What Is the Highest Paying Travel Nurse Specialty?

AvatarByDale Richard Traveling Information

What Is The Highest Paying Travel Nurse?

Working as a travel nurse can be a great way to earn a high salary and see new places. But with so many different nursing specialties and travel destinations to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the highest paying travel nursing jobs, as well as some of the factors that can affect your pay. We’ll also provide tips on how to find the best travel nursing jobs and negotiate your salary.

So if you’re thinking about a career in travel nursing, read on for all the information you need to know!

Rank Job Title Average Annual Salary
1 Travel Registered Nurse $113,000
2 Travel Nurse Practitioner $110,000
3 Travel Physician Assistant $105,000
4 Travel Occupational Therapist $95,000
5 Travel Physical Therapist $90,000

Factors That Affect Travel Nurse Pay

There are a number of factors that can affect how much a travel nurse makes, including:

  • Location: Travel nurses typically earn more money in high-cost areas, such as San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles.
  • Specialty: Travel nurses in high-demand specialties, such as critical care, emergency medicine, and operating room, can earn more money than those in less-demanded specialties.
  • Experience: Travel nurses with more experience typically earn more money than those with less experience.
  • Education: Travel nurses with a master’s degree or higher can earn more money than those with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Certifications: Travel nurses with certifications in high-demand specialties can earn more money than those without certifications.
  • Demand: The demand for travel nurses can vary depending on the time of year and the location. During peak travel season, such as summer and winter, travel nurses can earn more money than during other times of the year.

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual pay for a travel nurse will vary depending on the individual circumstances.

The Highest Paying Travel Nurse Jobs

The highest paying travel nurse jobs typically require a high level of education and experience. Some of the highest paying travel nurse jobs include:

  • Registered Nurse: Registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor’s degree can earn an average of $84,710 per year as travel nurses. RNs in high-demand specialties, such as critical care, emergency medicine, and operating room, can earn even more.
  • Nurse Practitioner: Nurse practitioners (NPs) with a master’s degree can earn an average of $108,010 per year as travel nurses. NPs in high-demand specialties, such as family practice, pediatrics, and internal medicine, can earn even more.
  • Physician Assistant: Physician assistants (PAs) with a master’s degree can earn an average of $104,470 per year as travel nurses. PAs in high-demand specialties, such as emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, and internal medicine, can earn even more.
  • Respiratory Therapist: Respiratory therapists with a bachelor’s degree can earn an average of $67,870 per year as travel nurses. Respiratory therapists in high-demand areas, such as major metropolitan areas and hospitals, can earn even more.
  • Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists with a master’s degree can earn an average of $82,260 per year as travel nurses. Occupational therapists in high-demand areas, such as major metropolitan areas and hospitals, can earn even more.

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual pay for a travel nurse will vary depending on the individual circumstances.

Travel nursing can be a great way to earn a high salary and have a flexible work schedule. By considering the factors that affect travel nurse pay, you can make informed decisions about your career and find the highest paying travel nurse jobs.

Here are some additional tips for maximizing your travel nursing pay:

  • Get certified in high-demand specialties. This will make you more marketable to potential employers and can lead to higher pay.
  • Build your experience. The more experience you have as a travel nurse, the more you can command in terms of pay.
  • Network with other travel nurses. This is a great way to learn about new opportunities and find out about the latest pay rates.
  • Be willing to travel to high-cost areas. Travel nurses who are willing to work in high-cost areas can earn significantly more money than those who work in lower-cost areas.
  • Negotiate your pay. Don’t be afraid to negotiate your pay when you’re offered a travel nursing job. The worst that can happen is that they say no.

What Is The Highest Paying Travel Nurse?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what is the highest paying travel nurse job. The highest paying travel nursing jobs vary depending on a number of factors, including your location, your experience, and your specialization.

However, there are a few general trends that can help you determine which travel nursing jobs are likely to pay the most.

1. Location

The highest paying travel nursing jobs are typically located in high-cost areas, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts. This is because the cost of living is higher in these areas, and hospitals are willing to pay more to attract nurses to work in these locations.

2. Experience

Travel nurses with more experience typically earn more money than those with less experience. This is because they have a proven track record of success and are able to command higher rates.

3. Specialization

Travel nurses who specialize in high-demand areas, such as critical care, emergency medicine, and pediatrics, typically earn more money than those who specialize in less-demanded areas. This is because hospitals are willing to pay more to attract nurses with the skills and experience to work in these areas.

4. Agency

The travel nursing agency you work with can also impact your pay. Some agencies offer higher rates than others, and some offer more benefits and perks. It’s important to do your research and compare different agencies before you sign a contract.

5. Tips for Maximizing Your Pay

If you’re looking for the highest paying travel nursing jobs, there are a few things you can do to maximize your pay:

  • Get your nursing license in multiple states. This will give you more options when it comes to finding high-paying travel nursing jobs.
  • Get your travel nursing certification. This certification will show potential employers that you have the skills and experience to work as a travel nurse.
  • Build your experience. The more experience you have, the more money you’ll be able to command.
  • Specialize in a high-demand area. This will make you more marketable to potential employers and allow you to charge higher rates.
  • Work with a reputable travel nursing agency. A good agency will be able to help you find the highest paying travel nursing jobs and negotiate the best rates for you.

The highest paying travel nursing jobs vary depending on a number of factors, including your location, your experience, and your specialization. However, by following the tips above, you can maximize your pay and find the best travel nursing jobs for you.

How to Get Started as a Travel Nurse

Becoming a travel nurse can be a great way to earn a higher salary, gain new skills, and experience different parts of the country. However, getting started as a travel nurse can be a bit daunting. Here are a few steps to help you get started:

1. Get your nursing license

The first step to becoming a travel nurse is to get your nursing license. If you already have a nursing license, you can skip this step. However, if you’re a new graduate or you’re looking to get your nursing license in a new state, you’ll need to follow the steps required by that state’s board of nursing.

2. Get your travel nursing certification

While not required by all travel nursing agencies, getting your travel nursing certification can make you more marketable to potential employers. There are a few different travel nursing certifications available, so you’ll need to choose one that’s right for you.

3. Find a travel nursing agency

Once you have your nursing license and your travel nursing certification, you’ll need to find a travel nursing agency. Travel nursing agencies are the middlemen between travel nurses and hospitals. They’ll help you find jobs, negotiate your pay, and provide you with support while you’re on assignment.

4. Get your first travel nursing assignment

Once you’ve found a travel nursing agency, you’ll be able to start applying for jobs. The process of getting your first travel nursing assignment can vary depending on the agency, but it typically involves submitting your resume and credentials, interviewing with the agency, and completing a background check.

5. Start your travel nursing career

Once you’ve been offered a travel nursing assignment, you’ll be ready to start your new career! Be sure to pack your bags, get your immunizations up to date, and prepare for a life of adventure.

Tips for Success as a Travel Nurse

Being a travel nurse can be a great career, but it’s important to know what you

What Is The Highest Paying Travel Nurse?

The highest paying travel nurse specialties vary depending on the location and demand. However, some of the highest paying travel nursing jobs include:

  • Nurse anesthetist
  • Intensive care unit (ICU) nurse
  • Operating room (OR) nurse
  • Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse
  • Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurse

How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make?

The average hourly wage for a travel nurse is $45.45 per hour, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. However, the actual pay rate can vary significantly depending on the location, specialty, and experience level.

What Are the Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse?

There are many benefits to being a travel nurse, including:

  • High pay. Travel nurses typically earn more than their permanent counterparts.
  • Flexibility. Travel nurses can choose their own assignments and work schedules.
  • Experiencing new places. Travel nurses get to see new places and meet new people.
  • Professional development. Travel nurses have the opportunity to learn new skills and grow in their careers.

What Are the Challenges of Being a Travel Nurse?

There are also some challenges to being a travel nurse, including:

  • Lack of stability. Travel nurses may have to relocate frequently, which can be disruptive to their personal lives.
  • Long hours. Travel nurses often work long hours, which can lead to fatigue.
  • Stress. Travel nurses may experience stress from working in unfamiliar environments and dealing with different patient populations.

How Do I Become a Travel Nurse?

To become a travel nurse, you must first have a nursing degree and be licensed in the state where you want to work. You will also need to have at least one year of experience working as a registered nurse. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply to a travel nursing agency.

What is the Difference Between a Travel Nurse and a Permanent Nurse?

Travel nurses and permanent nurses are both registered nurses, but there are some key differences between the two roles.

  • Travel nurses typically work on short-term assignments, while permanent nurses work for one employer for a longer period of time.
  • Travel nurses typically earn more than permanent nurses.
  • Travel nurses have more flexibility in choosing their assignments and work schedules.
  • Travel nurses get to see new places and meet new people.

Is Travel Nursing Right for Me?

Travel nursing can be a great option for nurses who are looking for a high-paying, flexible, and challenging career. However, it is important to weigh the benefits and challenges of travel nursing before making a decision. If you are considering a career as a travel nurse, be sure to do your research and talk to other travel nurses to get a better understanding of what the job entails.

In this article, we discussed the highest paying travel nurse jobs. We looked at the factors that influence pay, such as location, experience, and specialty. We also provided a list of the highest paying travel nurse jobs in 2023.

We hope this information was helpful in your journey to becoming a travel nurse. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

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.