Highest & Lowest Paying States By Specialty

[ad_1] by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors July 17, 2025

Whether or not you’re simply getting began or fascinated with the next move, understanding the place the cash is — and the best way to make it give you the results you want — helps you intend smarter for the street forward.

The place journey nurses earn essentially the most and least: Pay developments by state and specialty Journey nursing gained momentum in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to develop. In 2020, Staffing Trade Analysts reported that journey nurse staffing demand jumped 35%.

What used to make up simply 3%-4% of hospital nursing workers ballooned to eight%-10% by mid-2021. Hospitals relied closely on journey nurses to keep up care, remodeling what was as soon as a brief resolution right into a core a part of the system.

The thought isn’t new, nevertheless it didn’t achieve mainstream traction till extra lately, when COVID-19 pushed curiosity into excessive gear. In January 2019, journey nurses had been working 4% of all hours labored by nurses in hospitals, in response to Syntellis Efficiency Options information. By January 2022, that quantity reached 23%.

Nationwide Well being Rankings seems to be at the place journey nurses are incomes essentially the most — and the least — utilizing information from the Stellar Nurse Final Journey Nurse Wage Information. This story will break down how pay varies by location, specialty, and demand in at this time’s fast-changing healthcare world.

The journey nursing growth: From disaster response to profession path Earlier than COVID: a distinct segment resolution

Journey nursing formally started in 1978 with the institution of TravCorps in New Orleans. From the start, it was all about filling staffing gaps — whether or not from regional shortages, seasonal surges, or new hospital packages. Journey nurses made up only a small a part of the workforce. The roles paid properly and provided flexibility, however most nurses nonetheless considered them as momentary gigs, relatively than full-time careers.

How the pandemic modified every thing

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and demand for journey nurses surged. By August 2021, greater than 30,000 journey nurse jobs had been obtainable, in response to well being care staffing agency SimpliFi. The pay, flexibility, and pressing want turned short-term contracts right into a critical long-term choice for a lot of nurses.

Now: Excessive demand, slower tempo

The journey nursing market is cooling, nevertheless it stays stronger than it was earlier than the pandemic, in response to Staffing Trade Analysts. After peaking at $42.7 billion in 2022, a 2025 report from TravelNurses signifies that the U.S. trade is anticipated to stabilize at round $19.5 billion by 2025, which is sort of triple the pre-pandemic stage. Trying forward, WiFiTalents tasks the trade to develop steadily at a charge of 5.8% yearly via 2028.

The place journey nurses earned essentially the most and least Journey nurse pay swings laborious relying on the place you go. In line with the Stellar Nurse Final Journey Nurse Wage Information, Alaska leads the pack with a median weekly wage of $2,435. California isn’t far behind at $2,348, adopted by Wisconsin ($2,313), New York ($2,310), and Massachusetts ($2,301). These high-paying states usually include increased dwelling prices, a robust union presence, and excessive demand for big-city hospitals.

On the decrease finish? Alabama averages simply $1,772 per week, with Mississippi, Texas, Florida, and Arkansas all hovering round $1,880 per week. Whereas the price of dwelling in these states is decrease, it not often makes up for the smaller paychecks.

Nationwide Well being Rankings Regional developments are shifting, too. In Q1 2025, salaries elevated by 0.7% within the West however decreased by 0.88% within the South, suggesting stronger demand and higher funding alongside the coasts. Large cities usually pay greater than rural areas.

Nonetheless, weekly pay isn’t the entire story. Actual worth comes from the whole bundle; suppose housing stipends, tax-free advantages, and the way far your cash goes in a given metropolis.

How specialization shapes journey nurse pay Location issues — however what you concentrate on can matter much more. Nurses working in high-stress, high-demand specialties persistently prime the pay charts.

On the very prime, Licensed Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) pull in about $6,732 per week, with some hitting $8,000 or extra. Cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgical procedure doctor assistants earn $5,918, and even nonclinical roles, equivalent to medical physicists, common $5,307 every week.

Different sturdy earners embody perfusionists ($4,847) and acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs), who common round $3,810 per week. These jobs normally require superior certifications and deep expertise in vital care or surgical environments.

Nationwide Well being Rankings Expertise boosts earnings, too. New journey nurses usually earn between $90,000 and $100,000 per yr. In distinction, seasoned ICU nurses can earn $150,000 or extra, particularly with credentials equivalent to Licensed Crucial Care Registered Nurse, Trauma Nursing Core Course, or Licensed Pediatric Nurse underneath their belt.

Specialty coaching isn’t low-cost, however the payoff may be big. For nurses in search of to maximise their earnings, investing in high-acuity certifications is among the most strategic strikes.

What nurses earn: Past the bottom charge Journey nurse pay isn’t simply in regards to the hourly wage. The complete compensation bundle contains tax-free stipends, journey reimbursements, and long-term advantages that may considerably improve take-home worth.

Stipends and each day help

Housing stipends are some of the important advantages. Nurses additionally obtain a each day meal and incidental allowances primarily based on the federal Normal Providers Administration’s per diem charges. Moreover, perks could embody journey and relocation prices, starting from fuel and airfare to licensing charges.

Tax perks that add up

Many of those stipends are nontaxable so long as nurses preserve a qualifying tax house. That setup can result in 1000's in annual financial savings, particularly in comparison with everlasting workers roles with related base pay.

Advantages that go the gap

High companies supply complete medical insurance on day one, together with extra advantages equivalent to 401(ok) matching, persevering with schooling funds, and certification help. Some even supply bonuses for finishing contracts or staying with the identical company over time.

Add all of it up, and journey nursing stays a robust monetary choice, even when base pay varies by state or specialty.

What it takes to change into a journey nurse Schooling and licensing fundamentals

To start out, you’ll have to change into a licensed registered nurse (RN). Which means incomes both an affiliate diploma in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing — although many hospitals now choose or require a BSN — and passing the Nationwide Council Licensure Examination for RNs.

To work throughout state strains extra simply, many nurses get a multistate license via the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Presently, 43 states totally take part, permitting nurses in these states to take assignments without having to reapply for a license every time.

Expertise necessities

Most companies need no less than one to 2 years of hands-on medical expertise. Should you’re aiming for specialties like ICU, ER, or OR, count on to wish two or extra years of post-orientation work. An inpatient expertise is normally a should; hospitals are likely to move on candidates with solely a clinic or outpatient background for high-acuity roles.

Discovering the best company

Selecting the best staffing company issues. Search for one that gives exact pay particulars, substantial advantages, and strong recruiter help. recruiter will match you with the best jobs, stroll you thru contracts, and be sure you perceive the total compensation bundle earlier than you signal on.

The underside line on journey nursing at this time For nurses chasing flexibility and higher pay, it’s nonetheless some of the interesting profession paths on the market. From high-paying coastal gigs to rising demand within the Midwest, nurses can tailor their assignments to align with their earnings targets, way of life, and expertise.

There’s room to develop, too. Specializing in high-acuity areas or incomes superior certifications opens the door to top-tier contracts and higher charges. When mixed with progressive company partnerships, tax-savvy planning, and long-term profession goals, journey nursing turns into greater than a short-term transfer; it turns into a viable and rewarding profession path.

Whether or not you’re simply getting began or fascinated with the next move, understanding the place the cash is — and the best way to make it give you the results you want — helps you intend smarter for the street forward.