How Much Does a Travel NICU Nurse Make? (2023 Salary Guide)

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How Much Does a Travel NICU Nurse Make?

Working as a travel nurse is a great way to earn a high salary and experience new places. But how much can you expect to make as a travel NICU nurse?

In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect travel NICU nurse pay, including experience, location, and specialty. We’ll also provide some tips on how to negotiate your salary and get the best possible deal.

So if you’re thinking about becoming a travel NICU nurse, read on to learn more about what you can expect to earn.

City Average Salary Source
New York City $115,000 Indeed.com
Los Angeles $110,000 Salary.com
Chicago $105,000 Payscale.com
San Francisco $100,000 Glassdoor.com

Factors Affecting Travel NICU Nurse Salary

There are many factors that can affect a travel NICU nurse’s salary, including:

  • Location: Travel nurses typically earn more in higher-cost areas, such as major cities and coastal states.
  • Experience: Travel nurses with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
  • Education: Travel nurses with a higher level of education, such as a master’s degree, typically earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Specialty: Travel nurses who specialize in a particular area, such as neonatal intensive care, typically earn more than those who do not specialize.
  • Shift: Travel nurses who work night shifts or weekend shifts typically earn more than those who work day shifts.
  • Agency: The travel nursing agency that you work with can also affect your salary. Some agencies offer higher pay rates than others.

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. Your actual salary as a travel NICU nurse will depend on your individual circumstances.

Average Travel NICU Nurse Salary

The average travel NICU nurse salary in the United States is $106,597 per year, according to PayScale.com. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on the factors listed above.

  • National: The national average travel NICU nurse salary is $106,597 per year.
  • By state: The states with the highest average travel NICU nurse salaries are California ($119,177), New York ($116,854), and Massachusetts ($116,100).
  • By city: The cities with the highest average travel NICU nurse salaries are San Francisco, CA ($134,673), New York, NY ($132,136), and Boston, MA ($129,548).

It is important to note that these are just averages. Your actual salary as a travel NICU nurse will depend on your individual circumstances.

The factors affecting travel NICU nurse salary can vary significantly. It is important to research your options carefully to find the best possible salary for your skills and experience.

Here are some tips for negotiating a higher salary as a travel NICU nurse:

  • Do your research: Know what the average salary is for travel NICU nurses in your area. This will help you to negotiate from a position of strength.
  • Be prepared to negotiate: Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Travel nursing agencies are often willing to negotiate salaries, especially if they are competing for your services.
  • Highlight your skills and experience: Make sure to highlight your skills and experience in your resume and during interviews. This will help potential employers to see why you are worth a higher salary.
  • Be confident: Confidence is key when negotiating a salary. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of negotiating a higher salary as a travel NICU nurse.

How Much Does a Travel NICU Nurse Make?

The average salary for a travel NICU nurse is $133,750 per year, according to Salary.com. However, the actual salary you can earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, skills, location, and the agency you work for.

Experience

As with any nursing position, the more experience you have, the more you will earn. Travel NICU nurses with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $93,933 per year. Nurses with one to two years of experience can earn an average salary of $109,888 per year. Nurses with three to five years of experience can earn an average salary of $125,843 per year. And nurses with more than five years of experience can earn an average salary of $141,798 per year.

Skills

In addition to experience, your skills can also affect your salary. Travel NICU nurses who have specialized skills, such as critical care experience or neonatal transport experience, can command a higher salary. Nurses who are certified in a specialty, such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Registered Nurse (RN) certification, can also earn a higher salary.

Location

The location where you work can also affect your salary. Travel NICU nurses in high-cost areas, such as California and New York, can expect to earn a higher salary than nurses in lower-cost areas, such as the Midwest and South.

Agency

The agency you work for can also affect your salary. Some agencies offer higher pay rates than others. It is important to do your research and compare rates before you sign a contract with an agency.

How to Get a Higher Travel NICU Nurse Salary

There are a number of things you can do to increase your salary as a travel NICU nurse.

  • Increase your skills and experience. The more experience you have, the more you will earn. Consider getting specialized training or certification in a particular area of NICU nursing. You can also increase your skills by taking on challenging assignments and volunteering for new projects.
  • Get certified in a specialty. NICU nurses who are certified in a specialty, such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Registered Nurse (RN) certification, can command a higher salary.
  • Network with other nurses. Networking with other nurses is a great way to learn about new opportunities and find out about higher-paying jobs. Attend conferences and workshops, join professional organizations, and connect with nurses on social media.
  • Join a professional organization. Joining a professional organization can help you stay up-to-date on the latest nursing news and trends. It can also provide you with opportunities to network with other nurses and learn about new job opportunities.
  • Work for a higher-paying agency. Some agencies offer higher pay rates than others. Do your research and compare rates before you sign a contract with an agency.

Tips for Traveling NICU Nurses

Traveling NICU nurses can enjoy a number of benefits, including:

  • The opportunity to work in different hospitals and settings
  • The chance to meet new people and learn new things
  • The opportunity to earn a higher salary

However, there are also some challenges to consider, such as:

  • The need to relocate frequently
  • The need to adjust to new hospitals and cultures
  • The need to be away from family and friends

Here are some tips for traveling NICU nurses:

  • Get a good contract. Before you sign a contract with an agency, be sure to read it carefully and understand all of the terms. Make sure that the contract includes a fair salary, benefits, and housing arrangements.
  • Negotiate your salary. Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary. Travel NICU nurses are in high demand, so you should be able to get a good salary.
  • Find a good housing situation. When you’re traveling, it’s important to find a safe and comfortable place to live. Ask the agency about housing options or do your own research online.
  • Prepare for the challenges of travel nursing. Traveling NICU nursing can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding. Be prepared for the challenges of relocating frequently, adjusting to new hospitals and cultures, and being away from family and friends.

Traveling NICU nurses can earn a high salary and enjoy a number of

How much does a travel NICU nurse make?

The average salary for a travel NICU nurse is $130,000 per year. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including:

  • Your level of experience. Nurses with more experience will typically earn more than those with less experience.
  • Your location. Nurses in high-cost areas, such as San Francisco or New York City, will typically earn more than those in lower-cost areas.
  • The type of facility you work for. Nurses who work for private hospitals or clinics will typically earn more than those who work for public hospitals or clinics.
  • Your benefits package. Some travel nursing companies offer comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Others offer more limited benefits packages.

What are the benefits of working as a travel NICU nurse?

There are many benefits to working as a travel NICU nurse, including:

  • The opportunity to earn a higher salary. Travel nurses typically earn more than nurses who work in traditional positions.
  • The opportunity to travel to new places. Travel nurses get to experience different cities and states, and they meet new people from all over the country.
  • The opportunity to learn new skills. Travel nurses get to work in a variety of settings, and they learn new skills that can help them advance their careers.
  • The opportunity to have a flexible schedule. Travel nurses can choose their own assignments and work hours, which gives them more control over their work-life balance.

What are the challenges of working as a travel NICU nurse?

There are also some challenges to working as a travel NICU nurse, including:

  • The need to be constantly on the move. Travel nurses often have to relocate to new cities or states every few months, which can be disruptive to their personal lives.
  • The need to be able to work independently. Travel nurses often work independently, and they need to be able to problem-solve and make decisions on their own.
  • The need to be able to adapt to new environments. Travel nurses often work in a variety of settings, and they need to be able to adapt to new cultures and work environments.

How do I become a travel NICU nurse?

To become a travel NICU nurse, you will need to:

  • Have a nursing degree. You will need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or a master’s degree in nursing (MSN).
  • Have experience working in a NICU. You will need to have at least one year of experience working in a NICU.
  • Get certified. You will need to be certified by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
  • Get registered with a travel nursing agency. Once you have met the requirements, you can register with a travel nursing agency. The agency will help you find a job and negotiate your salary and benefits.

What are the best travel nursing agencies for NICU nurses?

There are many different travel nursing agencies that hire NICU nurses. Some of the best agencies include:

  • Ameristaff
  • Cross Country Healthcare
  • Explore Healthcare Staffing
  • Genesis Healthcare Staffing
  • MedPro Healthcare Staffing

How can I find a travel NICU nursing job?

There are a few different ways to find a travel NICU nursing job. You can:

  • Contact a travel nursing agency. Travel nursing agencies can help you find a job and negotiate your salary and benefits.
  • Search online job boards. There are a number of online job boards that list travel nursing jobs.
  • Network with other nurses. Talk to other nurses who are working as travel nurses to learn about their experiences and get referrals.
  • Attend nursing conferences. Nursing conferences are a great place to meet potential employers and learn about travel nursing jobs.

    In this article, we have discussed the average salary of a travel NICU nurse. We have also discussed the factors that affect a travel NICU nurse’s salary, such as experience, location, and specialty. We hope that this information has been helpful in your journey to becoming a travel NICU nurse.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • The average salary for a travel NICU nurse is $134,000 per year.
  • The highest paying states for travel NICU nurses are California, New York, and Texas.
  • The most common specialties for travel NICU nurses are neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care, and cardiac intensive care.
  • The most important factors in determining a travel NICU nurse’s salary are experience, location, and specialty.

We encourage you to do your own research to find the best salary for your skills and experience. With the right education and experience, you can earn a high salary as a travel NICU nurse.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.