Travel Nurse Pay Guide
Travel nurse compensation can vary widely depending on location, specialty, and contract structure. This guide breaks down how travel nurse pay actually works — including base rates, stipends, blended rates, and what you can expect to take home.
What Affects Travel Nurse Pay?
• State and regional demand
• Specialty (ICU, ER, Med-Surg, OR, etc.)
• Tax home status
• Stipend structure
• Crisis vs standard contracts
Average Travel Nurse Pay by State
Some states consistently offer higher weekly compensation due to demand and cost of living. State-by-state breakdowns:
–Travel nurse pay in California (2026)
–Travel nurse pay in Texas (2026)
–Travel nurse pay in Florida (2026)
–Travel nurse pay in New York (2026)
–Travel nurse pay in Washington (2026)
–Travel nurse pay in Florida (2026)
–Travel nurse pay in Hawaii (2026)
–Travel nurse pay in Massachusetts(2026)
Understanding Blended Rates and Stipends
Many agencies advertise a blended weekly rate, which combines taxable hourly pay with non-taxable stipends. Understanding how these components work is critical to evaluating whether a contract is competitive.
Compare Your Contract
Not sure if your offer is competitive? Use our contract comparison tool to estimate your real take-home pay.
Related Guides
Are Travel Nurse Stipends Really Tax-Free?
How to Tell If Your Travel Nurse Contract Is Underpaying You
How to Become a Travel Nurse (2026 Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
Travel Nurse Tax Home Rules (2026 Simplified Guide): Your IRS Compliance Checklist
Average Travel Nurse Pay Nationwide (2026): What You Can Really Expect to Earn