Travel nursing salaries vary wildly. A registered nurse in California might take home nearly double what the same nurse earns on assignment in a lower-paying state, and that gap’s only grown wider as staffing shortages spread across the country.
If you’re planning your next assignment or considering the switch to travel nursing altogether, knowing which states pay the most is one of the smartest moves you can make before signing anything. That’s non-negotiable.
California Consistently Leads Travel Nurse Pay
California sits at the top. It’s held that position for several years straight. Nurses on assignment typically earn between $3,000 to $4,500 per week in total package value; the exact amount depends on specialty, facility type, and whether tax-free stipends factor into the offer. That’s a baseline many California hospitals regularly exceed for high-demand specialties like ICU, NICU, and OR nursing.
The state’s strict nurse-to-patient ratios, enforced by law under Assembly Bill 394, create steady demand for additional coverage. Facilities turn to travel staff to maintain those legally required numbers. Agencies that post travel nursing jobs in California fill positions quickly, which tells you everything about how active this market is. Nurses who hold a California RN license or’ve worked through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) process are in a strong position (though California still requires its own license). You’ll find consistent travel nurse needs throughout the year in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento, all active hospital systems competing for qualified staff.
Washington and Oregon Offer Competitive Pacific Northwest Rates
The Pacific Northwest doesn’t always grab attention in salary conversations, but it should. Washington state travel nurses regularly earn between $2,500 to $3,800 per week, depending on specialty and facility; Oregon tracks right behind it. Both states have experienced staffing shortages in urban and rural hospitals alike, which pushes rates up across the board.
Here’s the thing: Washington has no state income tax. That detail matters far more than most nurses realize. A weekly package in Seattle or Spokane that looks slightly lower on paper can outpace a California offer once you account for California’s relatively high state income tax (1% to 13.3% depending on income). Oregon does have state income tax, so the same math doesn’t apply there, but raw pay rates stay strong anyway. Facilities in both states compete heavily for ICU, telemetry, and emergency department nurses, particularly after the staffing disruptions that reshaped hospital rosters in the early part of this decade.
If you haven’t factored state income tax into your offer comparisons, you’re likely underestimating what Pacific Northwest contracts are actually worth.
Alaska Pays Well Above Average Thanks to Remote Demand
Alaska consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying states for travel nurses. Geography creates demand. Hospitals and clinics in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and smaller communities across the state face persistent shortages of local healthcare workers; they rely heavily on travel staff to close the gap. Average weekly packages run between $2,800 to $4,200, with some remote assignments offering even higher rates to offset the isolation factor.
Housing stipends tend to be generous in Alaska; the cost of living in many parts of the state sits well above the national average, especially in rural areas where goods arrive by plane. Nurses who’re comfortable with isolation and can commit to a standard 13-week contract will find Alaska assignments financially rewarding in ways few other states match. Med-surg, labor and delivery, and behavioral health are in high demand; facilities often negotiate additional perks like paid travel to and from the assignment location to attract qualified candidates.
Alaska deserves serious consideration if you’re comfortable with colder climates and want a package that stands out.
New York and New Jersey Reflect High Cost-of-Living Pay
The Northeast corridor, particularly New York City and surrounding areas, commands high travel nurse pay for one straightforward reason: the cost of living makes lower compensation packages unworkable. New York travel nurses earn between $2,600 to $3,900 per week on average; New York City assignments often reach the upper end. New Jersey assignments near the metro area track closely with New York rates.
The catch is that this region’s more complex than California or Alaska on the cost side. Housing in New York City ranks among the most expensive in the country, and stipends that look generous elsewhere may not stretch far when you’re renting near a Manhattan hospital. Build a clear budget before accepting a Northeast offer; factor in transportation, parking, and the generally higher price of everyday expenses. State income taxes are steep too: New York’s top rate reaches 10.9%, and New Jersey’s reaches 10.75%, so you’ll need to review net take-home carefully.
But experienced nurses in high-acuity specialties like trauma, cardiac care, and oncology can secure packages in this region that genuinely rank among the best in the country.
Texas Stands Out for Volume, Variety, and Consistent Pay
Texas earns its place on this list through sheer scale. The state has one of the largest healthcare systems in the country; hospital networks in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin consistently post travel nurse positions with competitive pay. Weekly packages typically range from $2,200 to $3,200, slightly below the top-tier markets but with one major advantage: no state income tax. That means more of every dollar stays with you. A $2,800 weekly package in Texas may net out similarly to a $3,100 package in a state with a 7% or 8% income tax rate.
Texas also offers a wide variety in assignment types, from large urban trauma centers to smaller community hospitals in rural areas where pay climbs higher due to local shortages. The state’s compact is friendly for nurses licensed in NLC member states, making it easier to start an assignment quickly without waiting for a new license. And volume matters here. Texas consistently has hundreds of open travel nurse positions at any given time, giving you real options in location, specialty, and facility type rather than competing for a handful of slots.
Conclusion
Knowing which states pay travel nurses the most in 2026 gives you real power at the negotiating table. California, Washington, Alaska, New York, and Texas all offer strong packages, but the right choice depends on your specialty, your tax situation, and your personal priorities. Compare total compensation, not just the headline weekly rate, and you’ll make a much better decision about where your next contract takes you.
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