If you’re a registered nurse looking to add adventure (and higher pay) to your career, the next few years are a great time to start traveling. Hospitals, outpatient centers, and other healthcare facilities across the country are still struggling with staffing shortages—especially in various nursing specialties. That means there’s consistent demand for travel healthcare professionals who are willing to take short-term assignments, often 8–26 weeks long, in new places.
Travel contracts not only pay more than most permanent staff jobs, but they also come with perks like housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and flexibility to pick when and where you want to work. Beyond the professional benefits, travel nursing offers a unique opportunity to build a vibrant community and make lasting friendships as you explore new cities.
What the market looks like in 2025—and beyond
Here’s the good news: the market for travel nurses is expected to stay strong for the next decade.
- Steady job growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth for healthcare professions, with many new openings needing to be filled by travelers.
- High demand in various specialties: Vacancy rates for many nursing specialties remain some of the highest in healthcare, so if you’re specialized or planning to be, you’ll have your pick of contracts.
- Travel rates stay competitive: Travel packages currently offer competitive weekly rates nationwide, and the highest-paying states are offering well above that. You can explore general travel nurse salaries at Nurse.org.
This robust market means you'll have the stability to choose assignments that not only advance your career but also allow you to settle in and connect with new people.
Where to find top opportunities and build connections
One of the biggest draws of traveling is the chance to maximize your income while exploring new places. You'll find strong opportunities in the following areas for nursing:
- Georgia (GA): Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Cumming, Marietta, Savannah
- New York (NY): Lowville, Geneva, Rochester, Albany, Newark, Cooperstown, Oneonta, Harris, Ithaca, Auburn, Ogdensburg, The Bronx, Carthage, Syracuse, Rome, Saratoga Springs, Clifton Springs, Utica, Amsterdam, Potsdam, Schenectady, Glen Falls
- Texas (TX): San Antonio, Port Lavaca, Brownsville, Dallas, Marble Falls, Corpus Christi, Sachse, Kingwood, Plano, Austin, Conroe, San Marcos, Alpine, Round Rock, Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Houston, Longview, Webster, Odessa, Waco, Corsicana, Brownwood, Frisco, Mesquite, Uvalde, Mount Pleasant, Denton, Lufkin, Abilene, Amarillo, Kaufman, Rowlett, San Angelo, Midland, Tyler, Mansfield, Fort Stockton, College Station, Granbury
- Virginia (VA): Christiansburg, Salem, Richmond, Danville, Roanoke, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Winchester
These locations consistently offer competitive opportunities due to their large healthcare systems and ongoing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. For more specific job listings, explore options at Anders Group Travel Nurse Jobs or browse open nursing positions at Anders Group Browse Nursing Jobs.
When choosing your assignments, consider locations with active social scenes or established travel nurse communities. Many cities have meet-up groups, social events, and online forums specifically for travel nurses, making it easier to connect with like-minded individuals.
Trends that matter if you’re planning to travel and build community
If you’re thinking about jumping into travel in the next couple of years, here’s what’s shaping the market:
- Specialty = higher pay. Travelers with in-demand nursing specialties command some of the highest weekly rates. This financial stability can give you more freedom to participate in social activities and explore your new surroundings.
- Rural and outpatient jobs are rising. More contracts are popping up outside of big hospitals, so being open to smaller towns or outpatient centers can mean better pay. In smaller communities, it can sometimes be easier to integrate and form close bonds with colleagues and locals.
- Technology integration. While technology continues to evolve in healthcare, the demand for skilled human professionals remains strong. Use technology to your advantage for connecting with new friends, whether through social media groups or video calls with family and friends back home.
- Flexibility wins. Willing to take night shifts, start quickly, or head somewhere off the beaten path? Those jobs usually come with pay bumps. Flexibility in your schedule can also open up opportunities for daytime activities and social events.
How you can prepare now for a fulfilling travel nurse experience
If you want to make the leap into travel nursing jobs in the next few years, here are steps you can start today:
- Get certified in specialized areas. Adding certifications in high-demand specialties makes you more marketable and increases pay, giving you more financial freedom to enjoy your new surroundings and social life.
- Keep your documents current. All necessary licenses, certifications, and permits need to be ready to go. Being prepared reduces stress and allows you to focus on settling in and making connections.
- Be location-flexible. Don’t just look at a few major cities—consider all the diverse locations within the target markets listed. Being open to different locations can lead to unexpected friendships and unique experiences.
- Work with a trusted recruiter. A good travel staffing agency can help you find assignments that fit your lifestyle goals—whether that’s chasing pay, exploring new cities, or a mix of both. They can also offer insights into assignments that are known for their supportive and social work environments.
The outlook for travel nurses and building your community
The future looks bright: with steady demand, competitive pay, and plenty of flexibility, travel nursing jobs are expected to remain some of the most rewarding career paths in allied health. If you’ve been on the fence, now’s the time to start planning your first assignment—so when you’re ready, you’ll have the licenses, certifications, and confidence to hit the road and build a thriving community wherever you go.
Bottom line: The next few years are shaping up to be a great time to travel. Whether your goal is to pay down debt, see new parts of the country, grow your skills in high-demand modalities, or build a strong network of friends and colleagues, travel nursing jobs offer a mix of adventure and opportunity that’s hard to beat.