How Much Do Travel Nurses Make An Hour By State – 2025

Written By: Darby FaubionDarby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» RN, BSN, MBA

Are you a registered nurse who hates to be tied down? Do you enjoy seeing new places and meeting new people? If so, have you considered travel nursing? Maybe you thought of becoming a travel nurse but do not know if you can afford it. You may ask, “How much do travel nurses make an hour?”

Travel nursing is an excellent option for experienced registered nurses. With options to choose where they want to work and when and to earn an excellent income, many nurses are opting for the travel nurse life. In this article, I will share information with you about how much travel nurses make an hour by state in 2025 and tell you a few ways to help maximize your earning potential if you choose to become a travel nurse.

On Average, How Much Do Travel Nurses Make an Hour in the U.S.?

Travel nursing is growing in popularity. From excellent pay and opportunities to choose when and where you want to work, it is no wonder many nurses are exploring this option. On average, travel nurses in the United States make $57.77 per hour.

Salary Per Hour

$57.77

On Average in the U.S., Compared to Regular Nurses How Much More Do Travel Nurses Make an Hour?

Travel nurses earn an average of $57.77 per hour. Compared to other nurses, travel nurses earn an average of $14.98 more per hour. The difference in pay is approximately 35%!

On Average, How Much Do Travel Nurses Make an Hour by State?

(Below you will find information on how much RN travel nurses make an hour by state in 2025.)

1. How Much Do Alabama Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($43.43)

In Alabama, travel nurses earn an average of $43.43 an hour. This pay is $11.26 more than the average per-hour rate of $32.17 for nurses working regular jobs in the state.

Alabama

$43.43

2. How Much Do Alaska Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($67.05)

Travel nurses in Alaska make approximately $67.05 per hour. This pay rate exceeds the average hourly pay for RNs in Alaska with 20 or more years of experience, which is $61.19 per hour! The average pay for RNs in Alaska is $49.67.

Alaska

$67.05

3. How Much Do Arizona Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($56.30)

In Arizona, registered nurses working regular jobs earn between $31.75 and $50.73 per hour, with an average hourly pay of $41.70. Travel nurses working in the state make $56.30 per hour, a difference of 10.97%!

Arizona

$56.30

4. How Much Do Arkansas Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($43.18)

Travel nurses in Arkansas earn an average of $43.18 per hour, which is $11.20 more than the average $31.98 per hour RN income for nurses living and working in the state.

Arkansas

$43.18

5. How Much Do California Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($86.54)

California is the highest-paying state for registered nurses, with RNs in the state earning an average of $64.10 per hour. Travel nurses earn 35% more, with the average travel nurse salary per hour in California being $86.54.

California

$86.54

6. How Much Do Colorado Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($56.20)

RNs in Colorado earn between $31.79 and $51.57 per hour, with an average hourly pay of $41.63. In Colorado, travel nurses earn $56.20 per hour on average. This pay rate is nearly $5 more per hour than the average hourly rate for the most experienced registered nurses who work regular, non-travel nursing jobs in the state.

Colorado

$56.20

7. How Much Do Connecticut Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($61.18)

Travel nurses in Connecticut make an average of $61.18 an hour. Registered nurses working traditional jobs in the state earn an average of $45.32, which means travel nurses make nearly $16 more per hour.

Connecticut

$61.18

8. How Much Do Delaware Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($55.18)

In Delaware, travel nurses earn approximately $55.18 per hour. With nurses in the state earning between $30.82 and $48.61 per hour and having an average pay of $40.88 hourly, travel nurses make between $6.57 and $24.36 more hourly.

Delaware

$55.18

9. How Much Do Florida Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($51.87)

The average travel nurse salary per hour in Florida is $51.87. This pay is $13.45 higher than the average hourly pay for RNs in the Sunshine working non-travel nursing jobs, which is $38.42.

Florida

$51.87

10. How Much Do Georgia Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($55.28)

The average travel nurse hourly pay in Georgia is $55.28, almost as much as the most experienced RNs in the state! In Georgia, registered nurses with 20 or more years of experience earn an average of $56.86 per hour. The average hourly pay for RNs in the state is $40.95.

Georgia

$55.28

11. How Much Do Hawaii Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($73.48)

Travel nursing in Hawaii certainly seems to pay off, with travel nurses earning an average of $73.48 per hour. This pay is more than $19 an hour over the average RN’s hourly salary of $54.43 per hour.

Hawaii

$73.48

12. How Much Do Idaho Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($51.02)

Registered nurses in Idaho earn an average of $37.79 per hour. Travel nurses in the state earn approximately $51.02 hourly, a difference of more than $13 per hour.

Idaho

$51.02

13. How Much Do Illinois Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($53.36)

With diverse nursing opportunities in healthcare facilities ranging from rural clinics to large urban hospitals, Illinois is an excellent place to work as a travel nurse. The average travel nurse salary per hour in Illinois is $53.36, a considerable difference from the average hourly rate of non-travel RNs in the state, which is $39.53.

Illinois

$53.36

14. How Much Do Indiana Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($49.05)

In Indiana, the average RN salary is $36.34. The average travel nurse hourly pay in Indiana is $49.05. In addition to good earning potential, the state offers valuable experiences working in some of the nation’s best healthcare facilities, such as Indiana University Health Medical Center and Elkhart General Hospital.

Indiana

$49.05

15. How Much Do Iowa Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($45.02)

If you are looking for the charm of small-town communities combined with urban amenities and state-of-the-art medical facilities, Iowa is an excellent choice to be a travel nurse. While RNs who live and work in the state earn an average of $33.35 per hour, nurses who travel to work in Iowa make an average of $45.02 per hour.

Iowa

$45.02

16. How Much Do Kansas Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($46.72)

In Kansas, registered nurses earn an average of $34.61 per hour. Travel nurses in the state earn more than $12 more an hour, with wages of approximately $46.72 per hour.

Kansas

$46.72

17. How Much Do Kentucky Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($50.38)

Kentucky is home to a wide range of medical facilities and world-class hospitals, such as Kentucky Children’s Hospital and St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood-Covington Hospitals. In addition to excellent options for places to work, travel nurses in the state earn an average hourly rate of $50.38. The average hourly pay for RNs in the state is $37.32, which means travel nurses earn more than $13 per hour more than resident registered nurses.

Kentucky

$50.38

18. How Much Do Louisiana Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($49.27)

Louisiana is a state filled with mystery, intrigue, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it an excellent destination for travel nurses. In Louisiana, travel nurses earn an average hourly wage of $49.27.

Louisiana

$49.27

19. How Much Do Maine Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($50.24)

If you want to work travel nurse jobs in a place that offers a slower pace of life and opportunities to "take it all in" while earning a good income, Maine is one destination you need to try! In Maine, travel nurses earn an average of $50.24 per hour, a significant difference from the average RN pay in the state, which is $37.22 hourly.

Maine

$50.24

20. How Much Do Maryland Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($57.11)

Maryland offers opportunities for nurses to work in some of the top healthcare facilities in the country, such as the University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital. In Maryland, registered nurses earn an average of $42.30 per hour. Travel nurses working in the state earn approximately $57.11 hourly.

Maryland

$57.11

21. How Much Do Massachusetts Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($67.60)

Registered nurses in Massachusetts earn an average of $50.07 per hour. The average travel nurse hourly pay in Massachusetts is $67.60. Excellent income opportunities, coupled with the chance to work in some of the nation's top hospitals, make Massachusetts an excellent place to work as a travel nurse.

Massachusetts

$67.60

22. How Much Do Michigan Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($52.35)

In Michigan, travel nurses have options to work in some of the nation’s premier hospitals, such as Spectrum Health and the University of Michigan Health. While the average RN salary in the state is $38.78 per hour, the average travel nurse hourly pay in Michigan is $52.35.

Michigan

$52.35

23. How Much Do Minnesota Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($57.67)

Minnesota registered nurses earn competitive salaries, with hourly wages averaging $42.72. The state offers travel nurses access to some of the most respected medical facilities in the country, including the Mayo Clinic and the average travel nurse hourly pay in Minnesota is $57.67, more than $15 above the average hourly rate of RNs living and working in the state.

Minnesota

$57.67

24. How Much Do Mississippi Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($44.09)

If you like the idea of working where you can promote positive change in healthcare and contribute to caring for underserved populations, Mississippi is an excellent place to consider. Registered nurses in Mississippi earn an average of $32.66 per hour. Travel nurses earn $44.09 per hour, on average.

Mississippi

$44.09

25. How Much Do Missouri Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($46.64)

In Missouri, registered nurses earn an hourly wage of approximately $34.55. The average travel nurse hourly pay in Missouri is $46.64. Many healthcare facilities in Missouri have an urgent need for registered nurses. So, if you are looking for a travel nurse job you can start quickly, Missouri is a great place to consider working.

Missouri

$46.64

26. How Much Do Montana Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($50.85)

The average hourly pay for RNs in Montana is $37.67. Registered nurses traveling to the state to take on travel nurse assignments make an average of $50.85.

Montana

$50.85

27. How Much Do Nebraska Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($47.71)

In Nebraska, registered nurses earn between $28.32 and $44.82 per hour, with an average hourly wage of $35.34. Travel nurses in the state earn more than $12 an hour over the state average, with pay of approximately $47.71 hourly.

Nebraska

$47.71

28. How Much Do Nevada Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($62.50)

Nevada RNs earn an average of $46.30 per hour. Travel nurses coming to the state earn approximately $62.50 per hour, almost the same as the highest-paid resident nurses in the state.

Nevada

$62.50

29. How Much Do New Hampshire Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($54.14)

New Hampshire is a prime destination for travel nurses due to its diversity of healthcare settings and travel nurse opportunities. The pay is excellent, too. The average hourly pay for RNs in New Hampshire is $40.11, and travel nurses earn an average of $54.14 per hour.

New Hampshire

$54.14

30. How Much Do New Jersey Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($62.74)

In New Jersey, registered nurses earn between $36.85 and $56.80 based on their years of experience, with an average hourly rate of $46.48. The average travel nurse hourly pay in New Jersey is $62.74.

New Jersey

$62.74

31. How Much Do New Mexico Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($55.54)

New Mexico has a thriving nursing and healthcare industry, which makes it a great option for travel nurses. Registered nurses living in the state earn approximately $41.15 per hour. In addition to opportunities to work in renowned medical centers and specialty hospitals, travel nurses earn excellent pay, with an average hourly wage of $55.54.

New Mexico

$55.54

32. How Much Do New York Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($64.99)

In New York, resident RNs earn an average of $48.14 per hour. The average travel nurse salary per hour in New York is $64.99, more than $16 an hour higher than the average pay for nurses working non-travel assignments.

New York

$64.99

33. How Much Do North Carolina Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($50.25)

North Carolina is a state known for its high quality of life and low cost of living, which is below the national average, making it a top choice for travel nurses. Travel nurses in North Carolina earn an average of $50.25, a nice increase from the average hourly pay of resident RNs, which is $37.22.

North Carolina

$50.25

34. How Much Do North Dakota Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($48.68)

The average hourly pay for travel nurses in North Dakota is $48.68. Nurses living and working in the state earn between $29.22 and $43.82, based on experience, with an average hourly rate of $36.06 statewide.

North Dakota

$48.68

35. How Much Do Ohio Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($50.91)

With travel nurse hotspots like Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo, Ohio is an excellent place to find travel nursing jobs. The average travel nurse salary per hour in Ohio is $50.91, which is $13 an hour higher than the average RN pay of $37.72 in the state.

Ohio

$50.91

36. How Much Do Oklahoma Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($49.92)

In Oklahoma, registered nurses earn between $25.75 and $46.89 per hour, with an average of $36.98 per hour. The state is known for modern medical facilities and renowned hospitals, making it a wonderful place to be a nurse. Not to mention, the average travel nurse salary per hour in Ohio is $49.92.

Oklahoma

$49.92

37. How Much Do Oregon Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($69.19)

Oregon is another state with excellent income opportunities for nurses. The average RN salary for nurses who reside in the state is $51.26 per hour. Travel nurses working in Oregon earn an average of $69.19 per hour!

Oregon

$69.19

38. How Much Do Pennsylvania Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($52.33)

In Pennsylvania, registered nurses earn between $29.54 and $48.77 per hour based on experience, with the average hourly pay being $38.76. The average travel nurse salary per hour in Pennsylvania is $52.33.

Pennsylvania

$52.33

39. How Much Do Rhode Island Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($57.27)

Rhode Island is home to several world-class healthcare facilities, including Miriam Hospital and Hasbro Children's Hospital. The average hourly pay for registered nurses in the state is $42.43, with travel nurses bringing in an average of $57.27 hourly.

Rhode Island

$57.27

40. How Much Do South Carolina Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($48.24)

With top healthcare facilities like the Medical University of South Carolina, it is no wonder nurses love working in the state. In South Carolina, registered nurses earn an average of $35.74 per hour. Travel nurses earn significantly more, with an average hourly pay rate of $48.24.

South Carolina

$48.24

41. How Much Do South Dakota Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($41.86)

Registered nurses in South Dakota earn between $24.64 and $38.88, with an average hourly pay rate of $31.01. The average pay for travel nurses in the state is $41.86 per hour.

South Dakota

$41.86

42. How Much Do Tennessee Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($47.04)

RNs in Tennessee earn an average of $34.85 per hour. The average travel nurse pay in the state, which is home to top medical centers like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is $47.04 per hour.

Tennessee

$47.04

43. How Much Do Texas Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($54.73)

Texas is a state full of diversity and renowned healthcare institutions, making it an excellent place to be a nurse. Registered nurses earn an average of $40.54 per hour. The average travel nurse salary per hour in Texas is much higher, coming in at $54.73.

Texas

$54.73

44. How Much Do Utah Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($49.59)

In Utah, registered nurses earn between $29.74 and $47.12 per hour based on their years of experience. The statewide average for registered nurses is $36.73 per hour. Travel nurses in Utah earn an average of $49.59 hourly.

Utah

$49.59

45. How Much Do Vermont Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($51.91)

With a high demand for registered nurses, Vermont is a great place to go for travel nursing assignments. Resident RNs earn an average of $38.46 per hour. The average hourly pay for travel nurses in Vermont is $51.91.

Vermont

$51.91

46. How Much Do Virginia Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($53.13)

Virginia has high-demand positions available in labor and delivery, NICU, pediatrics, intensive care, and emergency care, to name a few. The average travel nurse hourly pay in Virginia is $53.13, much higher than the average RN pay in the state, which is $39.36.

Virginia

$53.13

47. How Much Do Washington Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($65.99)

Registered nurses working in Washington earn between $37.24 and $63.09 hourly, with the average hourly pay being $48.88. The average pay for travel nurses in Washington is $65.99 per hour.

Washington

$65.99

48. How Much Do West Virginia Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($46.88)

In West Virginia, RNs earn $34.73 an hour, on average. The average travel nurse pay in the state is $46.88. With top-rated healthcare facilities like Berkeley Medical Center and Boone Memorial Hospital, West Virginia is a great place for travel nurses to consider assignments.

West Virginia

$46.88

49. How Much Do Wisconsin Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($52.57)

Wisconsin is another excellent example of a great place to work as a travel nurse. While resident registered nurses in the state earn an average of $38.94 per hour, the average hourly pay for travel nurses is $52.57.

Wisconsin

$52.57

50. How Much Do Wyoming Travel Nurses Make An Hour: ($52.58)

In Wyoming, RNs earn an average of $38.95 per hour, with pay rates between $29.28 and $49.04. Travel nurses working in Wyoming earn approximately $52.58 per hour.

Wyoming

$52.58

In What Sates Do Travel Nurses Make the Highest Average Salary Per Hour?

California, Hawaii, Oregon, Massachusetts, Alaska, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, and Connecticut are the ten highest-paying states for travel nurses. In these states, travel nurses earn between $61.18 and $86.54 per hour.

In What States Do Travel Nurses Make the Lowest Average Salary Per Hour?

The states with the lowest hourly pay rates for travel nurses are South Dakota, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Nebraska. In these ten states, travel nurses earn wages between $41.86 and $47.71 per hour.

Bonus! 5 Ways Travel Nurses Can Maximize Their Salary Per Hour?

If you are considering working as a travel nurse, there is a lot to consider. One important thing travel nurses ask is what are the best ways to maximize earning potential. The following are five ways you can maximize your hourly salary working as a travel nurse.

WAY #1: Be Flexible

If you want to make more money as a travel nurse, being flexible will help you reach your goals. Sometimes the least ideal jobs pay the most. If you are willing to take on the jobs that other travel nurses declined, you could be in a position to negotiate a good hourly wage.

WAY #2: Make sure you are licensed in multiple states.

Thanks to the Nurse Licensure Compact, you may need only one license to practice in multiple states, depending on your primary state of residence. If you live in a Compact State, make sure you apply for the multi-state license. If you do not live in a Compact State, consider applying for licensure in other states where you hope to work as a travel nurse. Being licensed in other states before applying for travel nurse jobs increases your chances of getting a good assignment in an area where you want to work.

WAY #3: Find a Good Recruiter

Travel nurse recruiters are in-the-know when it comes to the top travel nurse opportunities. When you find a good recruiter and develop a good relationship with them, they can work with you to find the best-paying jobs and help negotiate higher pay if you need it.

WAY #4: Work with Several Travel Nurse Agencies

Working with more than one agency means you have access to more job opportunities, and you can choose assignments that fit your income needs. I recommend being open with each agency and telling them you work with other agencies. This way, if you accept an assignment for one agency and decline another, they will know you found a better option. If an agency values you and your work, chances are they will try to negotiate higher wages for you when jobs become available.

WAY #5: Find Housing for Yourself

Many travel nurse agencies offer assistance finding housing, which can be helpful, especially if you have not traveled to a certain area before. However, when you opt to take the housing stipend and find your own lodging, you can decide how much of your stipend is used for housing expenses and how much you get to keep.

My Final Thoughts

If you are considering becoming a traveling nurse, you want to know if the pay is worth it. You have wondered, “How much do travel nurses make an hour?” In this article, we addressed that question by sharing how much travel nurses make an hour by state in 2025. If you enjoy nursing and want to see the country or the world, travel nursing could be an excellent option for you to do both!

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert

1. In Which State Do Travel Nurses Make The Highest Average Salary Per Hour?

Travel nurses in California earn approximately $86.54 per hour, the highest hourly wage of any state in the country for travel nurses.

California

$86.54

2. In Which State Do Travel Nurses Make The Lowest Average Salary Per Hour?

South Dakota offers the lowest hourly pay for travel nurses, with an average per-hour rate of $41.86.

South Dakota

$41.86

3. In Which Northeastern State Do Travel Nurses Make The Highest Average Salary Per Hour?

The northeastern state where travel nurses make the highest per-hour salary is Massachusetts. In this state, travel nurses make an average of $67.60 per hour.

Massachusetts

$67.60

4. In Which Northeastern State Do Travel Nurses Make The Lowest Average Salary Per Hour?

The lowest hourly pay rate for travel nurses in the northeastern region of the country is found in Maine. Here, travel nurses earn approximately $50.24 per hour.

Maine

$50.24

5. In Which Midwestern State Do Travel Nurses Make The Highest Average Salary Per Hour?

Minnesota is the midwestern state with the highest salary per hour for travel nurses, with nurses making an average of $57.67 hourly.

Minnesota

$57.67

6. In Which Midwestern State Do Travel Nurses Make The Lowest Average Salary Per Hour?

South Dakota pays the lowest travel nurse rate in the Midwest, with hourly rates averaging $41.86.

South Dakota

$41.86

7. In Which Southeastern State Do Travel Nurses Make The Highest Average Salary Per Hour?

In the southeastern part of the U.S., Georgia offers the highest travel nurse rate, with travel RNs making an average of $55.28 per hour.

Georgia

$55.28

8. In Which Southeastern State Do Registered Nurses Make The Lowest Average Salary Per Hour?

Travel nurses in the southeastern region of the country earn the lowest hourly wages in Arkansas. In this state, travel nurses average an income of $43.18 per hour.

Arkansas

$43.18

9. In Which Southwestern State Do Travel Nurses Make The Highest Average Salary Per Hour?

In the southwest, Arizona is the state with the highest travel nurse compensation, averaging $56.30 per hour.

Arizona

$56.30

10. In Which Southwestern State Do Travel Nurses Make The Lowest Average Salary Per Hour?

Nurses traveling to work in Oklahoma make the lowest hourly wage among all the southwestern states. Oklahoma travel nurses earn approximately $49.92 per hour.

Oklahoma

$49.92

11. In Which Western State Do Travel Nurses Make The Highest Average Salary Per Hour?

California pays travel nurses more than any state in the western United States, with an average hourly rate of $86.54.

California

$86.54

12. In Which Western State Do Travel Nurses Make The Lowest Average Salary Per Hour?

The western state that offers the lowest travel nurse hourly rate is Utah. Here, travel nurses earn $49.50 per hour, on average.

Utah

$49.59