6 Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses

A surprising benefit of travel nursing is the ability to maximize your paycheck by choosing where you want to work.

The same exact paycheck you earn in a huge, metropolitan city can feel like a lot more in a small, rural town.

In other words, the cost of living plays a big role in what your true earnings really are. We did some research to compile a list of states to consider if you’re looking to get the best bang for your travel nurse salary buck.

1. Washington State- $114,542

Although it’s hardly a low-cost-of-living state, Washington state makes up for that by offering the highest travel nursing salary in the country. The average travel nurse salary ($114,542) in Washington state is 13% higher than the national average ($101,132).  And, if you’re getting into travel nursing in order to experience beautiful and exciting areas of the country, the Pacific Northwest is hard to beat. Though winter can be wet, all that rainfall brings in a lush and beautiful summer with adventures to be had on lakes, mountains, and even wine country. The Evergreen State is definitely a do not miss for both its beauty and the payday.

2. New York - $110,642

The need for travel nurses in New York started during COVID and continues to be in demand. Due to the cost of living in places like NYC, Staten Island, and Manhattan, you'll also find high salaries in the Empire State. Whether you want to enjoy the city life, live and work naer the water, or wander farther out of the city for a less touristy experience, New York has it all. 

3. Massachusetts - $110,449

Rounding out our top three is Massachusetts. Massachusetts has the fourth most nursing jobs per capita and is the third highest paying state when it comes to median nursing salaries $88,650, as per BLS data.

There are also three hospitals that are in the top 20 in the list of “Most Nurse-Friendly Hospitals” in the United States: Lowell General Hospital, Winchester Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital.

It’s certainly not an inexpensive place to live, but the opportunities, high salaries, and cultural offerings earn it the fifth position on the list.

4. Alaska - $108,913

Sure, Alaska might be cold in the winter, but that's all the more reason they need more travel nurses during that time. Whether you want to brave the cold for the higher paying contracts or wait until summer to enjoy all the mountainous, glacier, and wildlife beauty that The Last Frontier has to offer, Alaska is a unique experience that travel nursing makes possible. 

5. Vermont - $107,529

The Green Mountain State makes our top 5 highest-paying states for travel nurses list with an average salary 6% above the national average. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Vermont is worth taking a look. It has a ton of natural beauty for the hikers, bikers, skiers, and even photographers. Seeing Vermont in the fall is a dream come true with its endless rolling hills of ever-changing colors. It really is a can't miss state if you're looking to put some extra money in your bank while still enjoying your contract.

Source: ZipRecruiter

No matter where you choose to work temporarily, the great thing about travel nursing is that you have a multitude of options ahead of you if you wish to try something new.

These are just a few states to explore if earning power and job openings are at the top of your priority list, but really, the possibilities are limitless.