Travel nursing continues to attract nurses who want flexibility, higher pay, and new experiences. In 2026, weekly travel nurse pay remains strong, but it is no longer a single headline number you can rely on. What you earn depends heavily on where you work, your specialty, your schedule, and how your contract is structured.
This guide is written to give you clarity, not hype. You will learn How Much Do Travel Nurses Make Per Week in 2026, how pay differs by state, why some contracts look high but pay less in practice, and how to estimate your own earning potential before accepting an assignment.
In This Article
The short answer: average weekly travel nurse pay in 2026
In 2026, most travel nurses in the United States earn between $2,000 and $2,600 per week for standard 36-hour contracts. This is the national working range, not a guarantee.
Some assignments pay less. Others pay significantly more.
High-demand states and specialised units still offer $3,000 to $4,000+ per week, while lower-demand regions may sit closer to $1,700 to $2,000 per week. Understanding why these differences exist matters more than chasing the highest advertised rate.
What “weekly pay” really means for travel nurses
Before looking at state-by-state pay, it is important to understand what weekly travel nurse pay includes.
Most travel nurse contracts combine:
- Taxable hourly wage
- Non-taxed housing stipend
- Non-taxed meals and incidentals stipend
When agencies advertise a weekly rate, they usually quote the gross weekly pay, not your take-home amount. Two contracts offering the same weekly rate can result in very different net pay depending on how they are structured.
The biggest factors that affect weekly travel nurse pay
Location and cost of living
States with higher living costs usually offer higher weekly pay. California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington consistently top the pay charts because hospitals must compete with high staff nurse wages and expensive housing markets.
Specialty and unit demand
Specialty matters more than ever in 2026.
Higher-paying specialties include:
- ICU
- ER
- CVICU
- Cath Lab
- L&D
- NICU
Med-surg and telemetry still pay well, but generally sit below critical care roles.
Shift pattern and hours
Most contracts are based on 3×12-hour shifts (36 hours). Anything beyond that increases weekly pay through overtime.
Common pay boosters:
- Night shifts
- Weekend rotations
- 48-hour contracts
- On-call requirements
Contract length and urgency
Crisis and short-notice contracts often pay more per week. Standard 13-week contracts usually pay less but offer better stability.
How to read state-by-state pay correctly
Instead of listing one number per state, this guide uses realistic weekly ranges. Travel nurse pay is fluid. Rates change monthly and sometimes weekly.
Think in ranges, not fixed numbers.
High-paying travel nurse states in 2026
These states consistently offer some of the highest weekly travel nurse pay due to strong unions, high staff nurse wages, and persistent shortages.
California
Average weekly pay: $3,000 to $4,200
California remains the highest-paying travel nurse state in 2026.
Why pay is high:
- Strict nurse-to-patient ratios
- Strong unions
- High cost of living
- Constant hospital demand
ICU, ER, and step-down nurses in major cities often see contracts exceeding $4,000 per week.
Massachusetts
Average weekly pay: $2,800 to $3,600
Boston-area hospitals drive wages up due to competition and teaching hospital demand.
New York
Average weekly pay: $2,700 to $3,500
New York City pays the most, while upstate assignments pay slightly less but still remain competitive.
Washington
Average weekly pay: $2,600 to $3,400
Seattle-area hospitals offer strong pay combined with good working conditions.
Solid mid-to-high paying states
These states offer strong weekly travel nurse pay while avoiding the extreme housing costs seen in top-tier markets. They balance demand, pay, and quality of life, making them popular choices for nurses who want solid earnings without constant financial pressure from rent or daily expenses.
Oregon
Average weekly pay: $2,600 to $3,300
Oregon remains a strong option for travel nurses due to nurse-friendly policies, stable demand, and well-organised hospital systems. Assignments are common in both urban and regional facilities, with consistent needs in ICU, ER, and med-surg units. While some cities have higher rents, overall living costs are more manageable than in California.
New Jersey
Average weekly pay: $2,500 to $3,200
New Jersey benefits from its proximity to major metro areas like New York City and Philadelphia. Hospitals compete for experienced travel nurses, keeping weekly rates elevated. Many nurses choose New Jersey to earn near–top-tier pay while living slightly outside major cities, helping balance housing costs and take-home income.
Arizona
Average weekly pay: $2,400 to $3,100
Arizona is especially popular during winter months, when population growth increases hospital demand. ICU and ER roles are consistently available, particularly in Phoenix and surrounding areas. Living costs remain reasonable compared to coastal states, making Arizona a solid choice for nurses seeking strong pay with lifestyle flexibility.
Nevada
Average weekly pay: $2,400 to $3,200
Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, continues to offer competitive travel nurse pay driven by tourism-related healthcare demand. Hospitals frequently need ER, ICU, and step-down nurses. Compared to neighbouring California, housing and daily expenses are more manageable, allowing many nurses to retain more of their weekly earnings.
Mid-range travel nurse pay states
These states provide steady contract availability and reliable weekly pay, though rates are typically lower than high-demand coastal markets. They work well for nurses who prioritise consistent work and reasonable living costs over chasing the highest advertised pay.
Texas
Average weekly pay: $2,100 to $2,800
Texas offers wide variation due to its size. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin pay more than rural areas. Demand remains steady across multiple specialties. While rates are not top-tier, lower housing costs in many areas help maintain solid take-home pay.
Florida
Average weekly pay: $2,000 to $2,700
Florida sees increased demand during winter months as seasonal populations rise. Pay remains consistent, particularly in urban hospitals. However, housing costs can fluctuate sharply in popular areas, so nurses must budget carefully to protect net earnings despite attractive weekly rates.
Colorado
Average weekly pay: $2,200 to $2,900
Colorado offers a competitive travel nurse market with strong appeal for lifestyle-focused travellers. Hospitals regularly seek experienced nurses, especially in urban centres. While pay is mid-range, quality of life and outdoor access attract nurses willing to accept slightly lower rates.
Illinois
Average weekly pay: $2,200 to $2,900
Illinois travel nurse pay is driven largely by Chicago-area hospitals, where demand and wages are higher. Outside major cities, rates drop but living costs also decrease. This makes Illinois a flexible option depending on preferred work environment and budget priorities.
Lower-paying travel nurse states
Lower weekly pay does not mean poor opportunities. These states often offer lower housing costs, less competition, and more consistent contract availability, which can still result in acceptable take-home pay for the right nurse.
Tennessee
Average weekly pay: $1,900 to $2,400
Tennessee offers steady travel nurse demand with relatively low living costs. While headline pay is lower, affordable housing helps balance net income. The state suits nurses who value predictable work and simpler budgeting over maximum weekly earnings.
Georgia
Average weekly pay: $1,900 to $2,500
Georgia provides consistent opportunities, especially in and around Atlanta where rates are higher. Rural areas pay less but offer lower expenses. This mix allows nurses to choose between higher pay or lower cost of living, depending on personal priorities.
Ohio
Average weekly pay: $1,900 to $2,400
Ohio maintains stable demand for med-surg, telemetry, and general acute care nurses. Pay is modest, but housing and daily expenses are relatively low. Many nurses choose Ohio for longer contracts with predictable schedules and manageable living costs.
Alabama and Mississippi
Average weekly pay: $1,700 to $2,300
These states are best suited for nurses prioritising contract availability and lower expenses over top pay. Demand is steady, competition is lower, and cost of living is among the lowest in the country, which can still support reasonable savings for some travellers.
How to estimate your weekly travel nurse pay in any state
Estimating your travel nurse pay before speaking with recruiters helps you avoid unrealistic expectations and low offers. This simple method uses local staff nurse wages, common travel premiums, and typical stipends to give a practical weekly estimate you can trust when comparing contracts across different states.
Step 1: Start with staff nurse pay
Begin by checking the average hourly wage for staff registered nurses in the state you are considering. This figure reflects the local labour market and forms the base hospitals use to calculate travel pay. Higher staff wages usually lead to higher travel nurse compensation.
Step 2: Apply the travel premium
Travel nurse contracts typically pay between 1.5 and 2.2 times the local staff nurse hourly rate. The exact multiplier depends on demand, specialty, and urgency. Critical care and short-notice roles often sit at the higher end of this range.
Step 3: Add stipends
Most travel contracts include weekly housing and meal stipends. These commonly range from $800 to $1,400 per week, depending on cost of living. High-cost states offer larger stipends, which significantly increase gross weekly pay beyond hourly wages.
Why this method works
By combining staff wages, realistic travel premiums, and standard stipends, this approach produces a grounded weekly estimate. It helps you identify fair offers, negotiate confidently, and avoid being misled by inflated or misleading advertised pay rates.
Why some “high-paying” contracts disappoint
Many nurses chase the highest advertised rate and end up frustrated.
Common issues include:
- Housing stipends too low for the area
- Contracts requiring unpaid on-call hours
- Cancellation clauses with little protection
- Float requirements across multiple units
Always evaluate the entire contract, not just the headline pay.
Weekly pay vs take-home pay
Gross weekly pay looks attractive, but net pay matters more.
Two nurses earning $3,000 per week may take home very different amounts depending on:
- Taxable vs non-taxable split
- State income tax
- Housing costs
- Travel reimbursements
Ask recruiters to break down taxable hourly rate, not just weekly totals.
Is travel nursing still worth it in 2026?
For most nurses, yes.
Travel nursing still offers:
- Higher weekly earnings than staff roles
- Flexibility and time off between contracts
- Exposure to different hospitals and systems
- Faster debt payoff and savings growth
However, it now rewards strategic planning more than impulse decisions.
Smart strategies to maximise weekly pay
- Target high-demand specialties
- Work night shifts when possible
- Accept 48-hour contracts selectively
- Be flexible with location
- Compare multiple recruiters
- Track housing costs carefully
What travel nurses should expect going forward
The extreme crisis pay of early pandemic years is gone, but the market has stabilised at a strong, sustainable level. Hospitals still rely on travel nurses to fill gaps, especially in critical care and rural settings.
In 2026, the nurses who earn the most are not chasing hype. They understand pay structures, choose locations carefully, and negotiate confidently.
Must Read:
- First-Time Travel Nurse Guide: What to Expect on Your First Assignment in 2026
- Travel Nurse vs Staff Nurse: Pros & Cons Every U.S. Nurse Should Know in 2026
- Top Travel Nurse Mistakes to Avoid in 2026: What No One Tells New Travelers
Final thoughts:
So, how much do travel nurses make per week in 2026?
Most earn $2,000 to $2,600 per week, with many opportunities to exceed that depending on state, specialty, and schedule. California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington continue to lead, while mid-range states still offer strong value when housing costs are considered.
The key is not chasing the highest number you see online. The key is understanding how travel nurse pay really works and using that knowledge to choose the right contract for you.
