Travel CNA Jobs 2026
60 open Certified Nursing Assistant assignments averaging $1,100/week all-in. No compact required — CatSol handles state credentialing paperwork.
No Compact Required — We Handle State Credentialing for You
Unlike RN travel nursing, there is no CNA interstate compact. Each state has its own Nurse Aide Registry. CatSol's credentialing team files your state endorsement/reciprocity applications, tracks approval, and keeps you working. Most state endorsements take 2–6 weeks — we start the paperwork before your current contract ends so you're never waiting.
Travel CNA Pay by Facility Type
All figures are all-in weekly packages (base pay + housing stipend + meal stipend). Tax-free stipend portion is not taxed as income for qualified travelers maintaining a permanent tax home.
| Facility Type | Weekly Pay (All-In) | Typical Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Correctional / Prison CNA | $1,200–$1,500/wk | 1:15–25 | Danger pay premium; controlled environment; consistent hours |
| Hospital CNA / PCT | $1,000–$1,400/wk | 1:8–12 | Higher acuity, fastest path to RN experience if in school |
| Crisis / Rapid Response (any) | $1,200–$1,600/wk | Variable | Short-notice surge; highest CNA pay ceiling |
| SNF / Skilled Nursing Facility | $900–$1,300/wk | 1:10–15 | Most available; 28% vacancy rate nationwide drives demand |
| LTC / Long-Term Care | $800–$1,200/wk | 1:12–20 | High demand, rural premium available |
| Assisted Living / Memory Care | $800–$1,100/wk | 1:8–15 | Lower acuity; dementia care specialty adds value |
| Home Health CNA (travel) | $850–$1,200/wk | 1:1 (one patient) | Unusual travel format; some specialized programs available |
How Travel CNA Pay Packages Work
💵 Base Hourly Rate
Your taxable hourly pay, typically $18–$28/hour for CNAs. This appears on your W-2 and factors into overtime calculations.
🏠 Housing Stipend (Tax-Free)
A per-diem housing allowance that is not taxed as income for travelers maintaining a permanent tax home. Typically $300–$700/week depending on the cost-of-living in the assignment location.
🍽️ Meal Stipend (Tax-Free)
A per-diem meals and incidentals allowance, also tax-free. Typically $100–$300/week. Together with housing, these stipends can be worth $10,000–$20,000/year in tax-free income.
The math: A CNA earning $22/hour base + $500 housing + $200 meal = $1,492/week all-in, of which $700 is completely tax-free. That's equivalent to $24–$27/hour fully taxable — well above most staff CNA rates. Consult a travel healthcare tax professional (or review IRS Publication 463) to confirm your tax home qualification.
What to Expect as a Travel CNA
Day 1 at a New Facility
CNA Travel Checklist Before You Start
- Current state CNA certification (Nurse Aide Registry)
- BLS (AHA — Healthcare Provider level)
- Physical exam + TB test within 12 months
- Drug screen (10-panel standard)
- Background check clearance
- COVID-19 vaccination (most facilities require)
- Flu vaccination (seasonal — most facilities require)
- References from 2 supervisors (charge nurse or above)
- Skills checklist completed and signed
- Proof of permanent tax home (for stipend qualification)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel CNAs make per week?
Travel CNAs average $1,100/week all-in including tax-free housing and meal stipends in 2026. Base hourly rates are $18–$28/hour. All-in weekly packages range from $800–$1,500/week. Correctional and crisis CNA positions pay the highest, often $1,200–$1,600/week.
Do travel CNAs need a compact license?
No — there is no CNA interstate compact. Each state has its own Nurse Aide Registry. CatSol's credentialing team handles the state reciprocity/endorsement paperwork for you. Most state endorsements take 2–6 weeks. We start the paperwork before your current contract ends.
What experience do travel CNAs need?
Most contracts require 6 months–1 year of post-certification experience. Hospital CNA/PCT positions typically require 1 year. Correctional CNAs often require 1–2 years plus background clearance. Recent CNA graduates may be eligible for some SNF/LTC positions.
What is the difference between a travel CNA and per diem CNA?
Travel CNAs take 8–13 week contracts with housing stipends and meal allowances — the tax-free stipend portion makes travel packages more lucrative than local per diem rates. Per diem CNAs work locally on-call with higher hourly rates but no stipends. Travel CNA total compensation typically exceeds per diem when stipends are counted.
Which states pay travel CNAs the most?
California pays the most — $1,200–$1,500/week all-in. Massachusetts, Washington, and Oregon also pay above average. Correctional CNA assignments in any state typically pay crisis premiums of $1,200–$1,600/week regardless of state.
Start Your Travel CNA Career Today
60 open positions. We handle state credentialing. Housing included.
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