How Much Do Travel Nurses Make in 2026?
Travel nurses earn $2,000 to $4,500 per week in 2026, with the national average around $2,847/week. This total includes taxable base pay plus tax-free housing and meals stipends — meaning take-home pay is often higher than the gross number suggests.
Last updated 2026-02-04
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What's Included in Travel Nurse Pay?
Travel nurse pay is structured differently from staff nurse pay. Your weekly compensation is a package that typically includes three components: a taxable base hourly rate (usually $20–$35/hr), a tax-free housing stipend ($1,200–$2,400/month based on GSA rates), and a tax-free meals & incidentals stipend ($300–$500/month). Some agencies also offer travel reimbursement, completion bonuses, and overtime pay.
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See transparent job listings →Pay by Specialty
Your nursing specialty has the biggest impact on weekly pay. Critical care and procedural specialties consistently command the highest rates due to acuity and certification requirements.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range | Avg/Week |
|---|---|---|
| ICU / Critical Care | $2,600 – $4,500 | $3,200 |
| Emergency Room (ER) | $2,400 – $4,000 | $2,950 |
| Operating Room (OR) | $2,500 – $3,800 | $3,100 |
| Labor & Delivery | $2,400 – $3,700 | $2,900 |
| Med-Surg / Telemetry | $2,000 – $3,200 | $2,500 |
| NICU | $2,500 – $3,800 | $3,000 |
| Psych / Behavioral | $2,200 – $3,400 | $2,700 |
| Case Management | $2,000 – $3,000 | $2,400 |
Pay by State — Highest Paying
Location significantly affects travel nurse pay. States with high cost of living, nurse shortages, or seasonal demand spikes pay the most.
| State | Avg Weekly Pay | Why It Pays More |
|---|---|---|
| California | $3,200 – $4,500 | Strict nurse ratios + high COL |
| New York | $2,800 – $4,000 | NYC metro demand + union floors |
| Massachusetts | $2,700 – $3,800 | Academic medical centers |
| Washington | $2,600 – $3,600 | Tech city COL + rural shortages |
| Oregon | $2,500 – $3,500 | Pacific NW demand |
CatSol shows the full pay breakdown on every listing — base rate, housing stipend, meals stipend, and overtime. No surprises.
See transparent job listings →See Real Pay Rates for Your Specialty
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How Experience Affects Pay
Most agencies require 1–2 years of clinical experience minimum. After that, each additional year can increase your pay by $50–$150/week. Nurses with 5+ years of specialty experience and certifications like CCRN or CEN often earn at the top of the pay range.
How to Maximize Your Travel Nurse Pay
Several strategies boost your earnings: take assignments in high-demand states during peak seasons (winter in the South, summer in resort areas). Maintain a tax home to qualify for tax-free stipends — this alone can add $800–$1,500/month to your take-home. Pick up overtime and holiday shifts at 1.5x–2x rates. Consider less popular locations where rural hospitals pay premiums. And always use a pay calculator to compare the true value of offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do travel nurses make more than staff nurses?
Are travel nurse stipends taxable?
Has travel nurse pay gone down since COVID?
Travel nurses in 2026 earn $2,000–$4,500/week depending on specialty, location, and experience. ICU and ER nurses command the highest rates. Tax-free stipends significantly boost take-home pay for nurses with a tax home. Use a pay calculator to compare the true value of different offers.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay
GSA-compliant calculator with tax-free stipend breakdowns