Travel nurses in the United States make an average hourly wage of about $48.62 to $49, translating to an average annual salary around $101,132 as of 2025
. Weekly earnings typically range from approximately $2,142 to $2,183, depending on the assignment and location
. Salaries vary widely based on specialty, location, and demand:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn the highest, averaging $259,707 annually or $125 per hour, with top earners making up to $399,000
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) travel nurses earn about $126,164 annually or $61 per hour
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) travel nurses make around $127,391 annually or $61 per hour
- Operating Room travel nurses average $94,573 annually or $45 per hour
- Emergency Room travel nurses earn about $86,737 annually or $42 per hour
- Med-Surg travel nurses make approximately $110,165 annually or $52.96 per hour
- Telemetry travel nurses earn around $120,690 annually or $58 per hour
Geographically, the highest-paying states include California, Alaska, Massachusetts, and New York, where annual salaries can exceed $100,000, though high living costs may offset take-home pay
. Travel nurses also receive tax-free stipends for housing and meals, which can add $700 to $3,000 per month for housing and $250 to $400 for meals, boosting overall compensation
. In summary, travel nurses earn significantly more than staff nurses, often 20%–40% higher, with pay influenced by specialty, location, and contract terms. Weekly pay commonly ranges from $2,800 to $4,000 including stipends, with opportunities to increase income through certifications, crisis contracts, and working in high-demand areas
