How Much Do Travel Nurses Make in 2026? (State-by-State Salary Guide)
Travel nursing is one of the most lucrative careers in healthcare — and in 2026, salaries are higher than ever. If you’re a nurse wondering whether travel nursing is worth it, the short answer is: absolutely yes.
In this guide, we break down exactly how much travel nurses make in 2026 — and how Omnistarr can help you land the highest-paying assignments across the USA.
Average Travel Nurse Salary in 2026
The average travel nurse earns between $2,500 to $3,500 per week — that’s $130,000 to $182,000 per year. Compare that to a staff nurse’s average of $75,000/year, and the difference is clear.
Top specialties like ICU, ER, and OR nurses can earn even more — up to $4,500 per week in high-demand states.
Top 10 Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses in 2026
| State | Average Weekly Pay |
|---|---|
| California | $3,800 – $4,500 |
| New York | $3,500 – $4,200 |
| Massachusetts | $3,400 – $4,000 |
| Washington | $3,200 – $3,800 |
| Texas | $3,000 – $3,600 |
| Florida | $2,900 – $3,500 |
| Illinois | $2,800 – $3,400 |
| Arizona | $2,700 – $3,200 |
| Georgia | $2,600 – $3,100 |
| North Carolina | $2,500 – $3,000 |
What Affects a Travel Nurse’s Pay?
1. Specialty ICU, ER, and OR nurses earn the most. Med-Surg and LTC nurses earn slightly less but still well above staff nurse rates.
2. Location High cost-of-living states like California and New York pay premium rates. Rural areas may pay less but offer housing stipends.
3. Experience Nurses with 2+ years of experience qualify for higher-paying assignments. Most travel positions require at least 1 year of experience.
4. Agency Your staffing agency directly impacts your pay package. Top agencies like Omnistarr negotiate the best rates on your behalf — ensuring you get maximum pay plus benefits.
Travel Nurse Benefits Beyond Salary
Travel nurses don’t just earn more — they get better benefits too:
Tax-free housing stipends — up to $1,500/week- Travel reimbursement — flights and transport covered
- Health insurance — medical, dental, vision
- 401k contributions
- Completion bonuses — up to $3,000 per assignment
How Omnistarr Helps You Earn More as a Travel Nurse
At Omnistarr, we specialize in placing travel nurses in the highest-paying assignments across the USA. Here’s what makes us different:
- Exclusive facility contracts — access to jobs not listed anywhere else
- Personal recruiter — dedicated support from application to placement
- Fast placement — average 14 days from application to first shift
- Best pay packages — we negotiate maximum rates for every nurse
- 500+ successful placements across the USA
Whether you’re an ICU nurse in California or a Med-Surg nurse looking to travel, Omnistarr connects you with the right opportunity — fast.
Ready to Start Your Travel Nursing Career?
Don’t settle for a staff nurse salary when you can earn 2x more as a travel nurse.
Call: +1 (888) 666-2241 Visit: omnistarr.com Email: info@omnistarr.com
Omnistarr — Quality, Efficiency & Reliability. America’s trusted healthcare staffing agency.