Travel LPN Guide: Pay, Licensing & How to Get Started
Travel LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) earn $1,200–$2,500 per week in 2026, with the highest rates in correctional, long-term care, and crisis staffing. LPNs can use the Nurse Licensure Compact for multistate practice. With strong demand in skilled nursing and correctional facilities, travel LPN is one of the fastest-growing segments in healthcare staffing.
Last updated 2026-02-17
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Travel LPN Pay Rates (2026)
LPN travel pay has increased steadily, driven by nursing home staffing mandates and correctional facility demand.
| Setting | Weekly Pay Range | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nursing / SNF | $1,200 – $1,800 | Very High |
| Correctional Facilities | $1,400 – $2,200 | Very High |
| Home Health / Clinic | $1,100 – $1,600 | Moderate |
| Hospital (Med-Surg) | $1,300 – $2,000 | Moderate |
| Crisis / Rapid Response | $1,800 – $2,500+ | Seasonal spikes |
CatSol staffs all healthcare professions — RN, CNA, LPN, PT, OT, SLP, and more. Every listing shows transparent pay and recruiter contact.
Search all healthcare jobs →LPN Compact License: How It Works
Good news — LPNs are included in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your home state is a compact member, your LPN/LVN license is valid in all 40+ compact states. This means you can accept assignments across compact states immediately without waiting for individual licenses. For non-compact states (like California or New York), you still need to apply for a separate license.
LPN vs. RN Travel: Key Differences
Travel LPN positions differ from RN positions in scope, pay, and available settings.
| Factor | Travel LPN | Travel RN |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Pay | $1,200 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Primary Settings | SNF, corrections, clinics | Hospitals, ER, ICU, OR |
| Compact License | Yes (NLC) | Yes (NLC) |
| Experience Needed | 6–12 months | 1–2 years |
| Job Availability | Growing rapidly | Largest market |
CatSol staffs all healthcare professions — RN, CNA, LPN, PT, OT, SLP, and more. Every listing shows transparent pay and recruiter contact.
Search all healthcare jobs →Find Travel LPN Assignments
Browse LPN positions in corrections, skilled nursing, and hospitals with full pay breakdowns.
Requirements to Start Traveling as an LPN
You need: active LPN/LVN license (compact multistate preferred), 6–12 months of clinical experience, BLS certification, IV certification (required in some states and facilities), clean background check and drug screen, current immunizations and physical exam. If you work in corrections, additional certifications in wound care or medication administration may be required.
Best Markets for Travel LPNs
Correctional healthcare is a goldmine for travel LPNs — facilities struggle to attract staff to remote locations and pay premium rates. Skilled nursing facilities facing federal staffing mandates are another major source of demand. States with the most travel LPN jobs include Texas, Florida, California, New York, and Ohio. Rural assignments often pay the highest premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth it to travel as an LPN instead of getting my RN?
What's the difference between LPN and LVN?
Can I work in a hospital as a travel LPN?
Travel LPNs earn $1,200–$2,500/week with the strongest demand in corrections and skilled nursing. LPNs can use the compact license for multistate practice. The market is growing thanks to staffing mandates and facility shortages. Start with agencies that specialize in LPN placements.
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Find LPN travel assignments with transparent pay — correctional, SNF, hospital, and more.
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