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Travel Nurse Jobs Guide: Pay, Housing, Licensing, and More

Travel Nurse Jobs Guide: Pay, Housing, Licensing, and More

Thinking about becoming a travel nurse—or planning your next assignment? This pillar guide walks you through everything you need to know about travel nurse jobs, including pay, housing, licensing, specialties, and what life is really like on assignment.

🩺 What Is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse who takes short-term contracts at healthcare facilities experiencing staffing shortages. Assignments typically last around 13 weeks and are available nationwide.

Why facilities use travel nurses:
  • Seasonal patient surges
  • Staff shortages
  • Specialized skill needs

🧭 How Travel Nurse Jobs Work

Travel nurses work with staffing agencies that help match them to assignments based on specialty, experience, and location preferences.

  • Apply with a travel nurse agency
  • Get matched with open assignments
  • Interview with the facility
  • Complete licensing & credentialing
  • Start your assignment

💰 Travel Nurse Pay: What Can You Earn?

Travel nurse pay varies by location, specialty, and demand. Most compensation packages include:

  • Taxable hourly wages
  • Tax-free housing stipends
  • Meal & incidentals stipends
  • Overtime and shift differentials
Pro tip: High-demand specialties and high cost-of-living states often offer the highest pay packages.

🏠 Travel Nurse Housing Options

Housing is one of the biggest decisions travel nurses make. You can either accept agency-provided housing or take a housing stipend.

Popular Housing Choices

  • Furnished short-term rentals
  • Extended-stay hotels
  • Airbnb or corporate housing
  • Private rentals near hospitals

Many travel nurses choose the stipend for flexibility—especially if traveling with pets or family.

📄 Licensing & Credentialing

Before starting an assignment, travel nurses must meet state licensing and facility compliance requirements.

  • State nursing license or compact license
  • Professional references
  • Skills checklists
  • Background checks
  • Health screenings & vaccinations
Heads up: Licensing timelines vary by state, so starting early can prevent delays.

🩹 Popular Travel Nurse Specialties

Travel nurse jobs are available across nearly every nursing specialty, including:

📍 Best States & Cities for Travel Nurse Jobs

Location impacts pay, cost of living, and assignment availability. Popular destinations include:

  • California
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • Arizona
  • Washington
  • Hawaii

Some nurses prioritize high pay, while others focus on lifestyle or proximity to family.

🏥 Life on Assignment

Adaptability is key to success as a travel nurse. Common experiences include:

  • Floating between units
  • Learning new charting systems
  • Joining new teams quickly
  • Managing schedule or unit changes

🎁 Travel Nurse Benefits

Anders group offer benefits packages that include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plans
  • Licensing & travel reimbursements
  • Your own dedicated recruiter that has your back

✅ Is Travel Nursing Right for You?

Travel nursing is ideal for nurses who value flexibility, variety, and professional growth. While it’s not for everyone, many nurses find the experience both financially and personally rewarding.

🚀 Find Your Next Travel Nurse Job
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