Last Updated: April 2026
Travel Nurse Salary Guide 2026: Pay, Packages & How to Earn More
Travel nursing remains one of the highest-paying career paths in healthcare. In 2026, the average travel nurse earns $2,400–$3,200 per week — 20–50% more than staff nurses in the same specialty. This guide covers everything you need to know about travel nurse pay: how packages work, what to expect by state and specialty, and how to maximize your earnings.
Average Travel Nurse Salary in 2026
The national average travel nurse salary in 2026 is $2,600/week ($135,200 annualized), including base pay and tax-free stipends. This varies by 30–50% depending on specialty, location, and agency. High-demand specialties like ICU and OR command $3,000–$3,500/week in top-paying states.
Travel Nurse Pay by State — 2026
| State | Weekly Pay Range | Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $2,800–$3,600/wk | $62–$78/hr |
| New York | $2,600–$3,400/wk | $58–$74/hr |
| Texas | $2,200–$2,900/wk | $50–$65/hr |
| Massachusetts | $2,500–$3,200/wk | $56–$70/hr |
| Florida | $2,000–$2,700/wk | $46–$60/hr |
| Washington | $2,400–$3,100/wk | $54–$68/hr |
| Oregon | $2,300–$3,000/wk | $52–$66/hr |
| Arizona | $2,100–$2,800/wk | $48–$62/hr |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel contract data, Q1 2026
See the full state-by-state breakdown →
Travel Nurse Pay by Specialty — 2026
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range | Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|---|
| ICU / Critical Care | $2,600–$3,500/wk | $58–$76/hr |
| Operating Room (OR) | $2,500–$3,400/wk | $56–$74/hr |
| Emergency Room (ER) | $2,400–$3,200/wk | $54–$70/hr |
| Labor & Delivery | $2,300–$3,100/wk | $52–$68/hr |
| NICU | $2,300–$3,000/wk | $52–$66/hr |
| Med-Surg / Tele | $2,000–$2,700/wk | $46–$60/hr |
| CVOR | $2,800–$3,800/wk | $62–$82/hr |
| Psych / Behavioral | $2,100–$2,800/wk | $48–$62/hr |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel contract data, Q1 2026
See the full specialty breakdown →
How Travel Nurse Pay Packages Work
A travel nurse pay package is more than just an hourly rate. It typically includes a taxable hourly base rate, a tax-free housing stipend, a meals and incidentals (M&IE) per diem, and sometimes a travel reimbursement or completion bonus. Understanding each component is critical to comparing offers accurately.
Read our full pay package breakdown →
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Stipends, Per Diems & Tax-Free Income
Tax-free stipends are the biggest financial advantage of travel nursing. In 2026, the average housing stipend is $2,000–$2,800/month and M&IE runs $800–$1,200/month. To qualify for tax-free treatment, you must maintain a legitimate tax home — a permanent residence where you pay rent or a mortgage and return to between assignments.
Travel Nurse vs. Staff Nurse: Salary Comparison
On average, travel nurses earn 20–50% more than staff nurses in the same specialty and location. However, staff nurses receive benefits (401k match, PTO, tuition reimbursement) that narrow the total compensation gap.
See the full travel vs. staff nurse comparison →
Contract Red Flags That Cost You Money
Not all travel nursing contracts are created equal. Watch for vague cancellation clauses, low stipends, mandatory floating, and missing overtime guarantees. A single bad clause can cost you thousands.
See our 12 contract red flags checklist →
Travel Nursing Salary Resources
Compare travel nurse pay across all 50 states.
Salary by Specialty →ICU, ER, OR, NICU, L&D and more.
Pay Package Breakdown →Understand every line item in your offer.
Contract Red Flags →12 warning signs to catch before signing.
How to Negotiate →Scripts and tactics that work.
Travel vs. Staff Salary →Is travel nursing worth it financially?
📊 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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What is the highest-paying travel nurse specialty?
Do travel nurses get benefits?
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Is travel nursing still worth it in 2026?
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