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HomeBlogHighest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs – Earn Up to $6,500/Week
Healthcare recruiters discussing top travel RN contracts with nurses
Travel Nursing
By Mohamed Basha, RN
Published June 5, 2025
Updated July 2, 2025

Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs – Earn Up to $6,500/Week

Want to know which travel nursing jobs offer the highest pay? This article breaks down the top-paying travel nursing positions, with some roles offering up to $6,500 per week. We’ll explore which specialties command the highest salaries and why. If you’re a registered nurse looking to maximize your earnings while working in different locations, read on to discover the highest paying travel nursing jobs.

Travel RN exploring high-paying nursing jobs across the United States at sunset

Key Takeaways

  • Travel nursing jobs offer competitive salaries, with some positions earning up to $6,500 per week across various specialties.
  • Key high-paying specialties include Critical Care RNs, Pediatric Cardiovascular ICU RNs, and Perioperative RN First Assistants, each demanding specialized skills.
  • In addition to high pay, travel nursing offers benefits such as housing stipends, immediate medical coverage, and personalized recruiter support to enhance the overall experience.

Top Paying Travel Nursing Jobs

Travel nursing jobs are renowned for their attractive compensation packages, often surpassing traditional nursing roles. With weekly earnings reaching up to $6,500, these positions offer not just competitive pay but also the chance to travel and work in diverse healthcare settings. The allure of high-paying travel nurse jobs lies in their ability to combine financial rewards with the excitement of new experiences, making them a sought-after career choice for many registered nurses.

Among the top travel nursing jobs, certain specialties stand out for their lucrative pay. Critical Care RN positions, Pediatric Cardiovascular ICU RNs, and Perioperative RN First Assistants are some of the highest paying roles in the field. These positions demand advanced skills and expertise, reflecting their competitive pay and high demand.

Examining each of these top-paying travel nursing jobs reveals what makes them so rewarding, as these professionals truly deserve the recognition for their hard work and salary

Young travel nurse in urban ICU setting searching for high-paying assignments

Critical Care RN Positions

Critical care registered nurses (RNs) are the backbone of intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency room departments, providing advanced patient care in high-pressure environments. These professionals are essential in managing the care of critically ill patients, ensuring quick responses in emergencies, and maintaining a high level of clinical excellence. The intense nature of their work and the critical importance of their role justify the high pay for critical care RN positions in travel nursing.

Critical care travel nurse jobs offer substantial earnings and the chance to work in diverse, challenging settings. Whether stabilizing patients in the ICU or responding to emergencies, critical care RNs play a pivotal role that commands top travel nursing jobs and competitive pay. Their expertise and ability to handle high-stress situations make them invaluable in the healthcare industry.

Pediatric Cardiovascular ICU RN

Pediatric cardiovascular ICU registered nurses are among the most highly compensated professionals in travel nursing. These RNs handle complex cases involving critically ill children with cardiovascular conditions, requiring specialized knowledge and skills. The demand for such expertise translates into significant weekly salaries, making this specialty one of the highest paying travel nurse jobs available.

The role of a pediatric cardiovascular ICU RN is both challenging and rewarding. Caring for young patients with severe heart conditions requires high competence and compassion. Travel nurses in this specialty not only earn competitive pay but also gain the satisfaction of making a profound impact on the lives of children and their families.

Perioperative RN First Assistant

Perioperative RN First Assistants play a crucial role in the surgical team, providing essential support to surgeons during operations. Their responsibilities include assisting with surgical procedures, ensuring the operating room is prepared, and monitoring patient vitals during surgery. This critical role commands above-average pay, reflecting the importance and expertise required for the position.

Securing a Perioperative RN First Assistant contract can be facilitated by various agencies, with 16 agencies available to help nurses find these specialized roles. High pay and the opportunity to work closely with surgeons make this a top travel nursing job for those with perioperative expertise.

High-Paying Specialties

Beyond critical care, several other travel nursing specialties offer lucrative pay and rewarding experiences. Specialties such as:

  • Labor and Delivery

  • Oncology

  • Medical-Surgical (Med Surg) nursing stand out for their high earnings and competitive pay rates, making them attractive options for travel nurses.

High-paying specialties offer financial rewards as well as opportunities for professional growth and diverse clinical experiences. Let’s explore the specifics of each of these specialties to understand what makes them some of the highest paying travel nursing jobs available.

Labor and Delivery Nurses

Labor and Delivery nurses play a critical role in ensuring the safe delivery of newborns and caring for mothers during childbirth. These nurses are integral to the birthing process, providing support and medical care in both routine and complex deliveries. The high level of expertise and responsibility required in this specialty is reflected in the above-average pay, making it a highly desirable travel nurse job.

In addition to the financial benefits, Labor and Delivery nurses often find great personal satisfaction in their work, helping families physically welcome new life into the world. This specialty offers a unique blend of emotional fulfillment and competitive pay, making it one of the top travel nursing jobs in the field.

Oncology Nursing Jobs

Oncology nurses specialize in caring for patients undergoing cancer treatment, providing both medical care and emotional support. Travel nursing’s flexibility allows oncology nurses to work in various settings, enhancing their clinical skills and experience. This specialty is known for its financial and professional rewards, with travel nurse jobs in oncology offering competitive pay and diverse opportunities.

The demand for oncology nurses is high, reflecting the growing need for specialized cancer care. Oncology travel nurses can earn substantial weekly salaries while significantly impacting their patients’ lives. The combination of high pay and meaningful work makes oncology nursing a top choice for many travel nurses.

Med Surg Travel Nursing

Medical-Surgical (Med Surg) travel nurses are vital in providing care for patients undergoing surgeries and complex medical treatments. The salaries for Med Surg travel nurses can vary widely based on location, demand, and experience, typically ranging from $1,800 to $3,500 per week. The variability reflects the diverse nature of assignments, including work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

Med Surg travel nursing roles are crucial for ensuring patients receive comprehensive care from physicians before and after surgical procedures. Geographic location and healthcare facility needs can significantly influence pay, making this specialty both challenging and financially rewarding.

Benefits and Perks of High-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs

High-paying travel nursing jobs offer benefits and perks beyond just attractive salaries. These incentives make travel nursing an appealing career choice for many nurses. Benefits such as housing stipends, day one medical and dental coverage, and personalized support from recruiters enhance the overall travel nursing experience.

These perks enhance a nurse’s financial well-being and provide peace of mind and support during assignments. Let’s explore these benefits in more detail to understand why high-paying travel nursing jobs are so desirable.

Housing Stipends and Relocation Assistance

One of the significant perks of high-paying travel nursing jobs is the financial assistance provided for housing. Travel nurses often receive housing stipends that can significantly reduce their living costs while on assignment. These stipends cover accommodation expenses, letting nurses focus on their work without worrying about housing costs.

In addition to housing stipends, many travel nursing agencies offer relocation assistance to help nurses cover the costs associated with moving to a new assignment. This support ensures a smooth transition and reduces the financial burden of relocating.

Day One Medical and Dental Coverage

High-paying travel nursing positions frequently offer immediate access to medical and dental insurance from the very first day of employment. Immediate coverage offers the security of comprehensive healthcare benefits from day one.

Travel nurses typically receive extensive medical and dental insurance, ensuring protection throughout assignments and covering necessary medication. This benefit is particularly important for those working in high-stress environments, providing peace of mind and allowing them to focus on their patient care.

Personalized Support from Recruiters

Recruiters play a crucial role in the travel nursing journey by matching nurses with assignments that align with their skills and preferences. A recruiter understands the unique needs of travel nurses and works diligently to find the right fit for each individual.

Personalized support from recruiters ensures a positive experience with timely answers and advocacy throughout assignments, demonstrating a commitment to this support that is invaluable in navigating the complexities of travel nursing and maximizing job satisfaction.

Finding the Best Agencies for High-Paying Travel Nurse Jobs

Choosing the right agency is crucial for securing high-paying travel nurse jobs and ensuring a positive experience. The best agencies offer competitive pay, excellent support, and a range of job opportunities that align with a nurse’s specialty and career goals.

Let’s explore how to find these top-rated agencies and what to look for when evaluating them to ensure you make the best choice for your travel nursing career.

Top-Rated Travel Nursing Agencies

Top-rated travel nursing agencies like TLC Nursing are well-known for their high pay rates and excellent support. An agency with a strong reputation can significantly impact a nurse’s earning potential and job satisfaction. These agencies provide tailored staffing solutions and have a track record of placing nurses in high-paying assignments.

Top-rated agencies ensure travel nurses receive the best support and financial rewards. The right agency can significantly impact a travel nurse’s career, offering growth opportunities and high earnings.

Tips for Evaluating Agencies

When evaluating agencies, conduct thorough research, including checking reputation and client review. Check if the agency is responsible and accredited by the Joint Commission to ensure adherence to high industry standards.

Consider the range of job opportunities and inquire about the clinical support provided during assignments. These factors are crucial for ensuring a positive and supportive travel nursing experience.

Agency Referral Bonuses

Agency referral bonuses are a substantial additional incentive for travel nurses. These bonuses can significantly enhance overall earnings, making high-paying travel nurse jobs even more lucrative. Referral bonuses are available for various positions, including pediatric cardiovascular ICU RNs and perioperative RN First Assistants.

Referral bonuses can boost weekly earnings and help peers find great va co job opportunities for those who are interested, ny, ma.

Testimonials from Fellow Travelers

Insights and inspiration can be gleaned from fellow travel nurses. Many travel nurses share their satisfaction with high-paying jobs, highlighting transformative experiences and personal growth. Testimonials offer a glimpse into the rewarding world of travel nursing.

Explore success stories, professional growth experiences, and how travel nurses expect to discover family balance between work and adventure for women.

Success Stories from High-Earning Nurses

One travel nurse shared an inspiring story of earning $187,000 in a single year, allowing them to work only part of the year while still enjoying diverse travel opportunities. This level of income not only provided financial freedom but also enabled them to explore new places and cultures, enhancing their personal and professional life.

Another nurse noted how partnering with a supportive agency boosted their career and income potential. The combination of high pay, excellent support, and the chance to work in different healthcare settings made their travel nursing experience exceptionally rewarding for the nation.

Professional Growth and Career Advancement

Travel nursing offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. Many nurses report that working in diverse settings has significantly boosted their confidence and adaptability. The exposure to various clinical environments and patient populations enhances their skills and makes them more versatile healthcare professionals.

Travel nursing often provides access to advanced training and opportunities to work in specialized fields, accelerating career development. This continuous learning and professional advancement are key benefits that attract many nurses to the field.

Balancing Work and Adventure

Balancing work and adventure is a key aspect of travel nursing. Many travel nurses emphasize the joy of exploring new cities and cultures during their assignments, creating a fulfilling work-life balance. This unique aspect of travel nursing allows nurses to pursue their passion for healthcare while satisfying their wanderlust.

Travel nurses often share stories of managing to explore new destinations while fulfilling their work commitments effectively. This balance between professional responsibilities and personal adventures makes travel nursing a perfect fit for those seeking both career growth and life experiences in travel jobs.

Summary

High-paying travel nursing jobs offer a unique blend of financial rewards, professional growth, and personal adventure. From critical care and pediatric cardiovascular ICU RNs to perioperative RN First Assistants, the opportunities for high earnings are vast and varied. Specialties such as Labor and Delivery, Oncology, and Med Surg nursing further expand the possibilities for lucrative travel nurse jobs.

The additional benefits and perks, such as housing stipends, day one medical and dental coverage, and personalized support from recruiters, enhance the overall travel nursing experience. By choosing the right agency and taking advantage of referral bonuses, travel nurses can maximize their earnings and job satisfaction. The testimonials from fellow travelers highlight the transformative potential of this career path, making travel nursing an exciting and rewarding option for registered nurses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest paying travel nursing job?

The highest paying travel nursing jobs include Critical Care RNs, Pediatric Cardiovascular ICU RNs, and Perioperative RN First Assistants, with potential weekly earnings of up to $6,500. These positions offer significant financial rewards for skilled nursing professionals.

What additional benefits do travel nurses receive?

Travel nurses enjoy additional benefits such as housing stipends, immediate medical and dental coverage, and personalized support from recruiters, which greatly enrich their compensation and job satisfaction.

How can I find the best travel nursing agency?

To find the best travel nursing agency, research their reputation through client reviews, confirm their accreditation by the Joint Commission, and evaluate the variety of job opportunities they provide. This will help ensure you choose an agency that meets your professional needs and standards.

What are agency referral bonuses?

Agency referral bonuses are incentives provided by travel nursing agencies to encourage nurses to refer their peers, allowing them to earn additional income. This program not only rewards the referrer but also helps agencies attract qualified talent.

Can travel nursing help with professional growth?

Travel nursing can significantly enhance your professional growth by providing access to advanced training and opportunities in specialized fields. This experience can lead to greater career advancement options.

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