Travel Nurse Salary 2026: Complete State-by-State Guide

The national average travel nurse salary in 2026 is approximately $2,847 per week ($148,000/year) for RNs. This includes both taxable base pay and tax-free housing and meals stipends. California averages $3,800/week; rural Midwest states average $2,000–$2,400/week. CRNAs average $5,200/week ($270,000/year).

California, New York, and Alaska consistently pay travel nurses the most in 2026. California averages $3,800/week driven by mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios (Title 22), the CDCR correctional system, and Bay Area/LA market premiums. New York averages $3,500/week due to NYC academic medical centers. Alaska pays $3,400/week as a remote workforce premium.

Full-time travel nurses working 46–50 weeks per year earn $100,000–$364,000+ annually. The average RN earns approximately $148,000/year ($2,847/week). ICU and critical care nurses earn $135,000–$234,000/year. CRNAs earn $195,000–$390,000/year. Most travelers take 2–4 weeks off between contracts, bringing realistic annual earnings to $120,000–$175,000 for RNs.

Generally yes — non-compact states like California, New York, Florida, and Texas pay higher rates because the additional licensing barrier reduces the supply of nurses who can quickly take assignments. California is the clearest example: non-compact, with a 3–6 month BRN licensing process, yet averages $3,800/week — 33% above the national average. The trade-off is the time and cost of obtaining the additional state license.

Travel nurses typically earn 20–50% more than permanent staff nurses in the same specialty and location. A staff ICU nurse earning $85,000/year in Dallas can earn $145,000–$200,000/year as a travel nurse. The trade-off is 13-week contracts, temporary assignments, and (for some nurses) managing your own housing and taxes.

CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) are the highest paid travel nurses at $3,500–$7,500+/week ($195,000–$390,000/year). Among RN specialties, ICU/Critical Care ($2,600–$4,500/wk), CVOR ($2,800–$4,200/wk), and correctional nursing ($2,500–$4,000/wk) are the top earners. Psych/behavioral health is the fastest-growing segment, up 12% year-over-year.

Yes — most salary figures quoted for travel nurses (including $2,847/week) include both taxable base pay AND tax-free housing and meals stipends. The taxable portion alone is typically $700–$1,200/week ($18–$31/hr × 36–40 hrs). Tax-free stipends add $400–$800/week. Both are real income, but only the taxable portion shows on your W-2 or counts toward Social Security/Medicare.

For the highest gross pay: California, New York, Alaska, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. For the best take-home after cost of living: Texas, Arizona, Washington, and Oregon offer strong pay with lower expenses than CA or NY. For fastest licensing and volume of assignments: compact states like Arizona, Washington, Georgia, and North Carolina. For hidden gems: correctional nursing in California (CDCR), New York (DOCCS), or Texas (TDCJ) pays 15–30% above hospital rates with no night/weekend rotation.

First-time travel nurses with 1–2 years of clinical experience typically earn $2,000–$2,600/week, about 10–15% below experienced traveler rates. Most agencies require 1–2 years of specialty-area experience before accepting travelers. After 2–3 successful contracts, pay increases as your reliability and adaptability become proven — this is sometimes called the "proven traveler premium."