay packages against local cost of living. A $3,200/week contract in San Francisco may deliver less real purchasing power than a $2,500/week contract in Austin. Use our salary data to make apples-to-apples comparisons.
How State Tax Laws Affect Your Take-Home Pay
Seven states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. If your tax home is in one of these states, you keep more of your travel nurse pay. Tennessee and New Hampshire tax only investment income.
📊 Data Methodology
Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.
Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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