Here at Favorite, we love travel nursing. What’s not to love about being able to see new parts of the country while meeting new people and working in different hospitals? A big perk of being a travel nurse is the pay.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data shows that in 2018, RNs earned a median annual salary of $73,550 compared to $70,000 in 2017.
It’s true that there really is no average salary for a travel nurse. Many travel assignments do pay higher than a typical staff position, especially when you include benefits such as housing. But what factors determine a travel nurse salary?
There’s no set salary range for travel nurses because there are many factors that influence pay scale; however, the top factors that could influence your financial gain include:
- Location of your travel nurse assignment – salaries vary state by state
- Your nursing specialty
- How geographically flexible you are when it comes to choosing available assignments
- Type of assignment – for example, critical staffing jobs often pay more
- Your individual situation – Are you traveling solo? With family? Etc.
It’s important to keep all these factors in mind when choosing an assignment. Some locations may have a lower travel nurse salary, but that location may also have a lower cost of living. You could still live well during your assignment and potentially keep some money for your savings.
Because there are so many factors that go into determining a travel nurse’s salary, it’s important to look at your personal situation and determine what matters most to you. Would you rather take a lower salary, but live in your dream location for a few weeks, or is salary the most important factor for you?
Whatever you decide, Favorite Healthcare Staffing recruiters can help you find a travel assignment that is perfect for your needs. Apply online to get started today!
