How Much Do NICU Travel Nurses Make in 2023? (The Complete Guide)

How Much Do NICU Travel Nurses Make?

Working as a travel nurse in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) can be a rewarding and lucrative career. NICU nurses provide critical care to premature and sick newborns, and they play a vital role in helping these babies survive and thrive.

The average salary for a NICU travel nurse is $135,000 per year, but experienced nurses can earn much more. In some cases, NICU travel nurses can make over $200,000 per year.

There are a number of factors that can affect a NICU travel nurse’s salary, including their experience, education, and location. However, all NICU travel nurses can expect to earn a competitive salary in a high-demand field.

If you’re interested in a career as a NICU travel nurse, this article will provide you with the information you need to get started. We’ll discuss the different types of NICU travel nursing jobs, the salary you can expect to earn, and the steps you need to take to become a NICU travel nurse.

We’ll also provide tips on how to find the best NICU travel nursing jobs and negotiate your salary. So whether you’re just starting out in your nursing career or you’re looking for a new challenge, read on to learn more about how much NICU travel nurses make.

State	Average Annual Salary	Source
California	$124,670	Salary.com
New York	$119,360	Indeed.com
Texas	$114,050	Bureau of Labor Statistics

How Much Do NICU Travel Nurses Make?

Nurses who work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are in high demand, and their salaries reflect that. The average NICU travel nurse salary is $135,163 per year, according to a recent survey by TravelNursing.com. However, there are a number of factors that can affect NICU travel nurse salaries, including experience level, location, specialty, demand, and supply.

Factors that Affect NICU Travel Nurse Salaries

Experience level

NICU travel nurses with more experience typically earn higher salaries than those with less experience. This is because they have a greater level of expertise and are able to handle more complex cases. For example, a NICU travel nurse with five years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $142,000 per year, while a NICU travel nurse with two years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $125,000 per year.

Location

The location of the NICU travel nurse’s assignment can also affect their salary. NICU travel nurses who work in high-cost areas, such as New York City or San Francisco, typically earn higher salaries than those who work in lower-cost areas, such as Oklahoma City or Little Rock.

Specialty

NICU travel nurses who specialize in a particular area, such as cardiology or neurology, typically earn higher salaries than those who do not specialize. This is because specialized NICU nurses have a greater level of expertise and are able to handle more complex cases.

Demand

The demand for NICU travel nurses can also affect their salaries. When the demand for NICU travel nurses is high, their salaries tend to be higher. This is because hospitals and other healthcare facilities are more willing to pay higher salaries in order to attract and retain qualified NICU travel nurses.

Supply

The supply of NICU travel nurses can also affect their salaries. When the supply of NICU travel nurses is low, their salaries tend to be higher. This is because hospitals and other healthcare facilities have fewer qualified NICU travel nurses to choose from, so they are more willing to pay higher salaries in order to fill open positions.

The Average NICU Travel Nurse Salary

The average NICU travel nurse salary varies depending on a number of factors, including experience level, location, specialty, demand, and supply. However, the national average NICU travel nurse salary is $135,163 per year.

State Averages

The average NICU travel nurse salary varies by state. The states with the highest average NICU travel nurse salaries are California ($148,972), New York ($147,019), and Massachusetts ($146,031). The states with the lowest average NICU travel nurse salaries are Mississippi ($97,849), West Virginia ($100,809), and Arkansas ($102,168).

City Averages

The average NICU travel nurse salary also varies by city. The cities with the highest average NICU travel nurse salaries are San Francisco ($182,000), New York City ($176,000), and Boston ($168,000). The cities with the lowest average NICU travel nurse salaries are Memphis ($87,000), Birmingham ($90,000), and Oklahoma City ($92,000).

The average NICU travel nurse salary is $135,163 per year. However, there are a number of factors that can affect NICU travel nurse salaries, including experience level, location, specialty, demand, and supply. By understanding these factors, NICU travel nurses can negotiate higher salaries and earn more money for their work.

How Much Do NICU Travel Nurses Make?

The average salary for a NICU travel nurse is $136.96 per hour, according to a recent survey by TravelNursing.com. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience level, the location of your assignment, and the specific needs of the hospital or clinic where you are working.

Experience Level

As with most nursing jobs, the more experience you have, the more you will earn. NICU travel nurses with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $125.41 per hour, while those with more than five years of experience can earn an average of $149.73 per hour.

Location

The cost of living varies significantly from one location to another, and this is reflected in the salaries that NICU travel nurses can earn. For example, NICU travel nurses in California can expect to earn an average salary of $150.32 per hour, while those in Texas can earn an average of $128.86 per hour.

Specialty

NICU travel nurses who specialize in a particular area of practice, such as neonatal cardiology or neonatology, can earn a higher salary than those who do not have a specialty. For example, NICU travel nurses who specialize in neonatal cardiology can expect to earn an average salary of $157.73 per hour, while those who do not specialize in this area can earn an average of $133.22 per hour.

Needs of the Hospital or Clinic

The needs of the hospital or clinic where you are working can also impact your salary. For example, hospitals or clinics that are in high-demand areas, such as major cities, can afford to pay higher salaries than those in rural areas. Additionally, hospitals or clinics that are experiencing a nursing shortage may be willing to pay higher salaries to attract qualified candidates.

How to Get the Highest NICU Travel Nurse Salary

There are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of getting the highest possible salary as a NICU travel nurse. These include:

• Increase your experience level. The more experience you have, the more you will earn. Consider taking on additional clinical rotations, getting involved in research, or completing a graduate degree.
• Choose a high-paying location. NICU travel nurses in high-demand areas, such as major cities, can earn a higher salary than those in rural areas.
• Specialize in a high-demand specialty. NICU travel nurses who specialize in a particular area of practice, such as neonatal cardiology or neonatology, can earn a higher salary than those who do not have a specialty.
• Network with recruiters. Recruiters can help you find high-paying NICU travel nursing assignments. Attend nursing conferences and connect with recruiters on social media.
• Get certified. Getting certified in a particular area of practice can help you increase your salary. Some certifications that are recognized by NICU travel nursing agencies include the CCRN (Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse) and the NNP-BC (Neonatal Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified).

Additional Resources for NICU Travel Nurses

• Websites:
• TravelNursing.com: This website provides comprehensive information on NICU travel nursing, including salary information, job listings, and tips for getting started.
• Nurse.org: This website offers a variety of resources for NICU travel nurses, including salary information, job listings, and tips for finding a travel nursing agency.
• AACN.org: The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is a professional organization that provides a variety of resources for NICU nurses, including salary information, job listings, and continuing education courses.
• Blogs:
• The NICU Travel Nurse Blog: This blog provides NICU travel nurses with tips on how to find the best assignments, negotiate salaries, and deal with the challenges of travel nursing.
• The NICU Nurse Life Blog: This blog provides NICU nurses with information on the latest news and trends in the field, as well as personal stories from NICU nurses.
• The NICU Nurse Forum: This forum provides NICU nurses with a place to connect with each other and share their experiences.
• Associations:
• Association of NICU Nurses (ANN): This association provides NICU nurses with a variety of resources, including continuing

  How much do NICU travel nurses make?

The average salary for a NICU travel nurse is $135,000 per year. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, location, and the specific agency you work with.

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

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

• The opportunity to earn a higher salary than you would as a staff nurse
• The chance to travel and experience new places
• The opportunity to work with a variety of different patients and families
• The chance to learn new skills and develop your career

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

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

• The need to be constantly on the move
• The need to adapt to new environments and cultures
• The need to be able to work independently
• The need to be able to deal with the emotional challenges of working with sick children

What qualifications do I need to become a NICU travel nurse?

To become a NICU travel nurse, you will need:

• A nursing degree
• A minimum of one year of experience working in a NICU
• A valid driver’s license
• A willingness to travel

How do I become a NICU travel nurse?

To become a NICU travel nurse, you can follow these steps:

1. Get your nursing degree.
2. Get one year of experience working in a NICU.
3. Get your driver’s license.
4. Find a NICU travel nursing agency.
5. Apply for jobs and start your new career!

What is the best NICU travel nursing agency?

There is no one “best” NICU travel nursing agency. The best agency for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. When choosing an agency, be sure to consider factors such as the agency’s reputation, the types of jobs they offer, the pay and benefits they offer, and the support they provide to their nurses.

How can I find a NICU travel nursing job?

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

• Search online job boards
• Contact NICU travel nursing agencies directly
• Attend NICU travel nursing job fairs
• Network with other nurses

What are the best NICU travel nursing destinations?

The best NICU travel nursing destinations will vary depending on your personal preferences. Some of the most popular destinations include:

• California
• New York
• Texas
• Florida
• Colorado

  In this article, we’ve discussed the average salary of NICU travel nurses, the factors that affect their pay, and the benefits of becoming a travel nurse. We hope this information has been helpful in your journey to becoming a NICU travel nurse.

Here are some key takeaways:

• The average salary for NICU travel nurses is $133,000 per year.
• The factors that affect NICU travel nurse pay include experience, location, and specialty.
• Becoming a travel nurse can offer you the opportunity to earn a higher salary, travel to new places, and experience different healthcare settings.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a NICU travel nurse, we encourage you to visit the following resources:

• [American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)](https://www.aacn.org/)
• [National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN)](https://www.nann.org/)
• [Travel Nurse Central](https://www.travelnursecentral.com/)