If you’re a travel nurse deciding where to go next, 2025 offers a mix of high pay, career growth, and amazing places to explore. Below are the top 10 destinations—each includes why nurses love it, hot specialties, and average weekly pay (click the pay to view current jobs).
1. California
Why nurses love it: Strong pay, high demand across specialties, and endless coastal and mountain destinations.
Hot specialties: ICU, OR, L&D, Med-Surg
Average weekly pay: $2,500–$3,500+
Must-see: Big Sur, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe
2. Texas
Why nurses love it: High pay in many metros and no state income tax.
Hot specialties: ER, Telemetry, PCU
Average weekly pay: $2,000–$2,800
Must-see: Austin, San Antonio River Walk, Hill Country
3. Colorado
Why nurses love it: Outdoor access with strong demand in urban and rural hospitals.
Hot specialties: OR, ICU, Step-Down
Average weekly pay: $2,200–$2,900
Must-see: Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver, Aspen
4. Washington
Why nurses love it: Strong pay packages and laid-back Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
Hot specialties: NICU, Med-Surg, ER
Average weekly pay: $2,400–$3,200
Must-see: Mount Rainier, Pike Place Market, Olympic National Park
5. Florida
Why nurses love it: Warm weather, beaches, and no state income tax—great for winter contracts.
Hot specialties: ICU, Cardiac Step-Down, Med-Surg
Average weekly pay: $1,900–$2,500
Must-see: Miami Beach, The Keys, Clearwater
6. New York
Why nurses love it: Diverse patient populations and world-class hospitals from upstate to NYC.
Hot specialties: ICU, Psych, L&D
Average weekly pay: $2,600–$3,400
Must-see: Central Park, Niagara Falls, Hudson Valley
7. Arizona
Why nurses love it: Excellent winter contracts, strong demand, and easy access to national parks.
Hot specialties: ER, OR, Telemetry
Average weekly pay: $2,000–$2,700
Must-see: Sedona, Grand Canyon, Scottsdale
8. Massachusetts
Why nurses love it: Access to top teaching hospitals and strong clinical growth opportunities.
Hot specialties: OR, ICU, Neuro
Average weekly pay: $2,400–$3,000
Must-see: Boston Harbor, Cape Cod, Salem
9. North Carolina
Why nurses love it: Affordable living, diverse hospital systems, and both coast and mountains nearby.
Hot specialties: Med-Surg, L&D, OR
Average weekly pay: $2,000–$2,600
Must-see: Outer Banks, Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway
10. Illinois
Why nurses love it: Stable contracts across Chicago and community hospitals, plus strong cultural attractions.
Hot specialties: ICU, ER, Telemetry
Average weekly pay: $2,100–$2,700
Must-see: Chicago Riverwalk, Navy Pier, Starved Rock State Park
Where Will You Go in 2025?
From big-city hospitals to mountain escapes and coastal retreats, 2025 has something for every travel nurse. Click any of the average weekly pay links to browse current openings and start planning your next assignment.
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