Travel Nurse Pay Rates by State: What to Know
Travel nurse pay rates in 2026 continue to vary widely by state, driven by regional staffing shortages, cost of living, seasonal demand, and specialty needs. While some states consistently offer higher gross pay, others provide better take-home pay once housing and taxes are considered.
Below is a state-by-state breakdown of average travel nurse pay rates in 2026, along with insights to help you decide where your next assignment could make the most sense financially.
How Travel Nurse Pay Is Calculated
Before comparing states, it’s important to understand how travel nurse compensation works.
Most travel nurse pay packages include:
- Hourly base rate (taxable)
- Housing stipend (often tax-free)
- Meals & incidentals (M&I) stipend
- Overtime, shift differentials, or bonuses (when applicable)
Weekly “gross pay” typically reflects the total of all these components. Because stipends depend on location and IRS guidelines, two assignments with the same hourly rate can result in very different take-home pay.
Average Travel Nurse Pay Rates by State in 2026
Note: These ranges reflect typical 36-hour contracts and may vary by specialty, facility type, and time of year.
| State | Avg Weekly Gross Pay | Hourly Base Range | Housing Stipend | High-Demand Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $2,800–$4,000 | $60–$85 | $1,200–$2,000 | Los Angeles, SF, San Diego |
| New York | $2,400–$3,600 | $50–$75 | $1,000–$1,800 | NYC, Albany, Upstate NY |
| Texas | $2,000–$3,000 | $45–$65 | $800–$1,400 | Dallas, Houston, Austin |
| Washington | $2,600–$3,700 | $55–$80 | $1,100–$1,900 | Seattle, Tacoma |
| Massachusetts | $2,500–$3,800 | $55–$78 | $1,100–$1,900 | Boston, Worcester |
| Illinois | $2,200–$3,300 | $48–$70 | $900–$1,600 | Chicago, Rockford |
| Florida | $1,900–$2,800 | $42–$60 | $800–$1,300 | Miami, Tampa |
| Ohio | $2,000–$3,100 | $45–$65 | $850–$1,400 | Cleveland, Columbus |
| Pennsylvania | $2,200–$3,400 | $48–$70 | $900–$1,600 | Philly, Pittsburgh |
| Arizona | $2,100–$3,200 | $47–$68 | $900–$1,500 | Phoenix, Tucson |
Travel Nurse Pay Rates by State: What to Know
California Travel Nurse Pay Rates in 2026
California remains the highest-paying state for travel nurses. Strong union presence, mandated nurse-to-patient ratios, and high cost of living push rates upward. However, housing costs can significantly impact net pay.
Best for: Experienced travelers, ICU and specialty nurses
Watch out for: High rent in metro areas
New York Travel Nurse Pay Rates in 2026
New York continues to see strong demand, especially in upstate and rural facilities, where pay can be competitive without NYC-level housing costs.
Best for: Nurses seeking strong pay with varied facility types
Bonus: Upstate NY often offers better take-home pay
Texas Travel Nurse Pay Rates in 2026
Texas offers consistent contracts year-round with a lower cost of living. While weekly gross pay may be lower than coastal states, many nurses find their net income comparable.
Best for: First-time travel nurses
Perk: No state income tax
Highest-Paying States for Travel Nurses in 2026
Based on average weekly gross pay, these states rank highest:
- California
- Massachusetts
- Washington
- New York
- Oregon
That said, higher pay doesn’t always mean better take-home. Housing and taxes matter.
Best States for Travel Nurse Pay After Cost of Living
Some states offer excellent value:
- Texas
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Missouri
- Indiana
These locations often allow nurses to save more despite slightly lower gross pay.
Travel Nurse Pay by Specialty
Certain specialties consistently earn higher rates across states:
- ICU & ER: Highest demand and pay
- OR & Cath Lab: Fewer candidates, premium rates
- LTC / SNF: Strong demand nationwide, steady contracts
- Med-Surg: Widely available, moderate pay
Specialty shortages can significantly increase rates even in lower-paying states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state pays travel nurses the most in 2026?
California typically offers the highest weekly gross pay, though take-home pay varies by location and housing costs.
Is travel nursing still worth it in 2026?
Yes. While rates have stabilized since peak crisis pay, travel nursing still offers higher earning potential, flexibility, and location choice compared to permanent roles.
Do travel nurse pay rates change throughout the year?
Absolutely. Rates often rise during:
- Winter flu season
- Summer staffing shortages
- Natural disasters or emergency staffing needs
Are travel nurse stipends tax-free?
Stipends are generally tax-free if you maintain a qualifying tax home and follow IRS guidelines.
Find High-Paying Travel Nurse Assignments
If you’re ready to take advantage of competitive travel nurse pay in 2026, we’re currently staffing assignments across multiple high-demand states — including New York, Texas, and the Midwest.