how does travel nursing pay work

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How Travel Nurse Pay Works: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

Understanding travel nurse pay: your comprehensive guide.

Travel nursing is an exciting career option for registered nurses, offering the opportunity to explore new locations while helping patients in different healthcare facilities. As a travel nurse, understanding your pay is important to help you make informed decisions about your career and financial future. In this guide, we explore how travel nurse pay works, the factors that influence your earnings, and how to negotiate your contract to get the best pay package possible.

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How Does Travel Nurse Pay Work?

Travel nurse pay can be a complicated topic for many healthcare professionals. Unlike staff nurse positions, travel nursing contracts often come with multiple variables that can impact your take-home pay. This can include the bill rates at healthcare facilities, additional benefits like housing stipends, and vendor management fees that certain travel nursing companies apply to your pay. In this article, we will explore these various factors and dive deeper into how your pay works as a travel nurse.

Taxable Base Rates: What You Need to Know

First and foremost, it's essential to understand that your taxable base rate is the core component of your travel nursing pay package. As a travel nurse, this is the hourly wage that is taxed, similar to how a staff nurse is paid. This ensures you remain compliant with tax laws while working in your nursing position. Importantly, taxable base rates can vary between different travel nursing agencies, so it is essential to be aware of the rate you are receiving when comparing offers.

Tiered Bill Rates: How They Affect Your Earnings

Healthcare facilities typically pay travel nursing companies a bill rate for their services, which in turn covers your pay, benefits, and agency overhead costs. Some facilities use a tiered bill rate system, meaning the rates they pay to travel nursing companies can fluctuate based on specific factors. For example, a hospital may offer a higher bill rate for a nursing position in a hard-to-fill specialty or for an urgent need, which can sometimes result in increased pay for the travel nurse.

Being aware of tiered bill rates can be helpful when comparing travel nursing contracts and understanding the basis of your earnings. By exploring opportunities with higher bill rates, you could potentially maximize your earnings during your assignment.

Gross Profit Margin: Understanding Your Agency's Profit

Travel nursing companies make their profit by skimming some of the bill rates paid by healthcare facilities after covering the costs of your pay, benefits, and company overhead. This profit is referred to as the gross profit margin, and it's an important aspect to understand when examining the difference in pay between multiple agencies.

A transparent travel nursing agency should be able to provide a sample breakdown of how much from the bill rate is allocated towards your pay, benefits, payroll costs (e.g., taxes and Social Security), liability insurance, and company overhead. This understanding can empower you to ensure you're getting a fair deal and to potentially negotiate better pay and benefits if there's room for it within the bill rate.

Breaking Down the Travel Nursing Pay Package

Now that we have a grasp of taxable base rates, bill rates, and gross profit margin, let's dive into the other aspects of the travel nursing pay package, including travel stipends, housing reimbursements, and vendor management fees. These factors can have a profound effect on your final take-home pay, so it's essential to understand and compare them carefully when considering travel nursing contracts.

Travel Nursing Salary: Factors That Influence Your Earnings

Travel nursing agencies typically offer a benefits package on top of your taxable base rate, which can include housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and other tax-free reimbursements. It's important to understand how these factors work in addition to your base pay to get a full picture of your overall earnings on an assignment.

For instance, housing stipends might be offered based on the cost of living in your assignment area, while your travel stipend could cover any expenses related to commuting to and from your tax home. Some agencies may also offer shift differentials, overtime, certification reimbursement, or other bonuses that can influence your pay. Keep these factors in mind as you explore travel nursing contracts and compare offers.

Vendor Management Fees: What They Are and How They Affect Your Pay

Vendor management fees are another crucial aspect of the travel nursing pay package. Some healthcare facilities employ a Vendor Management System (VMS) to streamline the process of onboarding and managing temporary staff, including travel nurses. These VMS companies typically charge a small percentage of the bill rate as their fee, which is ultimately passed on to the travel nursing agency in the form of a reduced bill rate.

When a vendor management fee is taken into account, it can potentially influence the bottom line of your pay package. Agencies might have less flexibility in offering higher pay or better benefits given the reduced bill rates. Understanding this aspect of the system can help you set realistic expectations for pay when working with healthcare facilities that use a VMS.

Agencies Gross Profit: How It Affects Your Paycheck

Lastly, it's crucial to reiterate the connection between your travel nursing pay and the agency's gross profit. As mentioned earlier, travel nursing companies make their money by allocating a portion of the bill rate after covering your pay and benefits. Some agencies may have larger overhead costs or simply choose to retain more profit, resulting in lower pay and benefits for you. In contrast, other agencies that operate on a slimmer margin might be able to offer you better pay or additional benefits.

To ensure you get the best possible pay package and a fair deal from your agency, it's essential to ask questions and ensure transparency in their breakdown of the bill rate. Comparing your pay and benefits across multiple agencies can help you find the best fit for your needs and potentially increase your overall travel nurse earnings.

Understanding Your Total Pay Package as a Travel Nurse

When considering a travel nursing contract, it's essential to understand the various components that make up your total pay package. Unlike staff nurse positions, the travel nursing pay structure often comprises several components, including hourly wages, stipends, bonuses, and even liability insurance reimbursements. Travel nursing companies work with healthcare facilities to determine the bill rate for each nursing position - a figure that encompasses a travel nurse's wages, benefits, and vendor management fee paid to the agency.

To fully comprehend your travel nursing pay package, it's crucial to break down each element, such as the base pay, travel stipend, and housing stipend. Doing so will help you make informed decisions when comparing offers from different travel nursing agencies. Furthermore, understanding your pay package will help you negotiate more effectively with travel nursing companies, ensuring that you receive a fair deal for your services.

Travel Nursing Pay: Other Forms of Compensation to Consider

Beyond base pay, travel nursing agencies offer additional compensation to make their positions attractive and competitive. Recognizing these other forms of compensation is essential when comparing travel nursing pay packages:

1. Travel Stipend: Many travel nursing contracts include a travel stipend to cover the cost of transportation to and from your assignment. This amount varies depending on the distance of the assignment and the travel nursing agencies you choose.

2. Housing Stipend: A crucial aspect of a travel nursing pay package is the housing stipend. This stipend is intended to cover the cost of temporary housing during your assignment. It's essential to verify whether this housing stipend is sufficient to cover the entire cost of accommodation in your destination city.

3. Bonuses and Incentives: Travel nursing companies may also offer bonuses and incentives, such as completion bonuses or extension bonuses, to travel nurses who fulfill their contract obligations or extend their contracts beyond the initial term. These bonuses can enhance the travel nursing pay package and should be taken into consideration when evaluating offers.

4. Liability Insurance: Some travel nursing agencies provide liability insurance coverage for their nurses. This coverage is essential for travel nurses, as liability claims can be financially devastating. Ensure to inquire whether the travel nursing company includes this insurance in their pay package or if you need to secure it independently.

Travel Nurse Housing: Options and Costs

For many travel nurses, housing is one of the most critical considerations when accepting a traveling nursing position. Typically, travel nursing agencies offer two primary housing options - agency-provided housing or a housing stipend. Travel nurses can elect to use the stipend to arrange their accommodation, or they can choose to stay in housing organized and funded by the travel nursing company.

When evaluating housing options, travel nurses should account for factors such as location, convenience, safety, and cost-efficiency. If you decide to arrange your housing, research average rental rates in the assignment's city to ensure the housing stipend is sufficient to cover accommodation costs. Keep in mind that agency-provided housing is often move-in ready and may include furniture, utilities, and other conveniences that make transitions easier.

How to Negotiate Your Travel Nursing Contract

When negotiating your travel nursing pay package, it's essential to approach the process with a thorough understanding of the various components and industry norms. The following steps can help you negotiate effectively with travel nursing companies:

1. Research and compare: Gather information on travel nursing pay packages from multiple travel nursing agencies and identify the industry's standard rates for your specialty and experience. This knowledge will empower you when negotiating your desired pay package.

2. Determine your priorities: Before entering negotiations, identify which components of the pay package are most important to you, such as the housing stipend or travel reimbursement. This clarity will allow you to focus on those areas during the negotiation process.

3. Be assertive and confident: Don't be afraid to express your desires and concerns regarding the contract. Remember that travel nursing agencies' primary goal is to ensure your satisfaction so that you remain with the company. Your assertiveness may secure you a better pay package or assignment conditions.

4. Consult a mentor or colleague: If you have connections in the travel nursing industry, seek their advice on negotiating contracts and navigating conversations with recruiters. Gaining insight from experienced travel nurses can be invaluable during the negotiation process.

Sample Breakdown of a Travel Nursing Pay Package

Here's an example of a travel nursing pay package, with amounts allocated for various pay components:

• Base Pay (Hourly Wages): $25 per hour
• Overtime Pay: $37.50 per hour (1.5 times the base pay)
• Housing Stipend: $2000 per month
• Travel Stipend: $500 upon completion of the contract
• Completion Bonus: $1000 upon contract completion
• Extension Bonus: $500 for extending the contract past the initial date
• Liability Insurance: Included in the pay package

By understanding the various components and industry norms, a travel nurse can successfully evaluate and negotiate their travel nursing contract. Comparing offers, researching housing options, and effectively communicating your needs to travel nursing companies will ensure that you secure favorable travel nursing pay and assignment conditions.

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How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Average Pay for Travel Nurses

Travel nursing pay explained, highest and lowest paying states for travel nurses.

• Highest Paying Travel Nurse Specialties
• Ways to Increase Pay

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Travel nursing offers a unique work experience with the opportunity to earn above-average hourly wages. These wages may even exceed those of other registered nurses (RNs) with the same education and credentials.

Travel nurses are typically employed by travel nursing agencies and work assignments across the country wherever nurses are needed. Because each assignment is different, the total annual income for travel nurses can vary significantly. Factors include the details of the pay package, where the assignment is located, and nursing specialty.

On this page you will find the most recent information about travel RN salaries, benefits, specialties, and the states with a high demand for travel nurses.

Fast Facts About Travel Nurses

• Travel nurses generally earn as much or more than staff nurses with the same experience and qualifications.
• Lodging reimbursement and tax advantages impact travel nursing salaries.
• The most in-demand travel nursing specialties include labor and delivery, emergency room, and medical-surgical/telemetry.

The average travel nurse salary varies greatly depending on the work assignment. Depending on travel location, these practitioners can earn between $3,000 and $7,000 per week, averaging a 36-hour work week. According to Vivian , a healthcare jobs marketplace, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), travel nurses earn jan average of $2,183 per week, while RNs earn a mean hourly wage of $42.80. However, aspiring travel nurses should note that living on the road leads to additional personal expenses, so the increase in pay accounts for living accommodations.

Max Weekly Pay

Average Total Weekly Pay

Source: Vivian , September 2023

Travel nurse pay differs from full-time nursing positions because agencies offer hourly rates for each assignment, meaning RNs can shop around and find opportunities with ideal pay. In contrast, RNs working full time at hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other facilities usually rely on raises or additional education to increase their earning potential.

Practitioners considering this role also need to explore what take-home pay looks like for travel nurses . Nursing agencies set their own conditions, so pay packages vary. For instance, organizations may offer an hourly base pay with additional stipends to cover housing or meals, while other companies may offer a higher hourly rate to account for additional expenses.

Travel nurse salaries vary by state and region. Locations in need of RNs typically offer more competitive wages. In fact, the popularity of a particular region can influence travel nurses’ earning potential. Less popular locations may pay more, while desirable locations may pay less. Likewise, states with a higher cost of living offer higher wages relative to living costs.

According to 2023 data from Vivian, the top-paying states for travel RNs included New Jersey , California, and Alaska. Practitioners also want to consider the highest-paying specialties to determine earning potential which may vary by state. The following section includes the top specialties in demand.

Highest Paying Travel Nurse Specialities

Typically, nursing specialties that lack licensed practitioners offer more pay than other specialties, which further increases earning potential for travel nurses. Higher acuity facilities also offer higher pay, as they need skilled practitioners who can meet their patients’ needs. Here are five in-demand specialties for travel nurses.

Labor and Delivery

Emergency room, medical-surgical/telemetry, critical care – intensive care unit, operating room registered nurse, 4 ways to increase pay as a travel nurse.

While travel nurse pay may exceed traditional full-time RN salaries, travel nurses can additionally increase their earning potential by considering factors like demand for specialties, understaffed or unpopular shifts, and locations in need of skilled RNs.

Travel nurses should examine the full benefits package to determine if jobs can provide sufficient take-home pay. For instance, regions with a high cost of living may impact how much practitioners actually earn if stipends do not cover all costs.

Frequently Asked Questions: Travel Nursing Salaries

How much does a traveling nurse make per year.

Travel nurse salaries vary significantly, especially since the outbreak of COVID-19. Factors that can influence earning potential include geographic location and specialty. However, travel RNs should anticipate working 46 weeks a year and earning about $2,183 on a weekly basis .

Do travel nurses get paid more?

Travel nurses typically earn more than full-time salaried RNs because they often take job assignments where there is a nursing shortage. Travel nurse agencies also pay practitioners by the hour and offer additional benefits, including housing and meal stipends.

Is travel nursing worth the money?

Travel nurses generally earn more than salaried RNs. However, practitioners should consider their lifestyle as well. For instance, an RN with a family may not feel the additional pay outweighs time at home, while another practitioner may find the pay suitable and enjoy the travel opportunities.

Do travel nurses get time off?

Travel nurses often do not receive time off since they work hourly and take temporary job assignments. While assignments vary, travel nurses should plan to work for 8-26 weeks at a time. Most travel nurses schedule time off between job assignments.

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Travel Nursing 101

Travel nursing basics.

Simply the basics. Begin your journey here!

What Is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a skilled nursing professional who combines an adventurous spirit and passion for travel with a lucrative and meaningful career. A travel nurse will work short-term contracts at healthcare facilities throughout the country. These facilities need more nurses, and they need them fast. Travel nurses fill these gaps and ensure patients receive high-quality and compassionate healthcare despite regional staffing challenges.

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

Learn about what travel nurses do on a daily basis and what's involved throughout the traveling process.

Find your first travel nursing job with Trusted

Travel nursing in detail.

More to know before you get started.

What Are Travel Nursing Agencies?

Learn about the agencies behind traveling, their pay packages, onboarding experiences, and benefits.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Learn how much the average travel nurse makes in different states, how it compares to staff nursing salaries, and which specialties pay the most.

How to Find the Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs

Learn how to find and compare travel nursing jobs across the country, including which cities and states are currently paying the most.

How to Find Travel Nurse Housing

Learn about the various options when it comes to housing and securing your next rental.

Browse high paying travel nursing jobs

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Interested in becoming a travel nurse? Here's everything you need to know to get started.

What is Travel Nurse?

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Travel Nurse Essentials

Discover the roles and salaries of travel nurses, and how to start your journey at this intersection of healthcare and travel with Trusted.

Are you thinking about pursuing a career in nursing? You may be asking yourself, "How much do nurses make?" Or maybe you're already working as a registered nurse...

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Travel Nurse Licensure Guide

Our Licensure Guide provides both high-level and in-depth information on how to get licensed in every U.S. state, including a breakdown of the documents required for your application, fees and application timeline, and additional resources for each state.

Nursing Specialty Guide

There is a lot that goes into choosing a nursing specialty: education requirements, career advancement, responsibilities, salary, work setting, patient population, and even the most common diagnoses you’ll see on a daily basis.

Travel Nurse Finances

Learn all about travel nurse pay, taxes, benefits, and more. Find out how much travel nurses make on average, and find the highest paying specialties as well. 

Travel Nurse Tax Guide

This comprehensive guide will help you understand the ins and outs of travel nurse taxes, travel nurse stipend rules, travel nurse tax homes and tax deductions, and other tax rules you should be aware of while traveling.

Travel Nurse Benefits and Insurance

Travel nurses and allied health professionals are eligible for benefits, like health insurance, that are typically provided through their agency. The nature and extent of these benefits can vary and it's important to understand your options to optimize your choices.

Key Resources for Travel Nurses

Here are some further resources to help you in your journey to becoming a travel nurse.

Travel Nurse Housing Guide

Uprooting and moving to a new place every few months sounds exhilarating, but it's not without its share of challenges. Here's a guide to make the quest for your perfect temporary home a bit smoother.

Travel Nurse Contracts Guide

Your contract exists to protect you, define your role, ensure fair pay and compensation, and much more. Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this important document.

How to Get a Travel Healthcare Job

In a competitive marketplace, how do you ensure you snag not just any job, but the perfect one tailored just for you? The answer lies in understanding the landscape and arming yourself with strategies to shine.

Travel Clinicians Who Trust Us

I really appreciate how easy the app is to navigate and Trusted staff always respond to me very quickly. My paycheck is always on point and I appreciate that there's no recruiter trying to pressure you into signing contracts.

There's so much to recommend about Trusted in how they care about me and treat me. I am proud to represent Trusted. They have the opportunities that fit into my life and do not push me into things I don't want to do. I feel I have more control over my life.

I'm on my 7th assignment with Trusted and absolutely love this adventure I'm on.  I know there are lots of opportunities for travel agencies, but my experience has been nothing short of amazing with Trusted. They have always been there for me and transparent about everything.

I really enjoy that there's no recruiter when I work with Trusted. My Nurse Advocate, Jessica, has been a godsend to me. She's so helpful every time. Trusted's responsiveness is always top tier. It seems like they really want you to be successful.

Working with Trusted Health has shown me that it can be very easy to be a traveler. I always worried about how hard it would be to get in contact with someone or just feeling like you're alone on the assignment, but with Trusted Health, I haven't felt that way. It's really nice to know that somebody is there working with you and has your back while you're at work.

When choosing to work with Trusted, know that you have a team of people that are ready to be there for you.  No question will be unanswered. They will always be there and they're prompt with their response. The Nurse Advocates and everyone on the Trusted team is definitely prompt and professional and courteous and kind.

I love when people communicate in a timely manner! Trusted has been amazing with their communication and that means a LOT to me!

Trusted has better rates than most companies and I like not having a "recruiter", but instead, a clinician-led Care Team who has my back.

Everyone on my Care Team has been so prompt and helpful! The Trusted team made it easy to deal with a stressful issue.

I am so happy to be working with Trusted Health and my Nurse Advocate again.  I had such a pleasant experience with my last contract and it really gave me the rocking start to travel nursing I yearned for!

Fantastic interface on website to search for contracts, seamless collaboration by the Trusted team to set you up for success at assignment, and excellent communication from the Care Team.

I appreciate Trusted's transparency and friendly, responsive staff.

I recommend Trusted to all of my travel friends! 

Trusted doesn’t bombard me with texts or try to pressure me into assignments. I love the website and app. Both are very clear and give me all the info I need to make my own decisions. It’s also easy to see my credentials and when an update is due. The Care Team is always very quick to respond when I reach out.

I have to say, for my first travel contract, Trusted Health has been AMAZING. From applying to finding a contract, compliance, and onboarding everything has been so seamless. I cannot express to you how impressive it all has been.

With Trusted, I can take charge of my own job search, staff are very responsive, and the app is easy to navigate! 

I've worked with several agencies during my travel career. Trusted is by far the most organized, efficient and dependable agency I've had the pleasure to work with. 

I love the simplicity, the quick responses, and the fact that Trusted doesn't bother me with unnecessary calls.

Trusted's platform is user friendly and great for first time travelers!

Let's start building the life you want.

Travel Nurse Pay & Benefits

Understanding Travel Nurse Salary and Your Benefits Package

How much do travel nurses make?

There are many factors to consider when talking about how much travel nurses get paid, including:

When looking to optimize pay, it’s important to understand that pay packages differ based on specialty and location. For instance, a travel L&D nurse in California will make a different amount than a travel med-surg nurse in Kentucky.

Many travel nurses bounce around between states — sometimes even between specialties — and will be paid differently from assignment to assignment. You may also be eligible for housing, meal and incidental stipends to reimburse you for actual expenses incurred while on assignment. Your recruiter will discuss all these details with you during your search. Your recruiter will work diligently to find you positions that meet your financial goals. Keep in mind that flexibility during your job search with location, shift and other factors usually results in the potential of higher paying opportunities.

Log in and view pay packages and facility information for all jobs.

Travel Nursing Benefits with Aya

You can enroll and contribute to your 401k on the first of the month following eligibility, which is working 4 consecutive months or one year from your original hire date (with at least 1,000 hours worked). After a year (with at least 1,000 hours worked) you’re eligible for matching!

Medical Plan

A comprehensive medical, dental and vision plan from the first day you start an assignment with Aya Healthcare. You also have the option to add a spouse and/or dependents to your plan!

Sick Pay While on Assignment

You’ll start accruing sick time on the first day of your assignment and earn 1 hour for every 30 hours worked which you can start to use after 90 days.

Perks & Discounts

Wellness and fitness programs (like free virtual meditation and yoga) employee assistance programs (including clinical escalation if your work environment could be improved) and so much more.

Aya Scholars Program

This is the industry’s only clinical ladder program for travel nurses. In exchange for dedication to professional development, Aya Scholars candidates may be eligible for reimbursements for tuition and a specialty certification exam.

Where can I make the most money as a travel nurse?

Like we mentioned earlier, quite a few factors affect your pay, including specialty and location. But like with any job, you need to consider more than just pay. When evaluating an assignment, you should also consider the cost of living in the area. You can rely on your recruiter and the rest of your Aya Healthcare team for valuable advice to help you make the best career choice for you.

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Home / Nursing Careers & Specialties / Travel Nurse

Travel Nurse

What Is a Travel Nurse?

Travel nurses are RNs from various clinical backgrounds who work for independent staffing agencies. They are assigned to different care areas on a temporary basis to fill in short-term employment gaps.

Travel nursing is a specialty that took root when the field of nursing faced a nationwide shortage. Hospitals, clinics, and other care areas had unfilled positions, yet had patients needing care. To try and attract nurses to the open positions, employers offered higher pay, housing, and covered the cost of relocating.

Due to these shortages, health care facilities have vacancies that need to be filled—and travel nurses are often the ones to fill open positions. Not only do travel nurses work in health care in any state in the country, but they also work outside of the United States as international travel nurses. The adventure and excitement of new opportunities, along with higher-than-average pay, are facets of travel nursing that many RNs find attractive.

Why Are Travel Nurses Important?

Travel nurses are an important part of the health care team because they help bridge the gap between supply and demand in the field of nursing. Mandatory nurse-patient ratios have led to increased patient safety and lower patient mortality . While this is a positive finding, and more and more states are passing legislation to implement staffing ratios, there are not enough nurses to fill the openings. Travel nurses assigned those open positions help to increase patient safety and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, nurses from different educational backgrounds, care areas, and geographic locations bring a great deal to the practice of nursing. Sharing ideas and practices not only benefits patients, but also other nurses.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

A travel nurse should have the following characteristics to excel in the role:

• Enjoys experiencing new cities, towns, and organizations
• Enjoys freedom. Travel nurses choose when and where they work, and choose their duration of employment
• Enjoys flexibility. Travel nurses create their schedules, benefits packages, and income based on which agency they choose to work
• Thrives on challenges. Moving to different states or overseas and being “the new nurse” repeatedly is challenging. Learning new organizational systems and workflows is particularly challenging
• Loves learning new things. Each assignment takes travel nurses to new health care facilities, some with higher levels of technology or different standards of practice. Each experience helps nurses build upon their knowledge base

Additionally, travel nurses should have supportive families and friends. It's difficult to either pack up and move an entire family or leave your family and friends behind. The flip side to this is that new relationships are formed in each new location.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Those interested in the specialty of travel nursing should first pursue a nursing degree through a two or four-year university. Obtaining an associate's degree ( ADN ) or bachelor's degree ( BSN ) in nursing is required. A BSN is not required to be a travel nurse, but some health care facilities only hire BSN-prepared nurses. The staffing agency in which the nurse is employed should match the nurse appropriately based on educational requirements.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Most travel nurse agencies require a minimum of one year of hands-on experience in the chosen specialty of nursing. Additionally, some agencies will only hire BSN-prepared RNs. International travel nurses should speak the language of the country they are to practice in, as communication is an important part of effective healthcare delivery. Nurses are encouraged to research agencies when considering travel nursing.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

No additional exams are required for travel nursing. Based on the specialty, certification(s) may be required. Examples include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be required
• Stroke care certification
• Telemetry certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Critical care nursing (adults, pediatric, neonatal)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) certification

Additional specific requirements may be necessary for international travel nurses. These include:

• Acquiring a passport and work visa (usually handled by the agency)
• Additional immunizations
• Learning a new language
• Learning about diseases unique to the area

Travel Nurse FAQs

How can a travel nurse receive a tax-free housing stipend.

Housing is one of the most significant concerns for a travel nurse. There are a few options available, and it depends on the travel nurse agency/company regarding how accommodations are set up. Some companies provide housing (i.e., apartment, duplex, etc.). Some companies offer a housing stipend, or a fixed amount of money each month to apply towards housing.

First, nurses need to be aware of where their “tax home” is, as stipends are tax-free if working away from the tax home. Having a tax home is necessary to receive tax-free housing. A "tax home" is defined as the general vicinity of an individual's primary place of work (regardless of where the primary residence is). Generally, the IRS considers someone traveling away from home (i.e., their "tax home") if it exceeds one workday.

Different travel nurse agencies offer different stipends - it’s important to research what the living expenses are in a specific area to ensure housing is adequately covered. The General Services Administration (GSA) lists the maximum daily amount for lodging, meals, and incidentals with regards to travel expenses . The key word is MAXIMUM. It's not required that a company pay employees the listed stipend. In fact, some travel nurse agencies offer higher hourly wages instead of housing stipends. Additionally, the GSA rates are based on short-term travel - usually less than a month. Travel nurse contracts can last three months or more.

Are Nursing Licenses Valid When Traveling and Working in Other States?

Those interested in travel nursing may have questions about licensing; specifically, how are licenses recognized if practicing in another state.

Depending on the state, new licensure is not necessary. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the Nurse Licensure Compact which is an agreement between specific states to recognize nursing licenses without having to apply separately for licensure in another state. In other words, a nurse living in a "compact state" (one which is part of this agreement) can practice in another compact state without having to obtain additional licenses. There are now uniform licensure requirements that must be met when seeking a multistate license under the compact agreement. States that participate in the compact agreement can be found on the NCSBN website .

If not part of the compact agreement, some states allow nurses to obtain temporary licenses by endorsement. These are valid for specific lengths of time, so nurses must visit each state’s Board of Nursing website to determine specific temporary license requirements. If extending the assignment past the temporary license time frame, nurses must apply for a permanent license. Permanent licenses are also required for states that don't grant licensure by endorsement and don't participate in the NLC.

What Does a Domestic or International Travel Nurse Do?

Travel nurses have a broad range of responsibilities and duties, and specific tasks depend on the specialty in which the nurse is trained. General nursing responsibilities and duties include:

• Using the nursing process of assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings
• Administering medications, and fluids, assisting with activities of daily living and patient mobility
• Reviewing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and imaging
• Provide monitoring and oversight in all aspects of patient care
• Collaborating with physicians in developing a plan of care
• Assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families
• Recognizing and intervening in clinically unstable patients
• Providing resources for patients and referring as necessary
• Educating patients and families in all areas of healthcare maintenance and prevention
• Working in assignments anywhere from eight to thirteen weeks (on average) in the U.S., one to two years if outside the U.S.
• Learning various patient care systems/documentation
• Providing immediate medical care and aid for large populations during times of war or disaster

Domestic and international travel nurses also have different characteristics specific to their roles.

Domestic Travel Nurses

• Work within the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from eight to thirteen weeks
• Can respond to areas of the U.S that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks

International Travel Nurses

International travel nurses should have excellent communication skills, should be open to new experiences and challenges, and should have a strong desire to learn. These nurses are responsible for performing a wide array of duties. As stated previously, the tasks an international nurse will have to perform depend entirely upon their medical specialty. Some of the more general or everyday tasks that international travel nurses will perform include administering medication, wound care, and providing emergency medical services and care. Since there are often nursing shortages in many of the regions that international nurses travel to, another general role of these nurses is to educate family members and caretakers about the appropriate patient and medical care. In summary, international travel nurses:

• Work outside the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from one to two years
• Respond to areas that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
• Provide medical care and aid to underserved, rural , and remote populations
• Usually, must wait for document processing before traveling

Travel Nurse Working Conditions

As with any career, there are positive and negative aspects to working as a travel nurse. Nurses can suffer from stress as they may carry a heavy patient load and have many critical decisions to make. Additionally, travel nurses may suffer from feelings of isolation since they tend to relocate often. Having a strong sense of independence and a support system available, even remotely, can help.

Additionally, nurses may work in high-risk areas that may expose them to workplace violence, blood-borne pathogens, and chemicals. Travel nurses must always familiarize themselves with and adhere to safety standards set by the organization.

International travel nurses can face different challenges. Travel nurses must be familiar with the country's laws, and geographic-specific diseases, and always keep their overall safety as a priority.

Despite these considerations, travel nursing can be immensely rewarding. Many organizations and staff nurses appreciate the help travel nurses offer. Travel nurses help relieve staff nurses from burnout, as can happen when working short-staffed.

International travel nurses are also highly appreciated. They provide medical care and assistance to many patients in remote settings who otherwise would have no access to healthcare. They help with relief efforts in war zones or after disaster events, which can be both rewarding and enriching.

Travel Nurse Salary and Employment

According to the American Nurses Association, as of 2015 fourteen states had mandatory nurse-patient ratios . Nurses are pushing for federal legislation supporting safe staffing and because of this, if more states pass safe-staffing laws, nurses will be in even more demand. Travel nurses will help mend the current and projected nursing shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% overall growth for nurses until 2024, which is much faster-than-average growth for all occupations.

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Travel nursing has many incentives for nurses regarding pay and benefits including:

• Travel reimbursement
• Free housing
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Assistance in obtaining passports/work visas
• Choice of location
• Selection of hours/shifts worked
• Competitive pay
• Higher-than-average pay for RNs

According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a travel nurse is $75,109. However, since pay is competitive in travel nursing, some companies are offering salaries of around $100,00 annually for domestic travel nurses.

International travel nurses tend to have lower salaries than domestic, except for assignments in some middle eastern countries. This is because, for the most part, nurses tend to make less outside of the U.S.

Salary is dependent on the agency, and nurses should research each company to find the right salary and benefits that best fit their needs.

Helpful Organizations, Societies, & Agencies

• International Council of Nurses
• Professional Association of Nurse Travelers
• National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations
• American Travel Health Nurses Association

Related Articles

• The Hottest Job During a Pandemic? Travel Nurse
• Is Travel Nursing the Right Adventure for You?
• An Ocean-Lover's Dream: Working as a Nurse at Sea
• 10 Pros and Cons of Becoming a Travel Nurse
• 5 Specializations For Nurses Who Enjoy Travel
• Tips on Maintaining a Healthy Diet as a Traveling Nurse
• See all Nursing Articles

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Travel nurses use their nursing qualifications to travel and visit different cities across the country. With travel nursing, it’s possible to meet new people and experience different cultures while providing much-needed medical care. But how does travel nursing work, and how do you find a position that perfectly fits your needs?

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

Travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who fill short-term positions in healthcare facilities, usually between eight to twelve weeks, but can last longer. These short-term roles exist for a variety of reasons, including:

• Nurses on maternity leave
• A sudden need for additional experienced professionals
• Seasonal population fluctuation
• A global pandemic

While each job is different, travel nurses generally have the same roles and responsibilities as full-time staff.

When a healthcare organization needs to fill nursing positions, they partner with a travel nurse staffing agency such as Amergis to hire for these roles.

Can Travel Nurses Choose Where to Go?

Yes! Because travel nurses are employed by a staffing agency instead of a healthcare organization, they have the freedom and flexibility to choose where they want to work.

How Do I Become a Travel Nurse?

If you are a registered nurse, no additional education or training is required to become a travel nurse. However, you must be licensed in the state where you choose to work. It is best to have at least one year of experience in your specialty. Angela Hagan, the Recruitment Operations Manager at Amergis, says, “Two years of experience is preferable, but we can usually get you placed in a position with one year of experience.”

When you’re ready, our team of dedicated recruiters will work with you to identify the best opportunity for your career. Contact our team online for more information about new potential travel nursing roles .

You can also check out our travel nurse survival post for great tips on how to make your transition easier.

How Much Does Travel Nursing Pay?

Typically, the current salary range for travel nurses is anywhere from $85k and $110k annually. The level of compensation depends on a variety of factors, such as the healthcare facility’s location and the nurse’s specialty. However, you can expect to make more than your non-travel nurse colleagues. Travel nurses are also eligible for allowances to cover housing, meals, and incidentals while on their travel assignments. These travel positions provide more opportunities for overtime work and extra shifts compared to a traditional hospital-based nursing job.

What Are Some Benefits of Travel Nursing?

There are many benefits of making the transition into a travel nursing career . A few of those benefits include:

• Higher salaries than hospital-based nurses
• The opportunity to explore new cities
• Career advancement opportunities
• The ability to avoid job politics
• The opportunity to make new friends
• Professional flexibility

Can I Be a Travel Nurse If I Have a Family or Pets?

Absolutely. The key to being a travel nurse with pets or a family is proper planning. In addition to talking to your recruiter to help with the planning process, other factors to consider include:

• Childcare options
• Pet care options
• Nearby schools
• Housing options
• Information about your new neighborhood

Often, the best way to prepare for a travel nursing career is to chat with other experienced travel nurses to get insights only they can provide.

What Should I Look for in a Travel Nurse Staffing Agency?

The bottom line is that you will find the best fit based on how well you relate to your travel nurse recruiter. Angela Hagan, Recruitment Operations Manager at Amergis, says, “I tell people not to compare agencies, but instead, compare recruiters. It should feel like a true partnership rather than just an employee and employer relationship.”  Also, it’s important to consider what you value most. Each agency differs in the benefits they offer, such as tuition reimbursement, health and dental insurance, and vacation time.

Get Started on Your Travel Nursing Career

Our Amergis team of recruiters is ready to help you get started on a rewarding travel nursing career.  Look through some of the available travel nursing positions online or contact our team by completing our convenient form for more information about travel nursing placements with Amergis.

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How Does Travel Nursing Work? Requirements, Job Description, and Outlook

August 29, 2023

View all blog posts under Articles | View all blog posts under Master of Science in Nursing

Approximately 1.7 million travel nurses currently work in the United States, according to job website Zippia. Given that travel nurses in the 10th percentile of the salary range typically earn at least $120,000 per year, a nurse who wants to see the world may well consider pivoting to travel nursing.

Many registered nurses (RNs) are leaving the health care field altogether — to recover from burnout, to pursue an entirely different career, or to opt for early retirement. It’s a tough situation for health care providers because it takes years to educate and train nurses to replace those who leave the profession.

The RN shortage has challenged hospitals and health care facilities scrambling to do more with less. The ongoing pandemic has played a large part in creating this predicament. Additionally, an aging population, increased demand for health care services, and the nationwide nursing shortage have all placed even more strain on front-line medical workers.

Now more than ever, many understaffed facilities hire travel nurses to help with day-to-day health care demands until they can hire permanent nursing staff. This trend raises the question, "How does travel nursing work?"

Travel nurses deliver high-quality health care services to patients across the country by taking on short-term assignments at understaffed health care facilities. Travel nurse ranks among the better-paid nursing roles in the health care industry. Individuals interested in becoming a travel nurse can gain essential skills through an advanced education, such as an online Master of Science in Nursing program .

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Travel nurses perform the same duties and play the same role in a health care facility as a local RN, but the difference is that they’re transitory, meaning they don’t live permanently in the locality in which they’re working. This is possible because geographical location has little impact on the training and skill set that’s needed from the nurse.

So, how does travel nursing work from the perspective of an understaffed health care facility that needs an immediate solution? Providers usually seek the services of a travel nurse because the hospital or health care facility has a gap in staffing. Finding a full-time local RN to fill that gap can pose a challenge for a facility. Either the pool of candidates is too small, or the facility has yet to find a candidate that’s a good fit with its current nursing staff.

Whatever the case may be, hiring a travel nurse is a temporary solution that can help the health care facility buy time while it looks for a permanent RN. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a hospital to make an offer to extend the travel nurse’s assignment given staffing demands.

A travel nurse’s employment is always on a contractual basis. The contract will usually last for three or more months, depending on the facility’s needs. During their employment, a travel nurse typically receives the following as part of their compensation package:

• Weekly stipend for expenses
• Lodging accommodations
• Signing bonus

However, these contract offers vary in terms of perks and compensation. For instance, a travel nurse may be offered a generous salary, lodging accommodations, and a weekly stipend but no signing bonus.

Additionally, stipends and lodging accommodations can vary dramatically depending upon the region. For example, a New York hospital may offer a much higher stipend, along with lodging accommodations, compared with a Salt Lake City hospital because the cost of living is so much higher in New York. When selecting locations, travel nurses need to be aware of how far their money will go in the city they’re considering.

Finally, location and seasonality play a big factor in the decision-making process as well. For instance, a travel nurse may be considering a high-paying contract role in Cleveland versus a lower-paying one in San Diego. If the two contracts happen to span December through February, the travel nurse might decide to go with San Diego simply because California winters are so much more temperate than Ohio’s.

Job Role and Main Duties of a Travel Nurse

The primary difference between travel nurses and RNs is the traveling element. Beyond that, the day-to-day responsibilities are nearly identical. The typical job duties of a travel nurse include:

• Assessing patients and logging their exact symptoms or conditions
• Administering medications and treatments
• Monitoring the status and vitals of patients
• Collaborating with physicians and other health care staff
• Explaining care plans to patients and their families
• Teaching patients how to better care for themselves
• Keeping detailed patient records
• Communicating with family members about a patient’s status

Similar to RNs, travel nurses work in hospitals, health care facilities, residential care facilities, outpatient care centers, and government facilities.

What Are the Travel Nursing Requirements?

Travel nursing requirements are similar to requirements traditional RNs need to meet but with a few key distinctions. The main educational steps an aspiring travel nurse needs to complete remain consistent:

• Complete an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program — though the latter is highly recommended for travel nurses who want to stand out to potential employers
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Obtain licensure in their state of practice

Once these three steps are completed, an ASN or BSN graduate is able to practice as a licensed registered nurse. However, travel nurses require two additional certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Travel nurses who plan to work in a specialized unit should also get the relevant certifications. For instance, a travel nurse who aims to work in an intensive care unit would benefit from getting the CCRN certification, which focuses on acute and critical care.

Another important step that travel nurses need to take is setting up what’s known as a "tax home" for the purposes of taxes and decreasing their overall tax liability. A tax home is the full-time residence where a travel nurse stays when they’re not working. Since travel nurses are away for months at a time, they generally try to secure tax homes with low rent and maintenance costs to help reduce their overall expenses.

For instance, a travel nurse would likely not set up a tax home in a luxury downtown apartment that rents for more than $2,500 per month. It makes more sense to find an affordable tax home to keep their overhead costs down. Travel nurses without a tax home can still work, but they must file under the status of an itinerant worker. This means they must pay taxes on all of their income, stipends, and reimbursements.

Finally, getting and maintaining licensure is of the utmost importance when considering travel nursing requirements. Through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), nurses can earn a multistate license to provide care to patients in eNLC member states. Furthermore, renewing the eNLC license is a simple process that can be done anywhere.

However, non-eNLC states require a travel nurse to obtain an additional state license. This means the travel nurse must meet all the requirements of the new state. Additionally, some states require nurses to obtain continued education units (CEUs) to be allowed to work. When it comes to selecting contracts, travel nurses need to be aware of what — if any — new licenses or CEUs they’ll need to get before they decide to sign on.

Travel Nurse Practitioner vs. Travel RN

Just as RNs can travel to different parts of the country to fill in the nursing gap, the same is true for travel nurse practitioners. Compared with RNs, nurse practitioners (NPs) have more education (an MSN degree, at minimum) and more on-the-job experience, and they usually focus on one specific area of medicine, such as family care, adult-gerontology, or neonatal care. Additionally, NPs generally earn much higher salaries than their RN counterparts.

Scope of Practice

One of the biggest differences when comparing travel nurse practitioners and travel RNs is scope of practice. RNs take their marching orders from NPs, physicians, and physician assistants; this is consistent across all states. NPs, on the other hand, have full practice authority in certain states, meaning they can practice with full autonomy.

In some states, however, NPs operate under restricted or reduced practice, meaning they aren’t allowed to do certain things, such as prescribing medications. Additionally, NPs in reduced or restricted practice states are held accountable and sometimes work under the direct supervision of a physician or team of physicians.

For a travel NP, this means taking on a new contract may significantly expand or reduce their role in the health care facility. Serving in a greatly reduced or expanded role may not appeal to them, which will play a factor in their decision-making process. Travel RNs don’t have to worry about this because their scope of practice is consistent throughout the country.

Licensing for travel NPs is also different compared with travel RNs. While the licensing process is fairly simple for travel RNs working in eNLC member states, NPs usually carry two or three licenses per state.

They include the RN license, the APRN license, and a prescribing license to order medications for patients. A travel nurse practitioner also needs to update their Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certificate to the state they’re practicing in so they may prescribe medications.

As a result of these various requirements, travel NPs have more to keep track of to maintain licensure.

Work Environment

Travel RNs typically work in acute care in a hospital or health care facility. Travel NPs, on the other hand, have more options, including:

• Health care facilities
• Doctors’ offices
• Community health centers
• Schools and universities
• Military bases
• Outpatient clinics
• Veterans clinics
• Women’s health care clinics

A travel nurse practitioner’s specialty usually dictates the types of contracts they’re eligible for. For instance, a women’s health nurse practitioner seeking travel assignments would likely find a placement in a women’s health care clinic.

Salary and Assignment Length

Similar to travel RNs, travel nurse practitioners see varying salaries, depending on job demand, the facility hiring, the length of the contract, and other factors. Travel RNs earned an average annual salary of approximately $80,900 as of January 2022, according to PayScale. Those in the ninetieth percentile made approximately $107,000 per year.

Salary information for travel NPs isn’t as readily available. However, travel nurses in the top five highest-paying states earned $120,000 or more in 2019, according to TravelNursing.org. California was the highest-paying state, with a salary of $133,800. The takeaway is travel NPs generally earn higher salaries than travel nurses.

One other area that bears comparison is assignment duration. Typical travel RN work assignments are approximately three months long. Travel NPs have the three-month contract option too; however, their assignments can also be much shorter or much longer. Travel NP assignments can range from a single day to well over a year, which is ideal for health care workers who prefer flexibility in their schedules.

What Is Per Diem Travel Nursing?

Per diem travel nursing is one of the most flexible positions in health care. Per diem travel nurses have the same role and responsibilities as a travel nurse, but they pick up their shifts on an ad hoc basis.

They can choose how much or how little they work, even if it’s just a short shift lasting only a few hours. Per diem nursing is the ideal fit for a nurse who needs the maximum amount of flexibility in their schedule and prefers not to work on weekends and holidays. Additionally, per diem travel nurses often get paid more than the standard rate.

One major drawback of per diem nursing is the lack of job security. When a hospital or health care facility is fully staffed, that usually means it no longer requires the services of per diem nurses. Another drawback is that because per diem nurses work only on a fill-in basis and usually part time, they might not develop a rapport with the full-time staff.

Is Travel Nursing Worth It?

Being a travel nurse means working in a new city with a new group of health care professionals every few months. It’s the opportunity to take in a completely new culture and sights. A travel nurse could be in the heart of New York City one month, only to relocate to sunny San Diego the next.

It’s a position that’s rich with possibilities. Plus, travel nurses rack up a vast amount of experience since they work in so many different environments and with different teams. Lastly, travel nurses command higher salaries and receive stipends, signing bonuses, and other perks that their non-traveling RN counterparts don’t.

Is travel nursing worth it? For RNs and NPs who like a change in scenery and want to sample several different work environments across the country, the travel nurse role might well be a great fit.

Begin Your Journey to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is an exciting opportunity for a health care worker to see the world while offering high-quality care to patients in need. With the ongoing nursing shortage still in full swing, travel nurses will likely stay in high demand and continue to command competitive salaries.

To pursue a career as a travel RN or travel NP, investing in education is a great way to begin. Take the first step toward your career goals by discovering how Hawai‘i Pacific University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program further develops the skills and knowledge of current RNs, allowing them to specialize in family care, psychiatric mental health, or adult-gerontology.

An MSN degree opens the door for a travel RN to become a travel NP, which can mean higher salaries, plus the advantages of a wide variety of work environments and flexible work assignments. Start your adventure as a travel RN or NP and help providers save lives.

Recommended Reading:

Burnout vs. Compassion Fatigue in Nursing

The Importance of a Nurse’s Role in Patient Safety

Trauma Nursing in Vacation Cities

American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Frequently Asked Questions About CCRN Certification

CareerStaff Unlimited, "Comparing Travel and Per Diem Nursing Jobs: Which Is Right for You?"

Health Affairs , "COVID-19’s Impact on Nursing Shortages, the Rise of Travel Nurses, and Price Gouging"

Healthcare Dive, "Nurses Burned Out, Dissatisfied With Careers Consider Leaving the Field, Survey Finds"

Indeed, "How to Become a Traveling Nurse Practitioner (6 Steps)"

Indeed, Travel Nursing Salaries in the U.S.

PayScale, Average Travel Nurse (RN) Hourly Pay

Remede Group, "Are You More Comfortable With Per Diem or Travel Nursing ?"

Travel Nursing, "The Difference Between a Travel NP and a Travel RN"

Travel Nursing, "How to Become a Travel Nurse | 5 Requirements 2021"

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses

Zippia, Traveling Nurse Demographics and Statistics in the U.S.

Do More With HPU

How Does Travel Nursing Work? A Step-by-Step Guide To Becoming A Traveling Nurse in 2024

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Mar 20, 2024 | Featured , News

You have an itch to travel, but the long shifts at the hospital and those annoying vacation blackout periods make it harder for you to get away and experience new places.

Or maybe you have a friend who recently started travel nursing and all she does is brag about her growing bank account and the many perks that come with the job.

We get it. It’s natural to be curious about a different field and want to find out if the grass is truly greener on the other side. Many of the nurses who come to us for the first time have a lot of questions and we’re here to fill you in on everything.

So, exactly how does travel nursing work?

We’ll share what you need to know to plan your new career as a travel nurse and get started on that road as soon as today!

Table of Contents

How travel nursing works — can anyone do it, how does travel nursing pay work.

• 3 Factors That Can Affect a Travel Nurse’s Pay

How Does Travel Nurse Housing Work?

How travel nursing works: other faqs.

• Travel Nursing Pros and Cons: Is It Right for You?
• Become a Travel Nurse With Trusted Nurse Staffing Today

Travel nurses take on short-term, temporary positions across the nation to fill gaps where nursing shortages exist.

Rather than being employed by the healthcare facility, travel nurses use independent staffing agencies to seek and secure positions wherever they desire — or where it’s needed most.

While some nursing specialties are more highly sought after than others, any nurse whose licenses are in good standing and has typically at least two years of nursing experience can apply to be a travel nurse.

At Trusted Nurse Staffing , we have placed thousands of nurses in various positions across the country, and we can help you too.

Whether you’re interested in a high-demand, high-paying position or you’re looking for a destination location to enjoy a little R&R on your days off, we have positions available right now that could be a perfect fit for you.

Use our Pronto job search to find positions that interest you, and before you know it you’ll be an expert in how travel nurses work.

Can You Do Travel Nursing Without Experience?

No. If you’re hoping to collect your nursing diploma and certifications and then head out on your first travel nursing adventure, it doesn’t quite work like that. You’ll need some experience as a staff nurse before most staffing agencies will accept you.

The majority of travel nursing agencies will require a minimum of two years of experience in your specialty. This minimum may increase for specific specializations, such as the ICU or Labor and Delivery, in order to nurse in that field.

Can New Nurses Be Travel Nurses?

If you’ve recently graduated from nursing school and lack the required experience, you can still apply to travel nurse positions for future consideration as you gain bedside experience in the meantime. In situations of greater need, it’s possible that newer nurses may find positions.

Let’s get to the good stuff.

You’ve heard that better pay is one of the things that makes travel nursing worth it , but exactly what can you expect?

In addition to an average hourly rate that is higher than what you’d make as a staff nurse, you may also receive:

• Overtime/double time
• Tax-free housing stipends
• Tax-free per diems
• Travel reimbursements

Now, of course, if you are taking a position in a high-demand area, your rates will naturally be higher as well. However, even travel nurses who take assignments in lower-paying areas still average more annual income than staff nurses.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make On Average?

According to Indeed , the average travel nurse in the United States brings in close to $50 per hour , or $114,640 each year . The range of travel nurse salaries is from $83K to $158K per year, but this figure can be much higher for travel nurses who work in specialized fields.

For instance, a travel CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) can earn an average of over $230,000 per year , but this position demands additional schooling beyond what is required of an RN.

Do Travel Nurses Get Insurance?

Most travel nursing agencies should offer some form of insurance. 

At Trusted Nurse Staffing, in addition to the highest pay rates in the industry, our nurses enjoy a leading health and wellness package that includes:

• Employer-sponsored health insurance
• An HRA to fully cover deductibles
• Guardian dental and vision insurance
• Wellness benefits
• Portable permanent whole life insurance
• Portable short-term and long-term disability insurance

And as if those benefits weren’t enough, we also make the following available for our nurses:

• Referral bonuses
• Loyalty Program
• Discount program
• 401(k) with a 4% match after 1000 hours and 1 year of employment
• Housing, meal, and travel reimbursements
• Customizable pay packages 

It’s easy to see why so many travelers love working with Trusted Nurse Staffing .

3 Factors That Can Affect A Travel Nurse’s Pay

Travel nurses who can remain flexible, are available immediately, and can manage well in crisis situations often do very well financially. But don’t worry — you don’t have to be willing to drop everything and head into the war zone with each contract just to enjoy the benefits of travel nursing.

There are other factors involved in making the most money out of your travel nursing experience such as type of shifts, specialty, and location.

#1: Shift Type

Oftentimes, hospitals and healthcare facilities have a harder time keeping nightshift staff on contract and as a result, will hire travel nurses to fill temporary vacancies during their hiring process.

If you’re already accustomed to ward nightlife, then you’re at an advantage when it comes to the many listings looking for night shift nurses. Not only do they usually pay better, but many nurses who have worked the night shift consistently know that it can also be an altogether quieter and calmer post than the bustling day shift.

However, if you are not interested in staying up for nights, or simply don’t perform your best in the wee hours, then skip past these postings. 

Don’t sweat it — there are other ways to make those extra high wages as a travel nurse.

#2: Specialty Area

Are you an experienced NICU nurse? Or maybe you’ve spent your years earning cred in the ER. 

While opportunities exist for all nurses, certain specialties are in highest demand, such as:

• OR (Operating Room)
• ER (Emergency Room)
• NICU/MBPP/L&D (Women’s Health)
• ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
• CVOR (Cardiovascular Operating Room)
• Medical Surgery/Telemetry
• Psychiatric
• Nurse Practitioner
• CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)

With higher-demand positions, there comes a higher pay rate, so if any of these postings appeal to you then you could be enjoying the benefits of a bigger hourly rate.

#3: Location

Location, location, location — it’s not just a real estate thing anymore. 

Location is what most heavily influences the pay rates of a travel nurse. Typically, if the cost of living is higher, then a higher pay rate can be expected. Such is the case in states like Oregon, California, and Massachusetts. 

However, regional trends change — as do demand levels. So don’t count out those amazing destination locations just yet. Assignments to states like Florida and Arizona can crop up with pay rates close to or equal to the states that typically pay the most.

Where do travel nurses live? 

It’s a question we get often, and it’s easy to understand why. Moving from state to state every 8-52 weeks can be challenging enough as it is without having to worry about housing.

Travel nurses have two options when it comes to lodging during their assignments :

• Agency-provided housing – Your nursing agency sources the housing for you.
• A housing stipend – The agency pays a prearranged amount and you find your own housing.

Most commonly, nurses choose to have the agency find housing because it’s one less thing to have to worry about.

However, if you’re a seasoned traveling nurse, then you may prefer to source your own housing. Sometimes, nurses can make even more money if they can find their own accommodations that cost less than the stipend they receive.

And because Trusted Nurse Staffing is always willing to help you every step of the way, here’s our list of the fifteen best sites through which travel nurses can search for housing.

How Does a Traveling Nurse Work if You  Have a Family — Can You Bring Them With You?

How does travel nursing work if you have a spouse, family, or pets?  

Rest assured, families and pets are always welcome along on assignments. Simply discuss your needs with your recruiter in advance so that the logistical and housing details can be ironed out prior to your assignment.

While travel nursing with a family can take a bit more coordination and flexibility, it’s possible to do and can be a fun adventure for the whole gang!

What Are the Best Locations For Travel Nursing?

Where can you go for the best travel nursing experience? That really depends on what you want to accomplish.

Many nurses choose higher-paying positions only to find out that they don’t like the location. Others choose quiet locations only to find out that they miss the conveniences they’re accustomed to.

Take Annie, for example. A seasoned ER nurse, Annie found many postings looking for an experienced ER nurse and, wow, they certainly paid well.

Annie, originally from Alabama, chose a busy hospital in Boston, when halfway through her assignment winter suddenly hit — and hit hard .

Not prepared for the cold, snowy days, Annie decided that the money wasn’t worth the bundling up, slippery sidewalks, and endless shoveling of her front walk and decided to finish out her contract without even a second thought as to renewing. 

Instead, Annie gave her recruiter at Trusted Nurse Staffing a call and lined up her next assignment in sunny Florida. While her Florida assignment didn’t pay as well as the one in Boston, it was a better fit for her and she was happier there. Goodbye, snow, and hello, beach time!

So while it may be tempting to go for the big bucks when searching for your next job, it’s a good idea to make a list of what makes up your ideal assignment before deciding on the location.

Consider your lifestyle needs, such as:

• Transportation options
• Entertainment
• Living accommodations

Now, if you’re the type that can adjust to any situation, then, by all means, go for the big bucks .

Where can you make the most money as a travel nurse?

On average, these 5 states/districts are among those that pay the highest wages :

• The District of Columbia

It’s not uncommon for traveling nurses to be offered a permanent position at the end of a contract, so if you happen to fall in love with a particular place or want to take a break from travel nursing and settle down for a while, you may be in luck!

How Far Do Travel Nurses Travel?

To receive the tax-free stipends that are such a lure for most travel nurses, your agency may have a rule as to how far your home must be from the facility where you accept a position. 

Some agencies require a minimum radius of 50+ miles from the facility to qualify as a travel nurse. Speak to your recruiter to determine which facilities you’re eligible for.

Beyond that, travel nurses can go as far as they’re willing to fly, drive, or take a train throughout the country! This job is a great way to explore the United States and scratch your itch for adventure.

Can Travel Nurses Choose Where They Go?

Travel nurses have the luxury of choosing the destination, the hospital, and the healthcare setting they desire for each assignment.  

So, what about that sunny setting with the killer waves and white sand beaches? Or do you prefer big-city nightlife or even small-town charm? It can be yours. Use the Pronto job search to set your filters, including your desired location, and start searching for travel nursing positions today.

How Long Do Travel Nurses Stay In One Place?

The average travel nursing assignment is 13 weeks, but with Trusted Nurse Staffing you can choose contracts that range anywhere from 8 to 52 weeks. 

Nurses are commonly given the opportunity to extend their contract one or more times depending on the needs of the facility, often with additional benefits.

Travel Nursing Pros and Cons: Is It Right For You?

So we’ve answered the question “How does travel nursing work?” Now it’s time to decide if travel nursing could be right for you.

As it is with everything, there are pros and cons to consider before you take the plunge and accept your first assignment.

What can you really expect on the road? Let’s take a look.

Pros of travel nursing:

• Endless adventure opportunities
• Higher wages and better benefits than staff nursing
• Avoiding work politics
• Flexibility to take time off when you want
• Broadening your work experience
• Meeting new people
• Professional networking
• Getting jobs quickly
• Opportunity to help under-served communities

Sounds like a dream job, right? We think it is, but there are some things you should consider before you decide to hit the road.

Some common complaints about travel nursing include:

• Missing family and friends
• Feeling lonely or homesick
• Handling multiple state licenses
• Moving frequently
• Not feeling like part of the team

If you think the pros outweigh the cons, then travel nursing may be for you.

Become A Travel Nurse With Trusted Nurse Staffing Today

Trusted Nurse Staffing can help you find travel nursing positions that fit your professional, personal, and adventuring needs. We’re redefining the healthcare staffing industry — harnessing the power of people and technology to create exceptional experiences for everyone involved.

And with the Pronto job search, it’s easier than ever:

• Create a profile where you can upload your credentials, set your preferred job filters, and start applying for assignments right away.
• Get assigned a dream team. You’ll get matched with your own dedicated staff that includes clinical support, payroll, and compliance experts with ongoing assignment advocacy.
• You’re part of the family. You’ll have full access to your team and our job board, fully empowered in your career.

Your longing for adventure can end today. Click the link below to get started.

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2024 Travel Nurse Salary + Job Outlook

Travel nurses work in specific locations for limited and usually predetermined timeframes of anywhere from 13 to 16 weeks. Though they may work in any type of facility – hospitals, doctors’ offices, and long-term care facilities – they get to choose where they work, which helps prevent boredom. Travel nurses also earn handsome salaries that rival the average salaries of BSN-educated registered nurses (RNs). Here, you will learn more about the average travel nurse salary and what you can expect if you choose this exciting career path.

How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make?

Salary for different types of travel nurses, what other benefits will you receive as a travel nurse, how to boost your travel nurse salary, 10 best states to work for travel nurses + salary, travel nurse salary by state – highest to lowest, travel nurse salary by city, what are the 10 best travel nursing agencies to work for in the united states, what does the future look like for travel nursing jobs.

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Travel Nurse Tax Guide 2023

Navigating travel nurse taxes can be a challenge, especially because travel nurse tax amounts can be a bit different depending on what state or states you worked in. In general, however, taxes are very different for travel nurses compared to traditional staff nurses. From choosing a tax home to keeping your receipts to knowing exactly how your income will affect your long-term financial goals, here is the information you need to know about travel nurse taxes.

RN’s can earn up to $2,300 per week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!

Travel Nurse Taxes + Income Breakdown

Travel nurses are paid differently than staff nurses because they receive both a base hourly pay that is taxed and additional “payments” that are non-taxed to make up their “total” pay. When you sign up to commit to a travel nurse position you’ll receive a pay package that will detail all of the different aspects of what will make up your actual compensation.

Essentially it’s in the travel nursing agency’s best interest to keep the base rate of a travel nurse’s pay package low, so many travel nurses have a modest base pay but will receive additional stipends. In a technical and legal sense, those additional stipends — which typically cover things like meals, housing , and work-related expenses — are expense reimbursements for doing your job as a travel nurse, which is why they aren’t considered income and are non-taxable.

Travel agencies offer “standardized” bill rates. This means that there is one rate for all workers with any given license covered by the contract. For example, all Registered Nurses have the same bill rate, all Physical Therapists have the same bill rate, and so on. It’s also possible for the licenses to be broken down by specialty and every so often by level of experience. For example, Medical Surgical and Telemetry Registered Nurses have one rate while all other Registered Nurses have another. Registered Nurses with 1-3 years of experience get one rate, while those with more than 3 years of experience get a slightly higher rate. The important thing to understand is that standardized bill rates are set in stone by the contract for all intents and purposes. There is no possibility of negotiating a higher bill rate based on a particular travel nurse’s salary history or work experience.

Joseph Smith, EA/MS Tax, an international “taxation master” and founder of Travel Tax , explains that in addition to their base pay, most travel nurses can reasonably expect to see $20,000-$30,000 of non-tax reimbursement payments in a typical year working as a travel nurse.

Find travel nurse credit cards to earn points or miles while traveling.

Qualifying For Non-Taxable Income

In order to avoid being taxed on those reimbursement payments, however, you need to clearly prove that you have what’s called a “tax home” to the IRS. The IRS defines a tax home as “the entire city or general area where your main place of business or work is located, regardless of where you maintain your family home.”

Smith explains that you can qualify for a tax home in two main ways:

• If your primary area of residence is also your main area of income, which typically does not apply to travel nurses.
• You visit your primary residence at least once every 12 months and can prove that you are paying for expenses to maintain your primary home.

If you can’t prove that you have a tax home, or don’t meet the qualifications for having a tax home, you will be taxed on the stipend payments you receive as part of your travel nurse pay package. Additionally, Smith cautions that most travel nursing agencies will not verify that you qualify for a tax home, so it’s up to you, the travel nurse, to ensure that you are meeting all requirements for establishing a tax home in order to collect your non-taxable stipends.

Joseph Smith, EA/MS Tax, an international “taxation master” and founder of Travel Tax, explains that in addition to their base pay, most travel nurses can reasonably expect to see $20,000-$30,000 of non-tax reimbursement payments in a typical year working as a travel nurse.

While many people commonly believe that you must have your tax home at least 50 miles away from where you work as a travel nurse, there’s actually no specific distance requirement . The only real requirement is that you must prove that it’s farther away than a reasonable commute and requires rest and sleep before going back and forth.

You should always check with a tax professional, but in general, travel nurses can take the following steps to help ensure that they qualify for a tax home in the eyes of the IRS:

• Keep proof of any payments you are making to show that someone else is maintaining your primary residence, such as receipts for a house sitter, mortgage, rent, utilities, or home maintenance expenses.
• Maintain your driver’s license and voter registration in your home state.
• Keep your car registered in your home state.
• Keep a per-diem position, if possible, in your home state.
• Return to your permanent home at least once every 13 months.
• File a Residence Tax Return with your home state.

To file taxes correctly, it’s very important to maintain your tax home and prove that you have to actually pay for “double” of everything—for both your tax home and your new living situation as a travel nurse. That means that if you rent out your home temporarily while you’re gone, you no longer can classify it as a tax home.

What About State Taxes?

Travel nurses should plan on filing their taxes by the April 15th deadline, just like everyone else in the United States, although there may be a little wiggle room for extensions due to the nature of being a multi-state professional as a travel nurse, according to Smith. Every state has different laws for filing taxes, but travel nurses may need to file a non-resident tax return in every state they have worked in, as well as the state that they consider their permanent tax home.

Travel Nurse Tax Tips

Smith advises travel nurses to keep a receipt book to help them make tax preparation a little easier by having all of their paperwork in one place. Although digital receipts may be more convenient or “modern” for younger nurses, keeping paper copies as a backup is always recommended. Your receipts can include things like:

• Housing and lodging expenses while traveling
• Mileage travel
• Uniform and scrub expenses
• Work-related expenses, such as continuing education courses or certifications you must maintain to keep your position
• Costs for Internet and phone providers

The 2022 tax reform laws did away with many job expenses at the federal level , which means that travel nurses can’t deduct certain travel-related expenses such as food, mileage, and gas on their federal return. You can still get a stipend or reimbursement from your travel agency for those expenses, but they may not count as deductions.

That being said, a handful of states still allow job expense deductions on your state tax return, such as New York , California , Alabama, Hawaii , and Arkansas, so there may be additional tax deductions you can make if you’ve worked in a qualifying state.

Smith also adds to be careful when filling out residency on your tax return, as he sees many travel nurses make the mistake that working a travel assignment means they have moved. However, working a temporary (under 12 months) travel nursing position does not qualify as a move of your permanent residence — instead, they are just away from home temporarily and that’s an important distinction to make come tax time.

Keep your tax home as a permanent residence address, and don’t change it unless you actually move permanently!

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Can You Get Audited As A Travel Nurse?

The travel nursing industry as a whole does tend to be scrutinized closely, says Smith. As a travel nurse, you may be more at risk for an audit if you’re displaying high expenses and low income. For instance, if your mortgage is $10,000 a month, but your overall income with your base pay as a travel nurse is only $20,000 annually, the IRS may be puzzled as to how you’re actually affording your lifestyle.

You can reduce your risk of an audit, or increase your risk of getting through an audit favorably by always making sure to work with a certified tax professional who is familiar with traveling healthcare professionals and not solely relying on your nurse recruiter or travel staffing agency for tax advice.

Lower Taxable Income Considerations

One of the appeals of travel nursing is that you have the potential to make a high income, especially through non-taxed stipends. And although at first glance, having non-tax stipends for things like housing may sound like a great deal for you as a travel nurse, it does come with a catch: because the additional stipends you receive as a travel nurse are not taxed, they are not considered income, and as such, will not be reflected in your annual income.

That may not sound like that big of a deal unless you find yourself in need of a loan, mortgage, or disability payment, or are nearing the age to collect Social Security. All of the aforementioned items are calculated based on your income. The lower your income, the lower the loan amount you will qualify for, and the less you are contributing to Social Security and therefore will be eligible to collect when you’re ready for retirement.

If you know that you will be needing a loan or a mortgage in the near future, Smith suggests talking to your lender as far in advance as possible to explain your situation and plan ahead. Working with a lender who is familiar with the pay structure for travel nurses can also be helpful.

In some circumstances, such as for nurses who are nearing Social Security’s retirement age, it may also be helpful to legally declare that you don’t have a tax home on your tax return, and instead, pay taxes on all of your stipends, so you can count it as taxable income.

And remember – you should use this guide as information to help you learn more about filing taxes as a travel nurse but remember that it is not tax advice. You should always consult your own CPA or tax professional before filing your tax return.

Travel Nurse Tax FAQs

Yes, all travel nurses must pay taxes on all income that they earned. They will need to file a tax return for every state that they worked in, as well as their home state where they have permanent residence.

If possible, it’s always beneficial to work with a tax professional, such as a Certified Public Accountant who can help you file and pay taxes that you owe as a travel nurse. An accountant can provide you with the physical paperwork that you can use to mail your tax payment in or help you set up an online account if digital payments are acceptable. If you file your own taxes using TurboTax or another software, you will be provided with the exact mailing address and instructions to submit payment. If you don’t have one already, you may need a book of checks in order to pay your taxes. The most important thing you need to know about paying taxes as a travel nurse is that you will need to both pay taxes and file a tax return in every single state you have worked in. If you’ve worked in many different states, that’s where hiring a CPA can be very helpful to help you navigate all that paperwork and payment.

It depends. American Traveler explains that you may end up paying taxes in every state you worked in as a travel nurse, depending on which states those are. Some states have what’s called a “reciprocity” agreement, which means that they have agreed that travel nurses working in those states will only be responsible for paying taxes to one state in total. You will have to check with your accountant or look into the tax rules for each state that you’ve worked in to determine exactly how much you owe in taxes. You should also check with your travel nursing agency if this is your situation because you will most likely need to file tax exemption paperwork through them as well. You will also need to pay taxes in both your home state and any state you worked in. That means that all income you make will be ultimately taxed through your home state taxes as well as the state where you earned the money. That might look like getting taxed twice, but the good news is, your home state will deduct the difference if the percentage rate of your home state is higher. And if it’s the other way around, you will generally only pay the higher state rate. This can get a little confusing, which is why we recommend hiring a tax professional.

Some states do not have an income tax , including Alaska , Washington , Wyoming, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas , Florida , New Hampshire, USVI, and the District of Columbia (if you don’t live there.) If you live in one of these states, you will still need to pay any set income tax rate in the state where you work. If you don’t live in those states but you do work in those states, you will still pay your home state tax rate, so be sure you keep that in mind with your total earnings so you can have enough to pay your taxes come tax time.

This depends on if you’re considered a W2 employee or a 1099 contractor, but in general, travel nurses may be able to deduct the following expenses: – Mileage or the cost of gas – A rental car – Uniform and equipment costs – Continuing education – Licensing fees – Travel expenses – Some meals – Retirement and insurance contributions – Expenses that go into paying for your tax home

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Everything You Need to Know About the Travel Nurse Housing Stipend

The travel nurse housing stipend is one of the largest components of the  travel nursing pay  package. Unfortunately, the travel nurse housing stipend is also steeped in nuance and complexities. As a result, it can cause a lot of confusion. So, in this article, we cover everything you need to know about the travel nurse housing stipend so you can approach the issue with confidence.

Why The Confusion About Travel Nurse Housing Stipends?

Travel nurse housing stipends cause confusion for several reasons. First, we’re not used to dealing with them because they are not a part of normal pay packages.

Second, different agencies handle housing stipends in different ways. For example, some agencies quote stipends as a monthly value. Others quote them by the week. And still others quote them by the hour.

Similarly, some agencies offer higher stipends than others. Although, as we’ll see below, that doesn’t necessarily mean they pay more overall.

Find your next travel healthcare job on BluePipes!

Third, different people, whether they be recruiters or travel nurses, explain housing stipends in different ways. Moreover, the internet is awash with misinformation about travel nurse housing stipends.

Rest assured, you’re in the right place to get the real scoop. This article is written and reviewed by a team with over 50 years of combined experience in the travel healthcare industry.

Let’s begin with a definition.

What is a Housing Stipend?

Simply put, a housing stipend is a sum of money an agency provides to a travel nurse to cover the housing costs that the travel nurse incurs while working a travel assignment. People also refer to the housing stipend as a “housing reimbursement”.

Most travel nursing agencies offer a choice between company housing or the housing stipend . You do not get both.

If you take the company housing , then the agency takes care of everything related to housing. If you take the housing stipend, then you’ll be responsible for finding, securing and paying for the housing .

Discover the ultimate travel nursing pay calculator.

While this all sounds simple enough, all the nuances make it much more complex. Now, to fully understand the housing stipend, we have to understand its legal and regulatory underpinnings.

Where does the concept of a travel nurse housing stipend come from?

There are actually multiple regulatory regimes that agencies can defer to regarding how they pay tax-free reimbursements like the housing stipend. For example, the IRS publishes “Special Per Diem Rates” annually. Meanwhile, the federal General Services Administration also publishes an annual list of per diem rates.

The rules are slightly different for each of these regimes. This means that different travel nursing companies will have slightly different polices and approaches to tax-free money depending on the regime they defer to.

That said, most travel nursing companies defer to the General Services Administration’s rates and rules. Therefore, we will focus on that regime in this article.

The “General Services Administration” (GSA) is a branch of the US Federal Government whose mission is to “oversee the business of the US Federal Government.” Of course, this means the GSA has many responsibilities.

One of those responsibilities is to establish the “per diem rates” for federal employees. “Per diem rates” are “the maximum allowances that federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on official travel.”

The GSA defines three expense categories: housing, meals, and incidentals. The GSA recognizes that these expenses vary with the cost of living across the country. Therefore, the  GSA publishes different rates for different locations throughout the United States .

In case you’re interested, we’ve discussed the  Meals and Incidentals stipend  in a previous article. We’ve also discussed 6 things travel nurses ought to know about the GSA rates in another article.

Why are the GSA Per Diem Rates important if they only apply to federal employees? Well, the IRS allows private sector employers to use the same GSA per diem rates for their employees.

Travel Nurse Housing Stipend vs. Per Diem

Now, you might be wondering why the GSA calls it “Per Diem” and we’re referring to it as a “stipend.” “Per Diem” is a Latin term that means per day. And the GSA quotes the lodging rates as daily figures. For example, the current Per Diem lodging rate for Sacramento, CA is $145 per day.

By contrast, a “stipend” is a “fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance.” This definition is a better fit for the travel healthcare industry because most agencies pay their housing reimbursements in lump sums. They typically pay them weekly or biweekly. Moreover, agencies typically quote their housing reimbursements as a monthly figure.

Also, using the term stipend helps avoid confusion with the healthcare industry’s use of “per diem” as meaning daily or on-call staffing.

Where does the travel nurse housing stipend money come from?

When people hear that the housing stipend is related to the government in some way, they sometimes think it comes from the government. You’ll see this on social media sometimes. It’s not true.

Instead, the money for the housing stipend, like all components of the travel nursing pay package, comes out of the bill rate. The bill rate is the hourly rate that the hospital agrees to pay the agency for an hour of the travel nurse’s work.

Should I expect to get the maximum travel nurse stipend allowed by the GSA?

Another common misconception is that the government, or the hospital, somehow requires agencies to pay the GSA’s maximum housing stipend to travel nurses. Here again, this is not true.

Similarly, social media might tell you that you should expect to receive the GSA max or use it as a barometer for expectations. They say if you get less than the max or some arbitrary percentage of the max, then you’re getting ripped off. Here again, this is not true.

Free eBook: How To Negotiate Travel Nursing Pay

First, the GSA rates are the maximum amounts that an employer can reimburse tax-free. So, employers aren’t required to pay the maximum. Instead, they are required to pay the maximum or less. To be exact, if the employer pays more than the maximum, then the excess is taxable.

Second, the GSA rates are based on short term stays that typically require the use of a hotel. By contrast, travel contracts typically last for 13 weeks and are rarely less than 8 weeks. As you know, hotels are much more expensive than apartments. Moreover, hotels typically offer large discounts for long term stays.

What Does the IRS Say?

This is important because according to IRS rules, agencies must have a “reasonable belief” that the traveler will incur the costs that the agency reimburses them for. Meanwhile, many, if not most, of the GSA housing rates are much higher than the reasonable expectation for the cost of a 3 month stay.

For example, the GSA lodging rate in San Diego, CA is $161 per day. That’s $4,830 per month. Agencies should expect that their employees would be able to secure adequate accommodations in San Diego for much less than that.

How Travel Nursing Agencies Determine The Housing Stipend

So, how do agencies determine the housing stipend? Different agencies determine their housing stipends in different ways. Primarily, they consider three factors:

• The bill rate
• The GSA Max
• IRS guidelines

The Bill Rate and the Housing Stipend

The bill rate is a major determining factor for the housing stipend and the entire pay package for that matter. Think of the bill rate like a pie of money that needs to cover every cost associated with a travel nursing assignment. The agency can slice this pie up in different ways , but they can’t increase the size of the pie.

The taxable hourly rate, the employer’s payroll taxes, the cost of benefits, the cost of credentialing, housing and, yes, the agency’s gross profit all come out of the bill rate. So, the larger the bill rate, the more the agency can allocate to housing or other items and vice versa.

It’s important to note that all these variables do, in a sense, have a hierarchy. For example, the agency must factor in a reasonable taxable hourly rate before they determine the housing stipend. Similarly, they must factor in the employer’s portion of payroll taxes before they determine the housing stipend.

That said, some agencies don’t follow all the rules. For example, an agency may offer really low taxable wages so they can offer higher stipends . They do this so that their “ net pay ” is higher and therefore more attractive.

Please see the articles below for more information on how travel nursing pay packages work:

• Sample Breakdown of a Travel Nursing Pay Package
• How to Compare Travel Nursing Pay Packages
• 12 Types of Travel Nursing Bill Rates
• Is It Okay to Take $10 Per Hour as an RN?

The GSA MAX and the Housing Stipend

Different companies approach the GSA maximums in different ways. Some agencies will provide the maximum amount when bill rates support it.

Other agencies will provide a set percentage of the maximum amount. For example, they might provide 60% of the max for all their contracts.

Still other agencies will provide more than the maximum amount when the bill rate supports it. This is against the rules and we recommend avoiding these agencies. Also, please note that amounts in excess of the maximums are taxable.

In any case, it’s important to remember the pie metaphor when you evaluate travel nursing pay. Just because one company is paying a higher housing stipend doesn’t mean they are paying more overall. That said, it’s true that you will net more money if you receive more non-taxable income all else being equal.

IRS Guidelines

Agencies also consider IRS guidelines when determining their housing stipends. For example, the agency is supposed to have a reasonable expectation that the traveler will incur a cost that matches what the agency reimburses.

What is the Average Travel Nurse Housing Stipend?

You’ll see travel nurse housing stipends as low as $700 per month and as high as $5,000 per month. Again, that’s partly because stipend maximums vary dramatically from region to region. Also, bill rates vary dramatically.

That said, housing stipends will almost always cover the cost of suitable housing in the area you are traveling to. In rare cases, the housing stipend is not enough to cover the cost of suitable housing.

Due to these variances, knowing the average travel nurse housing stipend across the entire nation will do you no good. Therefore, don’t fixate on the amount of the stipend. Instead, you must evaluate the entire pay package to know if the pay is good or not. You can use our free travel nursing pay calculator to evaluate and compare pay like a pro.

What Percentage of The GSA Max Should My Travel Nurse Housing Stipend Be?

Some people argue that the housing stipend should be at least a certain percentage of the GSA maximum. While we understand the logic, you should still consider the housing stipend in context of the entire pay package.

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For example, let’s say an agency offered you a pay package where the housing stipend was only 30% of the GSA Max. However, the taxable rate was $150 per hour and they offered a $10,000 signing bonus. You might be wise to accept that assignment despite the low housing stipend.

If you’re interested in discovering what percentage of the GSA Max a housing stipend is, then you can use our free travel nursing pay calculator which will run this calculation for you.

Do I Qualify For The Travel Nurse Housing Stipend?

In order to qualify for the non-taxable housing stipend, you must meet the following requirements:

• You have a legitimate tax-home
• You are traveling away from that tax home for work
• You are incurring an expense for housing.

We covered tax homes for travel nurses in our four-part series on this topic. Please review those articles for everything you need to know.

Traveling Away From Tax Home

The IRS states that you can accept tax-free stipends if “you need to sleep or rest to meet the demands of your work while away from home”. It does not set a specific distance.

Please note that there is no such thing as a “50 mile rule”. We say this because you will undoubtedly hear that you can accept tax-free reimbursements as long as the work site is 50 miles away from your home. This is not even remotely true. We covered this topic extensively in this article .

Can travel nurses take the housing stipend if they don’t pay for housing?

It is against the rules to take the housing stipend if you do not actually pay for housing. For example, if you have family or friends who live in the assignment’s area and you stay at their home for free, then you do not qualify for the housing stipend.

It’s quite simple. You must incur an expense for housing in order to qualify for the housing stipend.

Do I need to keep receipts for housing when I take the housing stipend?

Given that you must incur an expense to qualify for the housing stipend, it might seem obvious that you would need proof that you incurred the expense. However, you will find conflicting answers from tax professionals and other sources alike.

Our position is yes, you must be able to demonstrate that you incurred an expense for lodging. If you are staying at a hotel, then you can keep the receipts. If you are staying at an apartment, then you can keep the lease agreement. If you are using AirBnB, then you can print the invoices.

In any case, you must maintain proof that you incurred expenses for lodging.

Can I take the full housing stipend if I only incur expenses on certain days of the week?

Recall that the GSA quotes daily rates. However, travel nurses do not work everyday of the week. But, travel nurses typically are not able to return home in between shifts. It’s simply too far. Therefore, the vast majority of travel nurses must secure lodging for the entire duration of the assignment.

As a result, the agency has a reasonable expectation that the travel nurse will incur a lodging expense for every day of the assignment, not just the days they work. That’s why agencies are able to pay housing stipends for every day of the week and not just the days the travel nurse works.

But what if a travel nurse is close enough to home that they can return home in between shifts? As a result, they would only need to pay for lodging 2 to 4 days per week. Can the travel nurse take the full weekly housing stipend if they only incur expenses on certain days of the week?

The simple and safe answer is no. If you are receiving a stipend for the entire week, then you need to incur an expense for every day of the week.

On a side note, we’ve heard that some agencies quote stipends “per shift”. For example, if the max lodging stipend is $100 per day, then the agency will split the $700 total across the number of shifts in the week. Next, the company claims that travel nurses only need to incur lodging expenses on the days they work. This sounds like a tax avoidance scheme. It’s definitely contrary to the spirit and intent of the reimbursement regime. We urge you to avoid these companies or seek tax advice if you choose to work with them.

Do you need to submit an expense report for the travel nurse housing stipend?

Here again, the internet has a lot of conflicting information about expense reports as they pertain to travel nurse housing stipends. We’ve even spoken to some Certified Public Accountants who say you must submit expense reports to the agency and others who say you do not.

Our position is that you should submit an expense report to your agency in order to ensure that you qualify for tax free stipends. The reason is that the IRS has provided an FAQ document about per diems . That FAQ clearly states that per diems are taxable to the employee if the employee does not submit an expense report to the employer. The expense report must include the following:

• The business purpose of the purpose of the trip
• The date and place of the trip
• The amount of the expense

As additional backup, this Investopedia article says the same thing .

The financial advantages of the housing stipend

Many travelers and recruiters tout the financial advantages of taking the housing stipend instead of company housing. And they’re right; in many cases, taking the stipend can be financially advantageous.

For example, if you are working with a company that offers a straight choice between a stipend and company provided housing, then you could pocket some extra cash if you’re able to find housing that costs less than the stipend.

There are other considerations and scenarios related to this particular topic. We covered them all in a previous article titled “ Should You Take Travel Nurse Agency Housing or Find Your Own? ” Please review that article for a deep dive on the financial advantages of the taking the travel nurse housing stipend.

Contract cancellation risk with the travel nurse housing stipend

As you know, financial advantages and gains typically come with financial risks. And there are a couple of financial risks with the lodging stipend.

If you sign a 3-month lease and your contract gets cancelled, then you could potentially lose a significant amount of money. Your name will be on the lease and you will be the responsible party.

If the agency provides the housing, then they’re the ones who are on the hook if the contract gets cancelled. They know this all too well. This is one reason that many agencies sell you so hard on the financial advantages of taking the stipend. They’d much rather that you shoulder the risk.

Some may argue that the employment contract typically assigns responsibility for costs to the traveler in cases where contracts are cancelled. However, this is only true in cases where the contract is cancelled with cause, meaning the contract is cancelled for some disciplinary or performance issue.

The original Universal Profile and Credential Management for travelers.

Unfortunately, hospitals cancel contracts for many other reasons, such as low census. Moreover, even when a contract is cancelled with cause, it’s often more trouble to collect from the nurse than it’s worth. Therefore, agencies often shoulder the costs associated with housing when they’re the ones providing it.

Avoiding the risks

That said, there are ways that you can avoid this risk. First, you can use Extended Stay and other hotels.

Second, you can look for month-to-month apartment leases. These are relatively rare, but they do exist. Similarly, you can ask property managers if they can include an early cancellation clause in their lease.

Third, you can utilize   housing options like vacation rental services , share rentals, and sublets. These options typically have more flexible terms and more reasonable prices.

Missed hours and cancelled shift risk

If you take the housing stipend, then you may be at greater risk of financial losses due to missed hours or cancelled shifts . Whether or not you face a greater risk depends on the company you work with. Again, different companies handle this in different ways.

You see, most companies include clauses in their contracts that issue penalties for missed hours and/or cancelled shifts. And remember, while it’s true that most  travel nursing contracts include a “guaranteed hours” clause , these clauses typically allow the hospital to cancel a certain number of shifts per 13 week contract. Moreover, guaranteed hours clauses never cover missed hours (ie calling in sick or scheduled time off).

These “penalties” exist to ensure the agency does not have to pay you if you do not work. As we mentioned above, agencies need to bill hospitals for a travel nurse’s time and they can’t bill if the nurse does not work.

To clarify, these “penalties” are designed to cover all the compensation variables except the taxable hourly rate. It’s not that the agency is going to take money from you that they have not paid you. Instead, they are going to claw back what they have already paid you or simply not pay it to you.

How it works

The missed-hours/cancelled shift penalties are typically equal to the value of all the stipends. The contract typically quotes them as an hourly value.

For example, if the lodging stipend, M&IE stipend and travel stipend have a combined value of $22 per hour, then the penalty for missed-hours would be $22 per hour.

How does this pertain to the stipend? If you take the stipend, then it’s much easier for the agency to simply withhold the prorated value of any missed-hours from your paycheck. They can just treat everything as an hourly payment. So, if you don’t work the hours, then you don’t get the payment.

It’s important to note that there are questions over the legality of this practice . The issue is that treating tax-free reimbursements this way may qualify as “wage recharacterization.” However, this doesn’t change the fact that many agencies engage in this practice. Therefore, it’s something travel nurses must consider when making their decision about the housing stipend.

By contrast, if the agency is paying for your housing, then they must actually garnish your wages to recoup the costs of housing. There are laws and legal issues that they may run afoul of when they garnish wages.

As a result, many agencies withhold stipend payments when you miss hours but don’t penalize you if you’re taking the company provided housing. Therefore, you wouldn’t lose money if you took the company housing and missed-hours, but you would lose money if you took the stipend and missed-hours.

Additional Information on Travel Nurse Housing

We hope you found this information useful! If you didn’t get all your questions answered here, then we have many additional articles on travel nurse housing that you will find useful. Here are 3 more in-depth articles on this topic:

• Should you take travel nurse agency housing or find your own?
• How to find your own travel nurse housing
• The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nurse Agency Housing

Related posts:

• Travel Nursing Pay – License and Certification Reimbursements Travel Nursing License and Certification Reimbursements License and certification reimbursements...
• Travel Nursing – Is It Worth It Without a Tax-home? Travel nursing agencies and their recruiters trumpet the benefits of...
• What Travel Nurses Ought to Know About Penalties for Missed Shifts and Cancelled Shifts Missed shifts and cancelled shifts are a regular occurrence in...

I have also see this happen to me before sucks. I’m a Surgical Tech and a sterile processing tech these companies are not at all concerned about treating us right. If you had a anything to say what would you have done to show your employees you care for them?

My assignment was delayed by a week by the hospital agency, and at no fault of mine. My company in turn is trying to charge me for a week in the apartment, saying the aren’t able to get any money from the hospital and they are out of “wiggle room” to make a profit. Am I to pay this money or find a lawyer? Seems like it should be between the hospital agency and my travel company. They are saying because they explained in the beginning the hospital was a “nightmare” I should be the one to pay. I have been with this travel company for 4 years and have met more issues lately. Seems like I’m the one who was out of work for a week that I shouldn’t get double deducted.

Thanks for the inquiry, Amber! I’m really sorry to hear about this situation. Unfortunately, it happens fairly often. Before weighing in I must say that I’m not a lawyer, so this is for informational purposes only. The practice itself is common in the travel nursing industry. However, that doesn’t mean it’s legal in all circumstances, or any circumstance for that matter. I’m not sure about the legality of the practice, and it’s tough to tell how a court or the labor relations board would rule in your particular case. The fact that you haven’t actually started the assignment yet might be a factor against you. However, my guess is that this shouldn’t matter. If the agency deducts the cost from your pay check, then you could file a complaint with the State’s labor relations board. It’s not a guaranteed victory, but it might be worth your time. If you do take action, we’d love to hear about it so we can help our readers be more informed about these issues.

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Traveling Nurse Job Openings: What You Need to Know

T ravel nurses are licensed registered nurses who move between positions. Rather than taking a permanent position, they accept short-term contracts to fill staffing gaps in hospitals and clinics. How can a person become a travel nurse? What qualifications do they need? 

Travel Nursing

Travel nurses provide temporary assistance when staff members are unavailable for any reason. They may take over for a nurse on maternity or paternity leave, fill a vacancy until a permanent replacement is found, or cover for someone on a sabbatical. The listings for traveling nurse job openings typically don’t explain why help is needed; they share what the organization seeks. 

Assignments typically range from eight to 26 weeks, although most nurses work for three months. The nurse determines which assignments they take. Regardless of their chosen jobs, travel nurses’ pay tends to be higher. 

Travel nurses must be registered nurses with experience in the desired specialty. These individuals must be able to step in with little training or supervision and provide the same care a permanent nurse would. 

Travel nurses care for patients just as all nurses do. Although they may work in several specialties when taking on this role, they perform the same duties they would if they had a permanent job. 

Travel Nurse Salary

Travel nurse pay varies by specialty, level of education, and experience. Contract lengths also vary, but most travel nurses work full-time. They may also be asked to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Private-sector employees typically pay more than their public counterparts. Many employers also provide stipends for housing and travel expenses. 

Becoming a Travel Nurse

The first step in becoming a traveling nurse is to become licensed as a registered nurse. A person might pursue an associate degree in nursing, obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing , or participate in an accelerated nursing program. The accelerated nursing program is for men and women with bachelor’s degrees in another field. However, the student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and 54 transferrable college credits to enroll in the accelerated program. 

Licensing Requirements

To work as a travel nurse, the RN must be licensed in their state. They cannot obtain this license until they pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses . Additional licensing requirements vary by state, so the applicant must learn what they are. Fortunately, the nurse licensure compact allows these individuals to work in most other states once they have a license from their home state. 

Voluntary Certifications

Nurses might wish to pursue voluntary certifications to open up more job opportunities. Once they have a year of experience, they can become certified in Advanced Diabetes Management, Oncology Nursing, or Pediatric Nursing. Other certifications are also available, so nurses should research the options and choose which they feel will most benefit their careers. 

Prepare a Resume

Before searching for nursing travel contracts, the individual should have a resume and cover letter ready to share. Include qualifications and work experience in these documents and show competency with measurable results where possible. Most nurses work with a staffing agency to make finding open positions easier. Consider sharing the resume and cover letter with one or more agencies to reduce the time needed to find work. 

Many individuals find working as a travel nurse is ideal for their needs. They love the flexibility, variety, and pay that come with this work. Anyone looking to make a career change should consider this option, as the rewards are immense. 

The post Traveling Nurse Job Openings: What You Need to Know appeared first on Mom and More .

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

• What is a CNA?
• How to Become
• Top Programs
• Career Growth
• Career Outlook
• Related Careers

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

A CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant, is a healthcare professional who provides basic care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). CNAs are sometimes referred to as nurse aides, patient care technicians, or nursing assistants. They assist with daily patient care tasks like dressing, bathing, and checking patient vital signs.

These vital patient care providers are the backbone of the American healthcare system. With a short certification process, becoming a CNA is often the most accessible way for new workers to enter the nursing field. 

This article will explore what certified nursing assistants do, how much they earn, and how to become a CNA. Keep reading to prepare for your nursing assistant career today.

What Does a CNA Do?

CNAs can help a unit run smoothly, especially for nurses with multiple medically complex patients. Common CNA responsibilities include:

• Turning or repositioning patients
• Gathering supplies for the RN or MD
• Checking and charting vital signs
• Answering patient calls/bells
• Bathing, feeding, and dressing patients
• Measuring and recording patient food/liquid intake
• Preparing rooms for admissions 
• Assisting with medical procedures
• Dressing wounds
• Assisting patients with elimination

Direct responsibilities will vary based on the location of employment and the nurse's level of need. Different states have individual CNA requirements and duties. You can check your state guidelines for specific details about approved CNA duties and tasks in the state where you plan to practice.

How to Become a CNA

Certified nursing assistants must complete a state-approved training program. CNA programs are generally found at local community colleges, high schools, vocational or technical schools, or local hospitals.

Most programs have similar CNA certification requirements that must be completed prior to application and acceptance. The American Red Cross runs a popular CNA training program throughout the country which runs for 4-8 weeks depending on class size and location. Prerequisites include:

• Attendance at an orientation information session
• TABE (reading and math assessment) OR verification of High School diploma or GED
• Red Cross criminal background check prior to registration
• Completion of Red Cross physical form and TB test

Where Do CNAs Work?

The most common CNA workplaces include:

• Hospitals (state and local)
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Long-term residential facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Adult daycare centers

Certified nursing assistants rarely work in outpatient, office, or clinic settings. These facilities all require nursing assistants to act as a liaison between the nurse and the patient. 

CNA Qualities

As patient care liaisons, CNAs must enjoy interacting with people and have good bedside manners. But other skills or attributes that can help your nursing assistant career include:

• Flexibility
• Advanced communication skills
• Time management
• Reliability
• Physical Strength

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual nursing assistant salary in 2022 was $38,200 per year or $18.36 per hour. 

However, CNA salary expectations will vary depending on the setting and area. CNAs working in dentistry earn the most, with an average mean salary of $57,450. On the other hand, home healthcare services have the lowest median pay at $35,640. 

Highest Paying States for CNAs

According to the BLS , the following states have the highest pay scale for certified nursing assistants. 

Highest Paying Cities for CNAs

Metropolitan areas tend to pay higher for nursing assistants. Some of the highest-paying cities include:

Highest Paying Nonmetropolitan Areas for CNAs

Nonmetropolitan areas that pay CNAs the most in the US include:

• Alaska nonmetropolitan area
• Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area
• North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area
• Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area
• Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area

Top CNA Programs

We consulted nursing experts to curate the top 10 CNA programs in the nation. To determine which programs made this list, our nursing panel used Nurse.org's proprietary ranking methodology .

Our nurses considered several crucial factors in selecting these programs, including:

• Program length
• Acceptance rate, when available

3 Registered Nurses with years of experience and multiple degrees comprise our selection panel:

• Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
• Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
• Kathleen Gaines, MSN, BSN, RN, BA, CBC

Because individual nursing pathways take various forms, our panel ranked the top CNA programs in no particular order. 

1. Uintah Basin Technical College

• Total Tuition: $300
• Online: Hybrid
• Program Length: 6 weeks

Students can complete the three-credit CNA program at UB Tech in as little as six weeks. This program covers everything new nursing aides need to know, including patient care, medical law and ethics, infection control, and life-saving procedures like CPR.

This program uses a hybrid learning format and is available on each of UB Tech's campuses, Roosevelt or Vernal. It incorporates classroom and clinical training, culminating in a written and skills test.

Learn More About This Program

2. Cochise College

• Total Tuition: $1,500
• Program Length: 16 weeks

Based in Cochise County, Arizona, Cochise College offers multiple allied health programs, including a nursing assistant certificate. Cochise College's two-course CNA program teaches skills to become a nurse assistant as well as basic CPR and First Aid skills. Graduates also become CPR and First Aid certified. Arizona residents get an in-state discount, though Cochise also extends discounts to senior citizens and charges a per-credit rate. 

3. Hutchinson Community College

• Total Tuition: Resident - $558 | Nonresident - $698
• Program Length: 12 weeks

Created to educate nurses to work with elderly patients in long-term healthcare settings, Hutchinson Community College's CNA program requires just 4.5 credits to graduates, making it among the shortest and most affordable CNA programs available.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, students must study on-site in Hutchinson, Kansas. While the Kansas Board of Nursing doesn't disclose outcomes for CNA programs, this short program quickly prepares nurses to gain a CNA certification.

4. Pratt Community College

• Tuition Per Credit: Resident - $70 | Nonresident - $84

Pratt Community College, another college located in Kansas, offers its CNA program in a hybrid format, allowing students to complete coursework and theory online. The program requires five credits, though students who choose to study online do not receive an in-state tuition discount. Regardless, Pratt CC's CNA program costs far less than other programs. Graduates can find positions in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and various hospitals. 

5. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

• Total Tuition: $558

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College offers the best CNA program in Kentucky and perhaps in the region. The low-cost CNA program requires the completion of just 96 hours of practice, 16 of which must be supervised clinical skills training. 

Students can also complete a Medicaid Nurse Aide Certificate to boost their job prospects and potential earnings. Graduates must attend 100% of courses to graduates. Elizabethtown offers courses on weekdays, Saturdays, and in the evening. 

6. Fox Valley Technical College

• Total Tuition: $529.75
• Program Length: Up to 12 weeks

Located in Appleton, Wisconsin, Fox Valley Technical College's CNA program is among the cheapest routes for becoming a CNA, though the school's estimated costs do not include exam fees. The full-time program consists of daytime and evening courses, and FVTC also offers an accelerated format that takes less than 12 weeks to complete.

Students cannot take courses online but can complete courses at six different locations in Wisconsin. Graduates can also transfer their CNA credits into an associate's or bachelor's degree. 

7. Elgin Community College

• Total Tuition: $5,476
• Total Tuition: $1,040 

Elgin Community College offers one of the most comprehensive nurse assistant programs. The training program requires the completion of seven credit hours (double what other programs require) to increase graduates' job prospects by increasing their potential scope of practice. By the end of the program, graduates can take the nurse assistant certification exam in Illinois, though the program might also meet requirements for other states. 

8. Century College

• Total Tuition: $825.64

Century College, based in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, offers its four-credit nurse assistant certificate program in both part-time and full-time formats. Available year-round, the CNA program allows students to complete courses either for credit or not for credit.

Both options lead to program completion, though for-credit courses can be transferred into an associate's or bachelor's degree. Regardless of which option students choose, Century College is among the most affordable institutions in the region. 

9. City College of San Fransisco

• Tuition Per Credit: $452.00
• Program Length: 6-10 weeks

With several CNA options available, the City College of San Francisco is one of California's most versatile CNA programs. Nurse assistant students choose to specialize in acute care or convalescent care, which take 6 and 10 weeks to complete, respectively.

The convalescent care route also requires twice as many credits, meaning double the tuition cost. The City College of San Francisco is definitely more affordable for California residents who pay a fraction of what out-of-state students pay. 

10. Miles Community College

• Total Tuition: Resident - $740 | Nonresident - $964.00
• Program Length: 10 weeks

Miles City, Montana-based Miles Community College offers one of the region's best (and most affordable) CNA programs. Students complete 45 of the required credit hours online and 30 hours of clinical practice in person. The 75-hour program counts as four credits that students can transfer into another nursing program.

Note that while Miles CC's CNA program prepares nurses for Montana certification, the costs associated with the exam are not included in the total tuition. 

Online CNA Programs

While most of the top CNA programs offer in-person classes, some vocational schools and community colleges offer online CNA programs. Many programs operate clinics at local hospitals.

There are pros and cons to online programs. While individuals may be able to obtain their CNA certification quicker, there is concern that graduates from these programs are not gaining the same core knowledge and skills as their in-classroom counterparts.

How Do CNAs Transition to Other Nursing Positions?

Becoming a certified nursing assistant will not immediately prepare you for other nursing occupations.

However, the base of knowledge and experience earned as a CNA can help you gain entry into LPN or RN programs. However, earning these nursing certifications will require completing separate continuing education programs.

Remember that your CNA experience and education won't likely translate to shortened LPN or RN training. But it could translate to less stress and confusion as you navigate nursing school courses. It can also help your career outlook because you'll already have a professional network when you graduate.

CNA Career Outlook

Certified nursing assistants are in high demand, and the need is projected to continue through the next decade. The BLS predicts CNA career growth of 4% between 2022 and 2032. 

This number will only increase as the baby boomer generation ages, and there is an increased demand for additional long-term nursing care facilities. Nursing assistants will be needed to care for this population which is more likely to suffer from dementia and other neurologic changes.

Related Healthcare Careers

If you're interested in becoming a CNA, you might also want to check out these other healthcare careers you can start working in quickly!

CNA vs Medical Assistant

While certified nursing assistants and medical assistants (MAs) have some similarities, they are not the same job. Both careers assist doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers with treatments, procedures, and tests. However, MAs primarily conduct patient assessments and evaluations as they assist doctors with patient care and treatment.

On the other hand, certified nursing assistants focus on direct patient care and have specific job-related duties that are dictated by their state of employment.

>> Related: Medical Assistant vs CNA: What's the Difference?

To  become an LPN , you must pass a state-mandated exam and obtain a nursing license. On the other hand, CNAs only need to obtain a certification to practice.

Though both career paths don't require a college degree to practice, LPNs have higher education requirements than CNAs. For example, LPNs gain a deeper knowledge about healthcare and the human body during their year-long training programs. Such additional knowledge allows them to perform more complex procedures that CNAs cannot, like inserting a peripheral intravenous catheter.

CNA vs STNA

State-tested nursing assistants, or STNAs, essentially have the same role as CNAs. The only difference is their state of practice. While most states use the CNA title, Ohio uses STNA. You can learn more about the differences in these careers in our STNA vs CNA guide.

CNA Resources

Professional nursing organizations such as the Nursing Association of Health Care Assistants are great resources for information about becoming a CNA. Being a member of an organization provides you with several professional development opportunities, including:

• Discussions on growing healthcare trends impacting CNAs
• Healthcare conventions for nursing assistants
• Access to education hours
• Job boards and opportunities
• Contact information for local chapters

These associations are more than just a great resource for new CNAs. They also provide vital information for those who are already established in their career. By joining these professional organizations, you can make vital connections with industry experts and managers, leading to future career growth opportunities.

What Does CNA Mean?

• CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. 

What Does a Nursing Assistant Do?

•  A CNA assists with nursing duties in patient care–this can include everything from help with grooming, bathing, feeding, and activities of daily life. 

How Much Do CNAs Make an Hour?

• A CNA's median hourly income is $18.36, according to the BLS.

How Long is CNA Training?

• You can become a CNA in as little as 4-12 weeks. 

What State Pays CNAs the Most?

• The District of Columbia, Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington are the five highest-paying states for CNAs.

What is the Difference Between a CNA and an LPN?

• A CNA is a nursing assistant, while an LPN is a Licensed Practical Nurse. An LPN has more responsibilities and earns more than a CNA.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a CNA?

• You can complete nursing assistant training for under $1000. 

How Can I get my CNA Faster?

• Most CNA programs can be completed in a matter of weeks. 

What Type of CNA Earns the Most?

• CNAs who work at dentist offices earn the highest salaries.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

By clicking “Join Now”, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. We will not sell or distribute your email address to any third party, and you may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

What you pay for Medicare will vary based on what coverage and services you get, and what providers you visit. What are my coverage options?

There's no yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket, unless you have supplemental coverage, like a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, or you join a Medicare Advantage Plan .

What’s a premium, deductible, coinsurance, or copayment?

Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs

Part b (medical insurance) costs, medicare advantage plan (part c) costs.

Where can I get more cost details from my plan?

Learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans.

Part D (Drug Coverage) costs

Learn more about Part D.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

Learn more about Medigap and its costs.

What do you want to do next?

• Next Step: Get help with costs
• Take Action: Talk to someone
• Get details: Learn about the parts of Medicare