Travel Nurse Jobs in the USA: Pay, Benefits, & How to Apply in 2025

25 Jul, 2025

Explore travel nurse jobs in the USA for 2025. Learn about pay rates, benefits, top agencies, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply and get started.

With rising healthcare demands and staff shortages across the United States, travel nursing has become one of the most in-demand—and rewarding—career paths in 2025. If you're a licensed nurse looking to explore the country, boost your income, and gain diverse clinical experience, then travel nurse jobs in the USA in 2025 may be the perfect fit.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how travel nursing works, average pay, top agencies, benefits, and how to apply step-by-step to land your first (or next) assignment.

What is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or nurse practitioner (NP) who takes temporary assignments—usually 8 to 13 weeks—in hospitals and clinics across different U.S. states.

Travel nurses help fill staffing shortages due to seasonal needs, emergencies, or long-term vacancies. In return, they receive:

Higher pay
Housing stipends
Flexible contracts
Paid travel expenses

Why Travel Nursing is Booming in 2025

Several trends are driving the growth of travel nurse jobs in the USA:

Aging U.S. population and increased demand for care
Post-pandemic burnout among full-time hospital staff
High turnover rates in critical care and ER nursing
Nationwide shortage of qualified nurses

As a result, hospitals are offering more competitive packages and faster onboarding for travel nurses.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make in 2025?

The average travel nurse salary in 2025 varies based on location, specialty, and agency.

Position	Average Weekly Pay (2025)	High-End Weekly Pay
Registered Nurse (RN)	$2,200 – $3,000	$4,000+ (in-demand areas)
ICU/ER Travel Nurse	$2,800 – $3,500	$4,500+
LPN/LVN Travel Nurse	$1,500 – $2,200	$2,800+
Nurse Practitioner (NP)	$3,500 – $4,500	$5,500+

Additional Perks:

Tax-free housing stipend: $800–$1,500/week
Meal and travel reimbursements
Bonuses: Up to $5,000 for completion or sign-on

Top Benefits of Travel Nurse Jobs in the USA

High Pay and Tax-Free Stipends
Free or Subsidized Housing
Flexible Contract Lengths
Licensure Reimbursement (e.g., compact states)
Travel Across the USA
Medical, Dental, and 401(k) Benefits
Experience in Top-Ranked Hospitals

2025 Note: Many agencies now offer mental health support and on-call recruiters to help nurses manage burnout and workload.

Top Travel Nursing Specialties in 2025

If you specialize in one of these fields, expect higher demand and pay:

ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
ER (Emergency Room)
Labor & Delivery
Pediatrics
Telemetry
Operating Room (OR)
Psychiatric Nursing

How to Apply for Travel Nurse Jobs in 2025 (Step-by-Step)

1. Get Licensed

You must hold an active RN or LPN license in the USA.
Compact State License is a bonus—lets you work in 40+ states.

2. Gain 1–2 Years of Experience

Most hospitals require at least 1 year of bedside experience.
Specialized areas like ICU or ER may require 2 years.

3. Choose a Travel Nurse Agency

Trusted agencies help you find contracts, negotiate pay, and manage paperwork.

Top Travel Nurse Agencies in 2025:

Aya Healthcare
AMN Healthcare
Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA)
Triage Staffing
Medical Solutions
Fastaff

4. Submit Your Application & Resume

Your agency will ask for:

Updated resume
Licenses and certifications (BLS, ACLS, etc.)
References
Work preferences (location, shift, specialty)

5. Interview with Facilities

Once matched to a facility, you may have a quick phone interview or receive an auto-offer if your profile fits.

6. Review and Sign Your Contract

Your travel nurse contract will include:

Pay breakdown (base + stipends)
Start/end dates
Housing options
Cancellation clauses
Overtime policies

Pro Tip: Always ask about floating, cancellation policies, and license transfers.

7. Complete Compliance & Start Assignment

You'll need to complete:

Drug test
Background check
Physical exam
Online hospital modules

Then you’re ready to begin your assignment!

Most Popular Cities for Travel Nurses in 2025

City	Why It's Popular
Los Angeles, CA	High pay, large hospital systems, year-round demand
New York City, NY	Premium contracts, diverse clinical experience
Houston, TX	Compact license, strong demand, no state tax
Seattle, WA	High cost of living offset by strong pay packages
Phoenix, AZ	Winter contracts, snowbird hospitals

Travel Nursing FAQ (2025 Edition)

Q: Can new grads become travel nurses?
Not immediately. Most agencies require 12–24 months of experience first.

Q: Do I have to find my own housing?
You can either accept agency-provided housing or take a stipend to find your own.

Q: Can I bring my family or pet?
Yes. Many nurses travel with spouses, kids, or pets—just make housing plans accordingly.

Q: Is travel nursing only for RNs?
No! LPNs, nurse practitioners, and some allied health roles (e.g., respiratory therapists) can also take travel assignments.

Q: What happens if I hate the assignment?
You’re typically locked in for the contract length, but your recruiter can help with early termination in emergencies.

2025 Tips for Travel Nurses

Use mobile apps like Nomad Health or Wanderly to compare offers.
Join Facebook groups for honest reviews and housing tips.
Maintain updated credentials—some agencies offer free CEUs.
Track your expenses for tax write-offs.
Choose agencies that cover licensing and credentialing fees.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a nurse who wants adventure, flexibility, and top pay, travel nurse jobs in the USA in 2025 offer everything you need to build a fulfilling career. With top agencies, increasing demand, and generous compensation packages, now’s the best time to take your skills on the road.

Whether you're looking for sunshine in California, city life in NYC, or peaceful rural hospitals in the Midwest, travel nursing gives you the freedom to work and explore the country—on your own terms.