Looking for the best cities to travel nurse in 2025? This list highlights top destinations for great career opportunities and unique experiences. Whether you like city life or nature, find where your next assignment could be.
Quick Facts
- Travel nursing allows you to explore different places while growing your healthcare career.
- Top travel nurse destinations include cities like Denver and New York City and hidden gems like Anchorage and Augusta.
- Maximizing earnings as a travel nurse is possible by choosing high paying cities like San Francisco and Seattle and balancing work with local adventures.
- Job openings vary across different travel nursing destinations, with some cities and states offering more opportunities for available positions. Understanding these variations can help in selecting your preferred travel nursing destination.
Adventure Awaits: Top Travel Nursing Destinations
Travel nursing lets you discover new regions and work in different medical settings. There’s something for everyone, whether you love the hustle and bustle of city life or serene natural settings. Some of the best travel nurse jobs offer career advancement and extraordinary life experiences.
Picking the right travel nursing destination can greatly improve your overall quality of life by blending work with play. Imagine using your time off to hike the Rocky Mountains or explore New York City’s culture. Several top destinations await that offer exciting adventures and growth for nurses who want adventure and growth in their field.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is the perfect destination for travel nurses, with a great mix of city life and natural beauty. Located next to the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, skiing, and kayaking available in abundance. In the summer months, you can white water raft or tackle Colorado’s famous 14ers.
The downtown Denver area is a vibrant hub of nightlife, dining, and entertainment, ensuring you’re never short on things to do after your shifts. Aurora, Colorado, is only a half-hour drive from downtown Denver, offering a balance between urban amenities and natural attractions. The city is known for its balance of career opportunities and leisure activities. With amazing scenery right at your doorstep, it’s a top pick for travel nurses who want to advance their careers and have adventures. Once you leave the hospital, New York City is a cultural mecca. It has iconic attractions like Times Square, Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building. With an arts scene, supreme dining, and endless entertainment options, NYC is a great place professionally and socially.
For travel nurses looking for professional development and unique cultural experiences unlike anywhere else in the world – NYC is the place to be.
San Diego, California
San Diego, famous for its warm weather, great beaches and laid back vibe, is a top destination for travel nurses. This location has a variety of healthcare facilities with plenty of job opportunities across multiple nursing disciplines. It’s the perfect place to blend work and play – catching waves, soaking up the sun or strolling along the beach.
In this city that’s alive, travel nurses can immerse themselves in outdoor activities, community happenings and a thriving food scene. They can get career satisfaction and personal enjoyment in San Diego’s beautiful landscapes and easy going daily rhythm.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is often considered one of the top cities for travel nurses due to its strong job market and numerous job openings. The city’s hospitals are always looking for skilled staff, so it’s an ideal spot for those seeking consistent work.
The city has plenty of professional opportunities and a vibrant cultural scene and attractions. Until October 2023 information shows Atlanta has plenty of leisure activities from historical landmarks like Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium. For travel nurses stationed in Atlanta there’s no lack of things to do during their downtime in an environment rich with southern charm and an active arts community.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Travel nurses in Honolulu can have adventures and relax. With its unspoiled beaches and warm tropical weather, the city is the perfect spot to unwind after a long shift. The dynamic night scene and cultural variety makes it even more attractive, offering travel nurses a multi-faceted experience.
To professional opportunities, travel nurses are presented with outdoor activities in Honolulu, including surfing, snorkeling, hiking trails and volcanic terrain exploration. The relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural scenery makes Honolulu a top destination for nurses who want to advance their careers and have fun in their recreational life.
Hidden Gems for Travel Nurses
Travel nurses often head to famous places like New York City and San Diego which are known for their city life and natural beauty. There are many under the radar spots that offer unique cultural experiences and career opportunities. These hidden gems can deliver great travel nursing assignments and allow nurses to discover new surroundings.
Choose one of these lesser known jewels for your next travel nursing assignment and you’ll open yourself up to surprises and personal growth. Whether it’s immersing yourself in the wild beauty of Anchorage or delving into the historic charm of Augusta, each location has unique possibilities to consider when picking your next placement in travel nursing.
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska is a hidden treasure that gives travel nurses an adventure-filled experience with distinct culture and breathtaking views. The city combines the thrill of urban life with access to vast wilderness areas for those who love nature.
Travel nurses will like Anchorage not only for its scenic beauty and city amenities but also because it has tax-free shopping which is a big economic advantage. This city life set against stunning outdoor scenery puts Anchorage among the top destinations for bold healthcare workers looking for more than just a job.
Redding, California
Redding, California’s Trails Capital is an ideal spot for travel nurses who love the outdoors. Surrounded by parks and hiking trails the city offers endless opportunities for those who want to go on an adventure in nature.
The friendly community in Redding and its lower cost of living makes it a great choice for travel nurses. This friendly environment and economic advantage allows them to enjoy their postings without the high costs of bigger cities.
Augusta, Maine
Travel nurses in Augusta, Maine are met with a mix of the town’s historic charm and natural beauty. The small town vibe and biking and hiking options make it a great place to live and work.
The city of 20,000 people has a small town feel but still has plenty of job opportunities. For travel nurses on assignment, Augusta has an enriching experience surrounded by heritage sights and beautiful views.
Top Cities for High Pay
Travel nurses looking to maximize their income will find that certain cities offer higher pay rates based on the local cost of living and demand for healthcare workers. Although living in these cities may come with higher costs, the big pay could justify this.
When choosing a city for high pay, travel nurses should not just look at their salary but also the overall compensation package which includes housing stipends and other benefits. These cities are known for offering competitive wages and prime job opportunities for travel nurses.
San Francisco, California
Travel nurses in San Francisco are among the highest paid in the country. The city’s medical industry fueled by technology ensures nurses receive competitive wages plus incentives like signing bonus and completion bonus for assignments.
To additional financial benefits, travel nurses in San Francisco can experience the vibrant city life. They can enjoy the culture, food and work in state-of-the-art hospitals.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a top location for travel nurses seeking high income with its hospitals offering many job opportunities and competitive wages. The city has a dynamic community and rich cultural atmosphere making it an attractive place to live and work.
The city offers numerous outdoor activities like hiking trails and proximity to national parks, with mild climate and beautiful scenery. These add to the quality of life for travel nurses in Seattle.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Travel nurses are drawn to Las Vegas because of the high pay rates which allows them to increase their income. The varied healthcare settings in the city also offer unique experiences and career growth opportunities in hospitals.
To professional opportunities, Las Vegas offers a wide range of recreational activities for travel nurses to enjoy on assignment. With its lively night life and cultural offerings, the city is a fun and exciting place for nurses to be during their free time and while working.
Burlington, Vermont
In Burlington, Vermont travel nurses have many job opportunities with attractive weekly pay. Depending on the role, these travel medical professionals can make up to $1,984 to $2,137 per week. Specifically, those in ER roles may see even higher earnings up to around $3,700 per week.Assignments for nurses in this city cover telemetry and psychiatry specialties. Travel nursing agencies also offer housing stipends and health insurance benefits. Making Burlington a great place for nurses to do travel assignments.
Boston, Massachusetts
Travel nurses are drawn to Boston for its weekly pay potential and variety of healthcare environments. Especially those in labor and delivery can make between $2,150 to $2,330 per week.
Assignment duration is around 13 weeks but can be extended based on the nurse’s performance and the hospital’s need. With institutions like Brigham and Women’s Hospital here, Boston is a top choice for travel nurses seeking career growth.
Tips for Choosing Your Next Assignment
Travel nurses should choose assignments that support their career goals and overall life goals. With the potential to make around $101,132 per year which is more than the average RN salary, they will benefit financially from such choices.
When choosing your next travel nursing assignment consider living expenses in the area, job opportunities and your personal lifestyle. By evaluating these factors and using services from travel nursing agencies you can help you find roles that meet both your professional and personal needs.
Research Potential Locations
Travel nurses should research potential locations before selecting a travel nursing assignment. Start by making a list of favorite cities and states, then research online and network within the community.Consider lifestyle preferences, weather, living expenses and job opportunities in the area.
Make a checklist or weigh the pros and cons can help in making an informed decision for your assignment. For example Denver is appealing to many nurses because of its 300 days of sun a year and varied climate.
Consult with a Travel Nursing Agency
A travel nursing agency can simplify the search and acquisition of travel nurse positions. They are experts in matching nurses who want to travel with job openings in many places, providing assistance with administrative tasks, accommodation arrangements and employment benefits. Through these agencies a wider range of assignments that may not be available through regular job searching becomes available to you giving you more options for your next position.Using a travel nursing agency can make the transition from one assignment to another stress free. By using their knowledge and resources you can focus on your professional journey and personal development as they handle the logistics.
Network with Other Travel Nurses
Building relationships with other travel nurses can open up more job opportunities and give you a deeper understanding of the locations. Cultivate these professional relationships throughout each assignment not only increases the chances of future work but also provides backup. Use LinkedIn and other social media platforms to create a professional persona and connect with key people in the industry.
Attend seminars, workshops and join nursing guilds to expand your network and open up new career opportunities. Casual conversations at these events often lead to valuable connections that can be beneficial to your travel nursing career.
Housing Options
Finding the right housing is a key part of a successful travel nursing experience. Nurses on travel assignments are provided a housing stipend which is supposed to cover the cost of accommodations in the designated location. Make the most of these housing stipends to boost your financial well being and have good accommodations while on assignment.
Research different options through short-term rental services to find housing for your stay. There are many options from hotels with extended stay rates to furnished apartments so you have plenty of choices to suit your preferences and needs.
Using Housing Stipends
Travel nurses can use their housing stipend towards accommodations that suit their individual needs so they can stay in places they like. To get more financial support for housing especially in areas where living expenses are high, it is beneficial for travel nurses to negotiate these stipends with staffing agencies.
When the stipend doesn’t cover the cost of local housing options, nurses should be prepared to adjust their expectations on the standard of accommodation. Making the most of housing allowances is crucial for travel nurses to find good housing and stay financially balanced while on assignment.
Temporary Accommodations
Travel nurses often opt for extended stay hotels and furnished rentals when looking for temporary but comfortable living arrangements. Facilities like Extended Stay America offer economical hotel options with kitchens that meet the needs of travel nurses who need accommodations for longer periods.For short-term rentals of entire homes to apartments in many locations, platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are used. There are specialized services like Travel Nurse Housing that offer housing solutions tailored to travel nurses with properties near healthcare facilities.
Work and Play
For travel nurses it’s important to balance work and exploration. Allocate specific times for relaxation and plan outings within the city to keep work and personal life in equilibrium. Seasonal events often coincides with travel nursing jobs so nurses get to experience more.
Setting boundaries between work and downtime allows travel nurses to enjoy their free time work free. By scheduling and prioritizing tasks, they can optimize their off hours while handling their nursing responsibilities.
Time Management Tips
It’s important for travel nurses to set boundaries between work and downtime so they can enjoy their leisure time work free. Using organizational tools like planners or electronic calendars can help schedule work shifts and give priority to personal pursuits.
By setting deliberate goals for work and downtime activities, travel nurses have a systematic approach that covers both job assignments and personal life experiences. Travel nurses who use effective prioritization and scheduling techniques are better equipped to maximize their days off while handling career responsibilities so they can balance work and personal endeavors.
Must See Attractions
During downtime, travel nurses can visit many attractions in their assigned locations including national parks, historic sites and cultural hotspots. For those on assignment in California they can visit Yosemite National Park and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. In Washington State they can see Seattle’s Space Needle and Mount Rainier.
For attractions outside these locations, Florida has the stunning Everglades National Park while Orlando has many theme parks. These places offer unique adventures that not only add to the nursing experience but also create unforgettable moments for travel nurses.
Conclusion
Travel nursing opens up many locations for you to broaden your horizons and advance your career. Every assignment whether in the busy streets of New York City or the lesser known places like Anchorage and Augusta offers cultural experiences and professional growth. The high pay in cities like San Francisco and Seattle is an added bonus to the profession. Information on choosing assignments, finding housing and balancing work responsibilities and local exploration contributes to a great experience in travel nursing.
To embark on this journey in travel nursing you need to research prospective cities, reach out to agencies for placement assistance and connect with other travel nurses. With planning and an open mind to new experiences you can create not only an enriching but also exciting path for yourself within travel nurse careers.
FAQs
What are the benefits of travel nursing?
Travel nursing gets to see new places while advancing your career and achieving work-life balance.
It’s a great way to gain diverse experiences and grow professionally!
How do I choose the best travel nursing destination?
To choose the best travel nursing destination research locations that fit your career goals, talk to travel nursing agencies and connect with fellow travel nurses.
That way you’ll find an assignment that fits both your professional needs and personal preferences.
What should I consider when selecting a travel nursing assignment?
When selecting a travel nursing assignment think about your lifestyle preferences, climate and cost of living.
Also consider job prospects and how the assignment aligns with your long term career goals.
How do I find suitable housing during my travel nursing assignments?
To find suitable housing during your travel nursing assignments use housing stipends, look into short-term rental platforms and consider extended stay hotels or furnished options.
That way you’ll have a place that feels like home while you’re on the go.
How do I balance work and exploration as a travel nurse?
To balance work and exploration as a travel nurse set clear boundaries between your job and downtime and schedule your adventures using planners or digital calendars.
That way you can maximize your off hours and fully enjoy your new surroundings.
