A travel nurse salary is an excellent way to supplement your current income. Travel nurses often get paid by the hour or per case, and most of their benefits are tax-free. These reimbursements include travel and relocation expenses. Because you’re not paying for an actual office space, you can enjoy your journey without worrying about paying for it. You also have more flexibility than you would with a traditional nursing job. Read on to learn more about what to expect when you’re negotiating your travel nurse salary.
Travel Nurse Salaries
Besides having the freedom to choose a location, the travel nurse salary also depends on many factors, including location. Some cities pay more than others, while others pay less. This is because RNs work 12-hour shifts. Also, some travel nurse companies don’t allow itinerant workers to fill full-time nursing positions. As a result, the overall pay is slightly less than taxable wages. However, the travel nurse salary includes benefits and other costs related to payroll.
The Rising Demand for Travel Nurses
The nursing industry has suffered from several recent epidemics, including COVID-19. These illnesses affect nurses and travel nurses’ salary, and they’re often required to work longer hours than normal. Sadly, many of these patients do not survive, leaving a large number of vacancies. This is why there is an increased need for travel nurses. If you’re looking for a new challenge, a travel nurse salary is one of the best ways to fill these positions.
As a travel nurse, your pay will vary depending on your experience and the location. The average salary for an RN is $71,300 per year, and an RN’s salary can reach $115,000 or more. You may also be eligible for a housing stipend. Regardless of what state you choose, you’ll need to consider the cost of living. Some states have higher salaries than others, but they’re still expensive for travelers.
Specialty Certifications on Travel Nurse Salaries
Specialty certifications are another factor that determines your salary. Travel nurses in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, oncology, pediatric intensive care, and neonatal intensive care, for instance, tend to earn higher wages. Additionally, a higher salary is tied to experience. If you have any of these certifications, you can prepare for your travel nurse salary by gaining experience in those fields. There are many benefits to this specialization, and your salary will reflect this.
Prestigious Fields for Travel Nurses
Travel nurses can work in various fields of nursing, but the most prestigious jobs include ER and pediatrics. Pediatric ER nurses, for example, provide care to the sickest children in emergency situations. Pediatric ER travel nurses are among the highest paid travel nurses. Step-down travel nurses, meanwhile, are responsible for the health of patients who require frequent assessments. They identify changes in a patient’s condition, calculate medications and administer them according to order.
High Hourly Rates and Impressive Salaries
In the progressive care unit, travelers can expect to earn more than $50 per hour. The job requires a strong sense of observation and the ability to work under pressure. Medical Intensive Care Unit Travel Nurses, on the other hand, work in the intensive care unit. Patients in this area require close monitoring and nursing care plans, and must be able to work well under pressure. The average travel nurse salary is $114,930. This works out to approximately $2,210 a week, or $9,580 monthly.
