Top 10 Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses

It’s a new year and the collective theme seems to be all about new adventures and throwing ourselves full force into what 2023 has to offer. Whether you are already knee-deep in the travel nursing route or looking to start this new and exciting adventure, there is an essence of growth that can come for you throughout this year if you choose. If your income is that thing you want to level up on, then our list of the top 10 highest paying states for travel nurses will be the guide that sends you into your new, richer life.

Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses #1 – California

Already known as a popular travel nursing state to join due to its size and demand, California also boasts some of the highest pay. This means you could be living in incredible cities like Los Angeles or San Diego, visiting Disneyland, Beverly Hills and Malibu, sitting on the beach or shopping in the city all while making as much as $175,000 a year. It’s one of the highest paying salaries in the country, situated in one of the most beautiful states. A win-win.

Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses #2 – New York

It is a dream for many to say they have lived and worked in New York City. Even more so for travel nurses as the big apple is also home to some of the best medical centers in the country. While you could have your choice of hospitals like NYU Langone or Mount Sinai, you also have a significant variety of assignments you could take on. Expanding your skillset immensely. On top of this, with a $130,000 income per year, you can have your bagel and eat it too.

Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses #3 – Arizona

Imagine it’s winter time and you are just sick to death of the cold, slippery ice and burdens of an incredibly snowy winter. If this sounds familiar to you, Arizona might be the ideal place to warm up your bones. Like New York, there are some great assignments to choose from as well as hospitals very well known for hiring lots of travel nurses. With an average income of around $115,000 a year, you can enjoy the warm desert air, learn of new cultures and systems and enjoy one of the grand marvels of the world, the Grand Canyon.

Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses #4 – Texas

Almost like Arizona when it comes to climate, just a little less dry, you can enjoy the warmer winter months in a state that has so much to do. You’ll have cities like Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth to choose from, and all of them offer tremendous opportunities. With a salary of around $112,000 a year, you’ll be making great money while working in medical facilities well-known in the healthcare world. On top of this, there is some great BBQ to be eaten, national parks and museums to visit and no shortage of music to enjoy!

Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses #5 – Connecticut

Connecticut is well known as a high-paying state, at around $111,000 a year, and has many opportunities for all nurses and their specialties. You’ll be opening yourself up to a potential new demographic and a unique set of assignments. You can also choose from jobs in New Haven, New London, Bridgeport, Greenwich or Hartford. Wherever you end up, the state is beautiful with rich history, beautiful scenic shorelines, plenty of shopping and great food.

Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses #6 – Illinois

If it’s a well-paying city life you’re thinking of experiencing, Illinois – or more so the windy city of Chicago as your chances are highest of being hired there – is a great option. You would be looking at an income of around $109,000 a year in great hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital or Rush University Medical Center which are ranked in the top 20 in the U.S. You’ll be living that city life while having the opportunity to visit and relish in the amazing Amish settlements and all of the fantastic food they have to offer.

Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses #7 – Pennsylvania

People love Pennsylvania because of its high quality of life. That means being able to generate an income of around $108,000 a year, utilizing assignments that are unique to you, joining their nursing homes, private hospitals, trauma centers or general surgeries which are most popular for travel nurses, all while living well. You have plenty of surprising small towns around, and state parks to visit. Bonus points, if you plan on bringing kids or would like to be a big kid of your own, you can visit the Hershey amusement park!

Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses #8 – Michigan

Michigan offers an annual income of around $108,000 per year, also making it on the higher end of the ladder. It seems that for 2023, they are seeking an array of employers in the surgical setting. However, cardiac and labor and delivery nurses are also in demand. Hospitals like Beaumont Hospital and the University Of Michigan Hospital are always hiring travel nurses and here you can also utilize expanding your experience and skills.

Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses #9 – Florida

It undoubtedly is about the lifestyle when it comes to Florida. You may be looking for warmth in higher paying places like Arizona or Texas, but let’s be real. If you REALLY want to be warm, then you know your best bet will be in the real down south. Florida is another high demanding state like California, yet boasts an income of around $102,000 per year. While not as high as other states, you’ll also have an immense number of unique assignments to choose from, work in high quality hospitals and of course, enjoy the beaches and night life.

Highest Paying States For Travel Nurses #10 – Hawaii

Offering not only the lifestyle that many people dream of being able to hone in on. Hawaii boasts an income average of around $153,000. Receiving a job in Hawaii is literally like hitting the lottery and will not be an easy feat to do but it is so worth it! If you do happen to receive that amazing offer, you’ll be enjoying all of the perks of the amazing islands including its scenery, food, people, culture and everything Hawaii has to offer.

It’s important to set ourselves up for success. With 2023 bringing us a better idea of taking care of ourselves and working our ways up in our lives, it’s important to have all of the information before you take the leap. Our guide to the top 10 highest paying and best working states for travel nurses provides you with the perfect baseline to get yourself started. Level up this New Year and get everything you deserve. If travel nursing is something you would like to join, feel free to check out TheraEx Staffing Services or click here to ask any questions. Happy New Year!