Travel nursing is a great option for various reasons, but the main reason is a higher weekly salary than staff nurses. Starting out as a travel nurse, you will make far more money than your co-workers who are spending time in classrooms or clinical rotations. A higher starting salary is an advantage to traveling, and being able to live in the USA for part of the year instead of the entire year. In this article I will discuss the average pay for travel nurses, as well as some stipends you can earn such as medical benefits, housing stipends, and more!
In this article I will discuss the average weekly pay for a travel nurse, as well as various tax-free stipends, sign-on bonuses, night shift assignments, and much more. The money you earn as a travel nurse will be more than you would expect – up to 50 percent more than staff nursing! In fact, I have used travel nurse money to pay down debt, buy a new car, and make home renovations.
Average weekly pay
The salary of a travel nurse depends on several factors, including location and specialty. Nurses are paid more in more desirable destinations, such as major metropolitan areas like New York City, San Francisco, and Boston, whereas their average salary in less desirable locations will be lower. Cost of living is one of the main factors in determining a travel nurse’s salary, so research the cost of living in the area you are interested in before applying for a job.
Tax-free stipends
Most travel nurses earn their majority of income from jobs outside of their home country, and must therefore maintain a tax home while away from that country. They are able to claim these stipends as tax-free if they can prove that their primary residence is maintained by someone else. These requirements can be difficult to meet, but they are possible. If you’re interested in receiving a tax-free stipend, read on to find out how to qualify.
Sign-on bonuses
Sign-on bonuses for travel nurses are an increasingly common feature of the industry, but they are not always what they seem. While many travel nurse companies offer sign-on bonuses to attract new nurses, these bonuses are generally not tied to your contract and should be questioned. Hospitals often shy away from offering sign-on bonuses because of the high risk of failure if the assignment does not pan out. Sign-on bonuses for travel nurses can be as high as
$30,000 a year, though many are not worth it.
Night shift assignments
If you’re wondering how much a travel nurse makes on night shift assignments, you’re not alone. While day shift nurses are more likely to have their workdays off, night shifts are less productive. While you are on your feet all day, your brain will need rest to recharge. That’s why you should plan to eat several smaller meals during your night shift. You can meal prep in advance for ease of preparation, as well as to save money on food.
Average annual salary
Pennsylvania is home to many nursing jobs for travel nurses, including those that pay an average annual salary of $108,910. The state offers a variety of unique assignments for traveling nurses, with the University of Michigan Hospital and Beaumont Hospital at Royal Oak being
among the largest employers. Other popular travel nursing assignments include general surgery, trauma centers, and the Hershey Chocolate Company. Despite its low-paying status, the state offers a high quality of life, thanks in large part to Lake Michigan.
How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make? Result
The above discussed factors play a significant role in the income of a travel nurse on night shift. Each factor should be considered in regards to your income, or at least what you are trying to achieve as far as income goes. There is not a one size fits all approach when it comes to working and earning money in nursing, particularly night shift travel nursing.