Travel Nurse Job Requirements by State (2026 Guide)

Travel nurse jobs continue to be one of the most flexible and high-earning career paths in healthcare. However, travel nurse job requirements vary by state, and understanding those differences is critical if you want to secure assignments quickly and avoid costly delays.

This 2026 guide breaks down travel nurse jobs requirements by state, including licensing, experience, certifications, and compliance standards—so you can stay assignment-ready wherever demand takes you.

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General Requirements for Travel Nurse Jobs

While each state has its own rules, most travel nurse jobs share these core requirements:

Active RN License

• A valid RN license in the state where the assignment is located, or
• A multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

Clinical Experience

• 1–2 years of recent experience in your specialty
• Experience within the last 12–24 months

Highly specialized travel nurse jobs (ICU, ER, OR, L&D) often require two or more years of experience.

Certifications

• BLS (required for nearly all travel nurse jobs)
• ACLS (ICU, ER, Telemetry)
• PALS (Pediatrics, ER)
• NRP (Labor & Delivery)

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) States

Compact states allow nurses to access more travel nurse jobs with a single multistate license, making it easier to move between assignments.

View travel nurse jobs in compact states

Non-Compact States: What to Expect

Some high-paying travel nurse jobs are located in non-compact states that require a separate state license.

• California
• New York
• Oregon
• Washington
• Nevada
• Minnesota

Planning ahead allows you to access more competitive travel nurse jobs in these states.

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State-Specific Travel Nurse Job Requirements

California

California offers some of the highest-paying travel nurse jobs but requires a separate state license.

View travel nurse jobs in California

Texas

As a compact state, Texas provides fast access to travel nurse jobs across multiple specialties.

Browse travel nurse jobs in Texas

New York

New York travel nurse jobs require license endorsement and additional compliance steps.

See current travel nurse jobs in New York

Florida

Florida is a popular destination for first-time travel nurse jobs and seasonal assignments.

Find travel nurse jobs in Florida

Specialty-Based State Requirements

Some travel nurse jobs include additional requirements depending on specialty:

• ICU and ER travel nurse jobs may require trauma experience
• OR travel nurse jobs often require scrub and circulating experience
• L&D travel nurse jobs require NRP certification
• Behavioral health travel nurse jobs may require extra training

Search travel nurse jobs by specialty

How to Stay Assignment-Ready Across States

• Keep digital copies of all licenses and certifications
• Track expiration dates proactively
• Apply early for non-compact state licenses
• Work with recruiters who understand travel nurse jobs requirements

Final Thoughts

Understanding travel nurse jobs requirements by state helps you secure assignments faster and access higher-paying opportunities.

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