How Much Do Travel Nurses Make a Week?

Introduction to Travel Nursing Salaries

Travel nursing offers an exciting and lucrative career path for registered nurses looking for flexibility and higher pay. The demand for travel nurses is high, and this is reflected in their weekly earnings. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of travel nurse salaries, including factors influencing pay, typical weekly earnings, and additional benefits.

 

Factors Influencing Travel Nurse Salaries

Several factors can impact the weekly earnings of travel nurses:

1. Location: Urban areas and regions with high demand for healthcare professionals typically offer higher pay rates.
2. Specialization: Nurses with specialized skills or certifications, such as ICU or ER experience, can command higher wages.
3. Experience: More experienced nurses often receive higher pay.
4. Contract Length and Shift Type: Short-term contracts and night shifts often come with higher pay rates.
5. Employer and Agency: The agency or hospital can also significantly impact pay rates.

Typical Weekly Earnings for Travel Nurses

Travel nurses typically earn between $1,500 to $3,000 per week. However, this range can vary based on the factors mentioned above. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Average Weekly Earnings by State

StateAverage Weekly Earnings

California	$2,500 - $3,500
New York	$2,200 - $3,200
Texas	$2,000 - $3,000
Florida	$1,800 - $2,800
Illinois	$2,000 - $2,900

Specialization and Pay

SpecializationAverage Weekly Earnings

ICU Nurse	$2,500 - $3,500
ER Nurse	$2,400 - $3,300
Operating Room Nurse	$2,600 - $3,600
Labor and Delivery Nurse	$2,300 - $3,200

Additional Benefits and Incentives

Beyond base pay, travel nurses often receive additional benefits, which can significantly increase their overall compensation:

1. Housing Stipends: Many agencies provide housing stipends or free accommodation.
2. Travel Reimbursements: Travel expenses to and from assignments are often reimbursed.
3. Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans are usually offered.
4. Retirement Plans: 401(k) plans with matching contributions are common.
5. Completion Bonuses: Bonuses for completing assignments can add a significant amount to overall earnings.

Example Earnings Calculation

Let’s consider an ICU nurse with three years of experience working in California on a 13-week contract with night shifts.

• Base Pay: $3,200 per week
• Housing Stipend: $800 per week
• Travel Reimbursement: $300 one-time payment
• Completion Bonus: $2,000 at the end of the contract

Total Weekly Earnings Calculation:

Weekly Earnings = $3,200 + $800 = $4,000

Total Earnings for 13 weeks = $4,000 * 13 + $2,000 + $300 = $55,300

 

 

Conclusion

Travel nursing can be a highly rewarding career, both financially and professionally. Weekly earnings can vary significantly based on location, specialization, experience, and additional benefits. By understanding these factors, travel nurses can make informed decisions and maximize their earning potential.