How Much Does a Registered Nurse Make on a Travel Assignment?
By Sarah Stasik, contributor
Travel RNs tend to make more on average per hour because of a variety of factors, such as staffing shortages, census fluctuations, emergency or environmental needs and changes and a myriad of other reasons. And with potentially higher salaries and added compensation such as housing stipends, travel nursing may seem like a one-time job, but, it can actually be a very stable career move. When you partner with the right recruiters, they keep you working steadily so you have a reliable income and a job that lets you check things off your bucket list with every new assignment.
Read a more detailed answer to the question "how much does a registered nurse make on travel assignments" below. Then, peruse a wide variety of opportunities at Travel Nursing to find your next nursing job.
Do travel RNs make more than nurses in traditional jobs?
On average, the answer is yes. Travel nursing positions typically pay more than their traditional brethren — when all other factors are similar.
Because experience, location, certifications and other factors all play a role in what any nurse makes, you won't automatically make more just because you're taking a travel job. That's why it's smart to work with experienced recruiters and understand why travel nurses get paid more. That knowledge helps you choose assignments that are more likely to support your life and career goals — including goals for earnings.
How much does a registered nurse make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in the nation make an average of $71,730 per year. But actual pay varies according to:
- Your own experience level
- Where you work (geographically)
- What type of facility you work in
- Whether you have special skills or certifications
- What type of assignment or job you're working
A look at potential travel RN assignments
To understand how travel RNs make more on average than nurses in permanent positions, let's take a look at some actual assignments from Travel Nursing.
- Medical surge nurses can make between $1,367 and $1,506 per week on a 13-week travel assignment. That's based on a 40-hour work week and includes reimbursement for personal expenses such as meals and housing.
- Emergency room nurses can make $1,432 to $1,578 per week. That's $35.80 to $39.45 per hour.
But it's not just the dollar amount that makes these positions valuable. Travel nursing provides a wealth of other benefits, including:
What factors determine travel RN pay?
As with any job, numerous factors go into determining how much you're paid as a travel nurse. Here's a look at some of the things that can most impact your pay.
- Where you work. Both your geographic location and the type of setting you're in impact your pay rate. States with higher costs of living tend to have employers willing to pay for more professional services, and supply and demand are always factors. If you're willing to work in an area that's severely short on nurses, you can often benefit from bonuses and higher pay. And consider the facility type when looking for a travel nursing assignment. Government agencies and hospitals tend to pay more on average than residential care or educational facilities.
- Length of assignment. Convenience comes at a price, and luckily employers realize so does inconvenience. Shorter assignments are likely to pay more per week or hour than longer ones because it's recognized that the professional has to go through moving and resettling. You probably won't do this every few weeks unless the compensation makes it worth the hassle. Luckily, when you work with a great recruiting organization, the hassle is minimized via help finding new digs and arranging travel.
- Your own credentials, skills and experience. Pay commensurate with experience isn't a phrase you leave behind when you tend the world of travel nursing. How much you can earn as a travel RN depends on your level of experience, degree and credentials and whether you have any specialty skills or certifications.
How much does a registered nurse make on travel assignments? The answer is unique for each job and person. But it's definitely as much or more than you can make in many perm positions, with the added benefit of exciting travel.
LEARN MORE about how the factors that impact a travel nurse salary, the way it’s paid out and additional stipends paid out.