What States Pay Travel Nurses the Most?
California, New York, and Massachusetts consistently pay travel nurses the most, with weekly packages ranging $3,000–$4,500. However, the highest-paying state isn't always the best deal — cost of living and state taxes can eat into your take-home. States like Texas and Florida offer slightly lower gross pay but zero state income tax.
Last updated 2026-02-04
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Top 10 Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses (2026)
Rankings based on average weekly gross pay for RN travel assignments across all specialties.
| Rank | State | Avg Weekly Pay | State Income Tax | COL Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $3,400 | 9.3% (up to 13.3%) | Very High |
| 2 | New York | $3,200 | 8.82% | Very High |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $3,100 | 5.0% | High |
| 4 | Washington | $3,000 | None | High |
| 5 | Oregon | $2,900 | 9.9% | High |
| 6 | Connecticut | $2,850 | 6.99% | High |
| 7 | New Jersey | $2,800 | 10.75% | High |
| 8 | Alaska | $2,750 | None | Very High |
| 9 | Hawaii | $2,700 | 11% | Very High |
| 10 | Colorado | $2,650 | 4.4% | Moderate-High |
CatSol is Joint Commission certified — the gold standard in healthcare staffing. Your compliance and safety come first.
Learn about CatSol →Gross Pay vs. Net Take-Home: The Real Rankings
When you factor in state income tax and cost of living, the rankings shift. Washington (#4 gross) jumps toward the top because it has no state income tax and strong pay. Texas and Florida don't make the top 10 for gross pay but offer excellent take-home because of zero state income tax combined with lower cost of living.
Best States for Take-Home Pay
When you optimize for what actually hits your bank account, these states stand out.
| State | Gross/Week | State Tax | COL | Net Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $3,000 | None | High | High pay + no state tax = top take-home |
| Texas | $2,500 | None | Low-Moderate | No tax + low COL = great pocket money |
| Florida | $2,400 | None | Moderate | No tax + strong demand year-round |
| Nevada | $2,600 | None | Moderate | No tax + Vegas/Reno hospital demand |
| California | $3,400 | Up to 13.3% | Very High | Highest gross but taxes eat into it |
CatSol is Joint Commission certified — the gold standard in healthcare staffing. Your compliance and safety come first.
Learn about CatSol →Search Jobs in the Highest-Paying States
See real-time pay data for every state — powered by live LaborEdge job feeds.
Why High-Paying States Pay More
Several factors drive pay differences: nurse-to-patient ratio mandates (California requires specific ratios, increasing demand), cost of living adjustments in the bill rate, seasonal demand (Florida in winter, Northeast in summer), union influence on wage floors (New York, Massachusetts), and nurse shortage severity.
Strategy: Maximize Annual Earnings
Experienced travel nurses rotate between high-paying states and no-tax states throughout the year. Example: take a California assignment in Q1 (peak demand, highest pay), then move to Texas or Florida in Q2–Q3 (lower pay but zero state tax and lower COL), and finish with a Northeast assignment in Q4. This strategy can add $5,000–$10,000/year to your net earnings compared to staying in one state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay state taxes where I work or where I live?
Is California really worth it with the high taxes?
Which states have the most travel nurse jobs?
California, New York, and Massachusetts offer the highest gross travel nurse pay, but Washington, Texas, and Florida often win on take-home pay due to zero state income tax. Smart travelers rotate between high-pay and no-tax states throughout the year. Always compare net take-home, not just the gross weekly rate.
Compare Pay by State
See how state taxes and COL affect your real take-home pay for any assignment.
Compare Pay by State