Travel nurse salaries fluctuate seasonally for a number of reasons, basically as a result of supply and demand. One reason is that the demand for travel nurses is higher during certain times of the year, based on location. For example, there is often a higher demand for travel nurses during the winter months, when hospitals are more likely to be high-census due to the flu, COPD exacerbations, and other illnesses. Winter 2022-23 saw a “tridemic” of RSV, flu, and COVID cases that led to a moderate travel pay increase in some areas. Conversely, some areas that are travel destinations and tourism hotspots see their highest census times in the summer with a large influx of visitors - parts of Florida, for example.

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Nursing Demand Changes Over Time

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Additionally, the demand for travel nurses can also fluctuate based on the needs of the healthcare industry as a whole.For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a high demand for travel nurses to staff hospitals that were overwhelmed with patients. Between January 2020 and December 2021, the average travel nurse pay had increased by more than 99% due to pandemic conditions. However, as of December 2022, travel nursing salaries started to plateau at around a national average of $3100 per week. Spring 2023 has seen pay rates anywhere from $2,152 per week on up, depending on location and nursing specialty.

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Another reason for the seasonal fluctuations in travel nurse salaries is that the supply of travel nurses also fluctuates. For example, more nurses may be available to travel during the summer months, when many nurses are looking for temporary work while they are on vacation from their permanent jobs. Additionally, the supply of travel nurses can also fluctuate based on the overall economy. For example, during a recession, there may be fewer nurses available to travel, as they may be more likely to stay in their permanent jobs in order to maintain their health insurance and other benefits.

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Proper Planning can Maximize Your Pay

As a result of these factors, travel nurse salaries can vary significantly from season to season.Although there are many benefits to travel nursing, such as the ability to see new places,experience new work settings, and meet new people - premium pay is part of the deal. It is important for travel nurses to be aware of these fluctuations ahead of time, and balance their needs accordingly. Many times, premium pay comes with conditions that are more understaffed,busier, and more challenging than other job offers.

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By understanding this supply/demand tradeoff, seasonality, and the balance you need, travel nurses can work with their agencies to plan for fluctuations accordingly.

Here are some tips for travel nurses to maximize their salaries:

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• Research the demand for travel nurses in different areas and at different times of the year.

• Negotiate your salary based on your experience, skills, and the demand for travel nurses in your area

• Be willing to travel to areas where there is a high demand for travel nurses
• Consider working for a travel nursing agency that offers competitive salaries and benefits.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the healthcare industry so that you can make informed decisions about your career.

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Another way to maximize travel pay is to specialize in a niche area of nursing that is particularly high demand. According to Fortune.com, the 4 highest-paying travel nursing specialties in 2023 are:

• ICU
• ED
• Med/Surg
• Home Health

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Some of these areas of demand may come as a surprise. For example, the demand for home health care is increasing rapidly as more of the baby boomer generation need care, and want to stay in their homes as long as possible. There is also a large shortage of long-term care facilities in the country (and nurses to staff them). With the addition of remote patient monitoring technology, telehealth, and other home-based services, home health is a growing opportunity for travel nurses. Due to the lack of home healthcare nurses, care agencies are having to decline patients - Bayada Home Health Care had a nearly 67% referral decline rate in 2022.

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Is Travel Nursing Still Lucrative?

You bet! There are hundreds of thousands of opportunities out there for nurses to find the right fit. For information on which cities offer the highest pay rates, many resources are out there to compare,, like Indeed, and sites like travelnursing.org also have a wealth of information.

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Here is a list of the Ziprecruiter top ten average travel nurse pay rates by state:

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1. New York
2. New Hampshire
3. Arizona
4. Wyoming
5. Tennessee
6. Hawaii
7. Massachusetts
8. New Jersey
9. Nevada
10. West Virginia

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It is important to consider the whole contract package - not just pay. Benefits, housing, general cost of living, and work conditions also factor in. Working in an environment that you are not comfortable in will soon make that higher pay rate not worth the stress

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The best travel assignment for you is the one you are excited about, feel motivated by, and learn from! Contact our nurse-led team to explore your travel options and discuss the full picture of opportunities open to you this summer (and beyond). We would love to hear from you and welcome you to the ExpediteRN family.

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