Explore the Best Travel Nursing Jobs & Top RN Opportunities in 2025
Why 2025 Is a Great Year to Start or Continue Your Travel Nursing Career
The healthcare landscape in 2025 continues to face significant challenges, with a projected shortage of approximately 78,610 full-time equivalent registered nurses (RNs) according to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This gap fuels a robust demand for travel nurses, who play a vital role in addressing staffing shortages across the United States. Travel nursing offers unparalleled benefits, including flexibility to choose assignments, competitive salaries often exceeding those of permanent positions, and opportunities for career growth through diverse clinical experiences.
This article is designed for a wide audience: new nursing graduates eager to explore the country, seasoned RNs looking for fresh challenges, and career switchers considering a dynamic entry into healthcare. Whether you’re drawn to the adventure of new locations or the financial rewards, travel nursing in 2025 is a promising path.
Benefits of Travel Nursing
- Flexibility: Choose where and when you work, with assignments typically lasting 4 to 13 weeks.
- High Pay: Earn significantly more than staff nurses, with weekly salaries ranging from $1,830 to $4,648 or higher.
- Career Growth: Gain experience in various healthcare settings, enhancing your skills and resume.
Top Paying Travel Nurse Jobs in 2025
Travel nursing is lucrative, with weekly pay varying by specialty and location. Based on recent data, salaries typically range from $1,830 to $4,648 per week, with some assignments exceeding $5,000 for specialized roles.
Highest-Paying Specialties
Certain specialties command premium pay due to their complexity and demand:
- Telemetry: Up to $3,800/week, as seen in assignments in Springfield, IL (TravelNursing.org).
- Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab): Up to $3,600/week, particularly in Los Angeles, CA.
- Operating Room (OR): Up to $3,700/week in locations like Lancaster, CA.
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Up to $3,300/week in Albany, NY.
- Emergency Room (ER): Up to $3,300/week in Las Vegas, NV.
- Labor and Delivery (L&D): Up to $3,300/week in New York, NY.
Top-Paying Locations
Certain states consistently offer higher pay due to demand and cost of living:
- California: Average hourly wage of $86.54, translating to approximately $3,462/week.
- New York: Up to $3,300/week for specialties like Oncology and L&D.
- Illinois: High-demand cities like Springfield offer up to $3,800/week for Telemetry.
| Specialty | Location | Weekly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Telemetry | Springfield, IL | $3,800 |
| Cath Lab | Los Angeles, CA | $3,600 |
| OR | Lancaster, CA | $3,700 |
| ICU | Albany, NY | $3,300 |
| ER | Las Vegas, NV | $3,300 |
| L&D | New York, NY | $3,300 |
Best States for Travel Nurses in 2025
Choosing the right state for your travel nursing assignment involves balancing salary, cost of living, licensing ease, and lifestyle preferences. Below, we explore key factors to help you decide.
Salary and Cost-of-Living Balance
While high-paying states like California and Hawaii offer attractive salaries, their high cost of living can offset earnings. States with a better balance include:
- Oregon: With an hourly wage of $69.19 and a cost of living index of 112.0, the adjusted hourly wage is approximately $61.78, one of the highest (NursingProcess.org).
- Nevada: Hourly wage of $62.50 and a cost of living index of 101.3 yield an adjusted wage of $61.70.
- Georgia: Hourly wage of $55.28 and a low cost of living index of 91.3 result in an adjusted wage of $60.55.
- Texas: Hourly wage of $54.73 and a cost of living index of 92.7 provide an adjusted wage of $59.04.
| State | Hourly Wage | Cost of Living Index (2024) | Adjusted Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $69.19 | 112.0 | $61.78 |
| Nevada | $62.50 | 101.3 | $61.70 |
| Georgia | $55.28 | 91.3 | $60.55 |
| Texas | $54.73 | 92.7 | $59.04 |
| California | $86.54 | 144.8 | $59.75 |
Licensing Ease
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to practice in multiple states with one multistate license, simplifying the process for travel nurses. As of January 2025, 41 jurisdictions participate in the NLC, including Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona (Ventura MedStaff). However, high-paying states like California, Oregon, and Nevada require individual licenses, which may involve additional time and costs.
Lifestyle Perks
Travel nurses can choose assignments based on lifestyle preferences:
- Urban Assignments: Cities like Los Angeles, CA, or Houston, TX, offer vibrant cultural scenes, dining, and entertainment.
- Rural Assignments: Areas in Georgia or Texas provide a quieter pace, lower living costs, and access to natural attractions.
Top Travel Nursing Agencies to Watch in 2025
Selecting a reputable agency is critical for a successful travel nursing experience. Based on 2025 rankings, the following agencies stand out for their high ratings and nurse-centric services (BetterNurse.org):
- Axis Medical Staffing: Rated 4.96, known for personalized support and pay up to $4,800/week.
- Travel Nurses Inc.: Rated 4.83, offers day-one health insurance and pay up to $4,125/week.
- Host Healthcare: Rated 4.35, provides 24/7 recruiter access and pay up to $5,200/week.
- Triage Staffing: Rated 4.17, noted for transparent contracts and pay up to $4,500/week.
- Aya Healthcare: Rated 3.91, the largest agency with a 16% market share and pay up to $4,500/week.
Emerging agencies like Advantis, NuWest, and Epic Travel Staffing are gaining traction for their innovative approaches, such as tailored job matching and enhanced benefits.
What Makes an Agency Top-Rated?
- Transparency: Clear breakdown of pay packages, including base pay and stipends.
- Support: Dedicated recruiters available 24/7.
- Benefits: Comprehensive packages, including health insurance and retirement plans.
- Housing Assistance: Options for company-provided housing or generous stipends.
How to Choose the Right Agency for You
Choosing the right agency can make or break your travel nursing experience. Here’s how to make an informed decision:
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract
- What is the full breakdown of the pay package, including base pay, stipends, and bonuses?
- What housing options are available, and how is housing support provided?
- What benefits are offered, such as health insurance, 401(k), or licensure reimbursements?
- How responsive are recruiters, and is 24/7 support available?
- What is the agency’s cancellation policy, and are there penalties?
Red Flags to Watch For
- Vague Pay Packages: Lack of clarity on how pay is structured.
- Poor Housing Support: Inadequate or low-quality housing options.
- Negative Reviews: Consistent complaints about communication or support on platforms like Indeed or Glassdoor.
Reviews from Real Nurses
Check reviews on sites like BetterNurse.org or Vivian Health to gauge an agency’s reputation. Nurses often highlight responsiveness, pay transparency, and overall support as key factors.
Real Weekly Pay Examples by Agency
Pay varies by agency, specialty, and location. Below are examples based on 2025 data:
| Agency | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Axis Medical Staffing | Up to $4,800 |
| Host Healthcare | Up to $5,200 |
| Aya Healthcare | Up to $4,500 |
| Triage Staffing | Up to $4,500 |
| Medical Solutions | Up to $3,500 |
These figures reflect high-demand specialties in top-paying states. Always verify pay details with the agency, as rates depend on assignment specifics.
What Travel Nurse Benefits Really Matter in 2025
A strong benefits package can significantly enhance your travel nursing experience. Key benefits to prioritize include:
- Housing Stipends vs. Company Housing: Stipends offer flexibility to choose your accommodations, while company housing provides convenience but less control.
- First-Day Insurance: Health, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one ensures peace of mind.
- 401(k) and Retirement Plans: Contributions with company matching support long-term financial goals.
- Licensure Reimbursements: Coverage for costs associated with obtaining new state licenses, especially in non-NLC states.
- CEU Support: Assistance with continuing education units to maintain certifications.
- 24/7 Recruiter Access: Immediate support for any issues, from contract disputes to housing concerns.
Tips for New Travel Nurses
Starting as a travel nurse can be daunting, but these tips can help you succeed:
How to Land Your First Contract
- Build a Strong Resume: Highlight clinical experience, certifications, and adaptability.
- Work with Multiple Agencies: Increase your chances of finding the right assignment.
- Be Flexible: Be open to various locations and specialties to secure your first role.
Building Your Traveler Profile
Create a detailed profile on agency platforms, including your experience, certifications, and preferred locations. A comprehensive profile attracts more job offers.
Interview Prep and Negotiation Tips
- Prepare for common questions about your experience and adaptability.
- Research market pay rates to negotiate competitive salaries and benefits.
- Clarify contract terms, such as overtime policies and cancellation clauses.
Nurse Housing: What to Expect & How to Find It
Housing is a critical consideration for travel nurses. Here’s what to expect and how to secure it:
Best Housing Platforms
- Furnished Finder: A popular platform for short-term rentals tailored to travel nurses (Furnished Finder).
- Airbnb: Offers flexible short-term rentals, though costs can vary.
- Agency Assistance: Many agencies provide housing options or connect you with trusted providers.
Budgeting for Housing Stipends
- Research local rental markets to ensure stipends cover costs.
- Prioritize safe, convenient locations near your assignment.
- Consider shared housing to reduce expenses without sacrificing comfort.
Reducing Costs
- Negotiate rental rates for short-term leases.
- Use agency-provided housing to avoid upfront costs.
- Explore extended-stay hotels for cost-effective options.
Build a Career That Moves With You
Travel nursing in 2025 is more than a job – it’s a lifestyle that combines professional fulfillment with personal adventure. With the freedom to choose your assignments, explore new places, and earn competitive pay, travel nursing offers unmatched opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to the high-paying urban hospitals of California or the cost-effective, vibrant communities of Texas, there’s a path for you.
Take your next step today – apply with a top agency like Axis Medical Staffing or Host Healthcare and start building a career that moves with you.
