Which states have the most travel nursing jobs?

California has the most travel nursing openings of any state, followed by Texas, Florida, and New York. California also pays the most ($400–$800/week above national average) due to cost of living and strict staffing ratios (AB 394). Compact license states (Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona) are the easiest to start in — a single compact license covers 40+ states. California requires a separate CA RN license (8–10 weeks) but pays the highest rates.

HomeTravel Nursing Jobs

Travel Nursing Jobs 2026

$2,000–$4,500/week across all RN specialties. 120 active openings — ER, ICU, OR, L&D, Telemetry, Cath Lab, Corrections, and more. Compact license covers 40+ states.

🚨 ER: 43 Jobs · $2,284/wk avg🩺 OR: 30 Jobs · $2,449/wk avg💙 ICU: 20 Jobs · $2,305/wk avg👶 L&D: 21 Jobs · $2,442/wk avg

Browse by Specialty

🚨

ER / Emergency Room

43 open positions

Avg: $2,284/wk · Crisis: $4,000+

Critical Shortage

💙

ICU / Critical Care

20 open positions

Avg: $2,305/wk · Crisis: $4,500+

Critical Shortage

🩺

OR / Surgical Services

30 open positions

Avg: $2,449/wk · Crisis: $4,000+

High Demand

👶

Labor & Delivery

21 open positions

Avg: $2,442/wk · Crisis: $3,800+

High Demand

🔒

Correctional Nursing

9 open positions

Avg: $2,325/wk · Crisis: $4,800+

High Demand

🧠

Psychiatric / Behavioral

Avg: $2,000–$3,500/wk · Crisis: $3,500+

Growing

Travel Nurse Pay by Specialty — 2026

Specialty	Weekly Pay Range	Crisis Pay	Open Positions	Demand
Cath Lab / Interventional	$2,500–$3,500/wk	$4,000–$6,000/wk	15	🔴 Critical
Case Manager RN	$2,400–$3,200/wk	$3,500–$5,000/wk	16	🔴 Critical
ICU / Critical Care	$2,200–$3,500/wk	$4,500–$7,500/wk	20	🔴 Critical
OR / Surgical / PACU	$2,200–$3,200/wk	$4,000–$6,500/wk	39	🔴 Critical
Labor & Delivery (L&D)	$2,200–$3,200/wk	$3,500–$5,500/wk	21	🟠 High
ER / Emergency Room	$2,000–$3,200/wk	$4,000–$7,000/wk	43	🔴 Critical
NICU	$2,200–$3,200/wk	$3,500–$5,500/wk	Growing	🟠 High
Corrections RN	$2,200–$4,800/wk	$4,000–$6,000/wk	9+	🟠 High
Oncology / Infusion	$2,100–$3,000/wk	$3,200–$5,000/wk	5+	🟡 Moderate
Telemetry / Step-Down	$2,000–$2,800/wk	$3,000–$4,500/wk	44	🟡 Moderate
Med-Surg	$1,900–$2,600/wk	$2,800–$4,500/wk	38	🟡 Moderate
LTC / Long-Term Care	$1,400–$2,000/wk	$2,200–$3,200/wk	33	🟡 Moderate

Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) — Your Biggest Travel Advantage

The NLC lets you practice in 40+ compact states with one home state license — no separate applications, no waiting weeks. Start your first assignment faster, accept last-minute crisis placements, and maximize your earnings window.

40+

Compact States

Same day

Activation Time

Extra Cost per State

Non-compact states: California, New York, Massachusetts — require full endorsement (6–10 wks, $200–$400). Apply for these during your first assignment so they're ready for your second.

$3,240/wk

University of Vermont Medical Center · Burlington, VT

CVOR13 wks

View All 120 RN Openings

Frequently Asked Questions

What travel nursing specialty pays the most?

Cath Lab and Case Manager RNs earn the most among bedside specialties at $2,500–$3,500/week average. CRNAs top all nursing at $3,500–$7,000+/week. ICU and OR nurses average $2,200–$3,500/week. ER nurses average $2,284/week nationally with crisis positions hitting $4,000–$7,000/week.

How much do travel nurses make per week in 2026?

Travel nurses earn $2,000–$4,500/week in 2026. The national average for general RNs is $2,200–$2,800/week. Packages include taxable hourly pay ($22–$45/hr) plus tax-free housing ($700–$1,400/wk) and meal stipends ($200–$600/wk). Crisis positions exceed $5,000/week.

Do travel nurses need a compact license?

Not required, but strongly recommended. The NLC compact covers 40+ states — no separate applications needed. Non-compact states (California, New York) require full endorsement (6–10 weeks). Most experienced travelers hold their compact home state license plus CA and NY for maximum coverage.

How do I become a travel nurse?

Requirements: active RN license (compact or individual state), 1–2 years of specialty experience, BLS/ACLS certifications (specialty-dependent). Find an agency like CatSol, submit your credentials, and your recruiter will match you to open positions. First assignment typically starts 4–8 weeks after submission.

Find Your Next Travel Nursing Assignment

CatSol matches RNs to the highest-paying open position in their specialty and target states. Transparent pay breakdown on every offer. Joint Commission certified.

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Travel Nursing Jobs 2026

Browse by Specialty

ER / Emergency Room

ICU / Critical Care

OR / Surgical Services

Labor & Delivery

Correctional Nursing

Psychiatric / Behavioral

Travel Nurse Pay by Specialty — 2026

Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) — Your Biggest Travel Advantage

120 Open Travel Nursing Positions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Nursing Jobs by State

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