2026 Travel Nursing Salary Guide by Specialty
What to Expect from Travel Nurse Salaries in 2026
As 2026 approaches, travel nursing continues to offer exceptional opportunities for flexibility, adventure, and competitive pay. Hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country are still working to fill critical staffing gaps, which means experienced travel nurses remain in high demand and can expect solid compensation throughout the year.
However, salaries can vary widely depending on your specialty, location, experience, and even the type of facility you choose. For example, an ICU or OR nurse may earn significantly more than a Med-Surg nurse, while assignments in high-cost states like California or New York often come with higher weekly rates.
In this guide, 13 Weeks Staffing outlines what travel nurses can expect to earn in 2026, with projected salary ranges by specialty and insights into the factors that influence pay. Whether you are new to travel nursing or planning your next contract, this guide will help you set realistic salary expectations and make informed decisions about your next assignment.
Travel Nurse Pay Trends to Watch in 2026
Travel nursing salaries are expected to remain strong throughout 2026, with competitive pay across most specialties and regions. Continued staffing shortages, rising patient volumes, and an increased need for specialized care are all contributing to steady demand for qualified travel nurses.
While the average travel nurse in 2025 earned between $2,100 and $3,000 per week, pay rates in 2026 are projected to increase slightly in response to inflation and continued workforce needs. High-demand specialties such as ICU, ER, and OR nursing will likely see the most significant boosts, while steady demand will continue in Med-Surg, Telemetry, and L&D.
Location will continue to play a major role in compensation. States like California, Alaska, Massachusetts, and New York tend to offer higher pay due to their cost of living and staffing challenges, while southern and midwestern states may offer lower base rates but more affordable living expenses and generous stipends.
In addition to base pay, many 2026 contracts will continue to include tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals, which can add hundreds of dollars per week to a nurse's take-home pay. When factoring in these benefits, total weekly compensation for travel nurses may reach $3,500 or more for certain high-need specialties and locations.
Average Travel Nurse Salary by Specialty in 2026
Travel nursing salaries can vary depending on location, experience, and demand, but certain specialties consistently offer higher earning potential. Below is a breakdown of the most in-demand specialties, projected 2026 weekly pay, and a detailed overview of the duties and responsibilities associated with each role.
ICU (Intensive Care Unit) Nurses
Projected pay: $2,700 – $3,500 per week
ICU nurses care for critically ill patients who require constant monitoring and advanced interventions. Their responsibilities include managing ventilators, administering complex medications, interpreting vital signs, and coordinating care with physicians and other healthcare providers. Travel ICU nurses often work with patients in life-threatening situations and must respond quickly to emergencies while providing detailed documentation of patient progress.
ER (Emergency Room) Nurses
Projected pay: $2,400 – $3,200 per week
ER nurses provide immediate care to patients experiencing acute illness or injury. Their duties include triaging patients based on severity, performing rapid assessments, administering medications, stabilizing trauma cases, and collaborating closely with physicians and specialists. Travel ER nurses need to be adaptable, able to handle high-stress environments, and skilled in a broad range of emergency procedures.
OR (Operating Room) Nurses
Projected pay: $2,300 – $3,100 per week
Operating Room nurses, also known as perioperative or surgical nurses, assist during surgeries and ensure patient safety before, during, and after procedures. Responsibilities include preparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, monitoring patient vitals during surgery, assisting surgeons as needed, and educating patients on post-operative care. Travel OR nurses must be highly detail-oriented, skilled in aseptic techniques, and able to adapt to different surgical teams and protocols.
L&D (Labor and Delivery) Nurses
Projected pay: $2,400 – $3,000 per week
Labor and Delivery nurses care for mothers and newborns during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Duties include monitoring fetal heart rates, providing pain management, assisting with deliveries, educating mothers on newborn care, and responding to obstetric emergencies. Travel L&D nurses must be compassionate, skilled in both routine and high-risk deliveries, and able to provide support to families during one of life's most critical moments.
Med-Surg (Medical-Surgical) Nurses
Projected pay: $2,000 – $2,700 per week
Med-Surg nurses provide care for adult patients recovering from surgery or managing complex medical conditions. Responsibilities include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, coordinating care plans, educating patients and families, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Travel Med-Surg nurses need a broad knowledge base and the ability to quickly adapt to different hospital units and patient populations.
Telemetry Nurses
Projected pay: $2,200 – $2,900 per week
Telemetry nurses specialize in monitoring patients with cardiac or respiratory conditions using electronic monitoring systems. Duties include interpreting ECGs, responding to cardiac events, administering medications, and educating patients on heart health and disease management. Travel telemetry nurses must be attentive, detail-oriented, and proficient in recognizing early warning signs of complications.
Psychiatric Nurses
Projected pay: $2,200 – $2,800 per week
Psychiatric nurses provide care for patients with mental health disorders in inpatient and outpatient settings. Responsibilities include assessing mental health status, administering medications, developing treatment plans, leading therapeutic interventions, and providing crisis management. Travel psychiatric nurses must have strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to handle challenging behavioral situations safely and effectively.
Pediatric and NICU Nurses
Projected pay: $2,300 – $3,000 per week
Pediatric and NICU nurses care for newborns, infants, and children with a range of medical conditions. Duties include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, supporting developmental care, educating families, and collaborating with specialists to create individualized care plans. Travel pediatric and NICU nurses must be highly skilled, compassionate, and capable of working in fast-paced, high-acuity environments.
Factors That Influence Travel Nurse Pay
Travel nurse salaries can vary significantly from one contract to another. Understanding what drives those differences can help you choose assignments that align with your financial goals and professional experience. Here are the key factors that influence pay rates in 2026:
Location
Geography plays one of the biggest roles in determining pay. States with higher costs of living or ongoing staffing shortages—such as California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington—typically offer higher base rates. In contrast, regions in the Midwest or South may offer lower weekly pay but offset it with affordable housing and generous stipends.
Specialty
Specialties that require advanced training, certifications, or high-acuity care generally come with higher pay. ICU, ER, OR, and L&D nurses often earn more than Med-Surg or Telemetry nurses because of the complexity and intensity of their roles.
Experience and Certifications
Nurses with several years of experience or additional certifications (such as CCRN, CNOR, or CEN) are often eligible for higher-paying assignments. Employers value nurses who can adapt quickly and manage complex cases with confidence.
Shift Type and Hours
Working nights, weekends, or holidays can significantly boost your income. Many facilities offer premium pay for less desirable shifts, and overtime opportunities can further increase total weekly earnings.
Contract Type and Urgency
Short-term, crisis, or rapid-response assignments typically pay more than standard contracts due to the urgency of staffing needs. These opportunities can be demanding but are ideal for nurses looking to maximize their earnings in a short period of time.
Housing and Stipends
Tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals remain an important part of a travel nurse's total compensation package. Even if a base rate seems lower, generous stipends can make a significant difference in your take-home pay.
How to Maximize Your Earnings in 2026
With travel nurse pay staying strong across most specialties, 2026 offers plenty of opportunities to grow your income and build financial stability while doing what you love. The key is knowing how to position yourself for the best assignments and compensation packages. Here are a few practical ways to make the most of your travel nursing career this year:
Work with a Trusted Staffing Agency
Partnering with an experienced agency like 13 Weeks Staffing can make a major difference in your earning potential. Reputable agencies maintain strong relationships with hospitals, giving you access to top-paying contracts and transparent pay packages.
Stay Flexible
Flexibility with location, shift type, and start dates often leads to higher-paying opportunities. Being open to working in different regions or accepting night shifts can help you secure contracts with premium pay rates.
Earn In-Demand Certifications
Specialty certifications can set you apart and qualify you for higher-paying roles. Credentials such as CCRN, CEN, or CNOR demonstrate advanced expertise and can boost your value to employers.
Take Advantage of Tax-Free Stipends
Many travel nursing contracts include tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and travel expenses. These benefits can significantly increase your take-home pay, especially when paired with cost-effective living arrangements.
Build a Strong Relationship with Your Recruiter
Good communication with your recruiter can open doors to better opportunities. Recruiters who know your preferences and career goals can alert you first when ideal contracts become available.
Keep an Eye on Market Trends
Travel nursing pay rates can shift throughout the year based on demand and location. Staying informed about current trends will help you identify high-paying markets and make timely career decisions.
Why Work with 13 Weeks Staffing
Selecting the right staffing agency can make all the difference in your travel nursing experience. At 13 Weeks Staffing, we focus on helping nurses find rewarding, well-paying assignments that align with their goals, experience, and lifestyle.
Personalized, Hands-On Support
Our recruiters take the time to get to know you—your preferred locations, specialties, and schedule—to match you with assignments that truly fit. You're never just a number here; you're part of a team that values your career growth and personal priorities.
Competitive Pay and Transparent Contracts
We work hard to secure strong pay packages for every nurse we place. You'll always know exactly what to expect from each assignment, with clear pay details, weekly direct deposits, and reliable communication every step of the way.
Access to High-Demand Opportunities
Our focus is on connecting nurses with consistent, high-quality contracts in regions where demand is strongest. Whether you're looking for short-term flexibility or steady travel assignments, we'll help you find the right fit.
Ongoing Partnership and Support
We stay connected throughout your assignment to make sure your experience is positive and rewarding. From onboarding to contract extensions, our team is here to support you at every stage of your journey.
When you partner with 13 Weeks Staffing, you gain a committed advocate who's focused on helping you earn well, feel supported, and succeed in every assignment.
Plan Your Next Travel Nursing Move for 2026
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, 2026 is shaping up to be another strong year for travel nurses across nearly every specialty. Competitive salaries, flexible contracts, and growing demand make it an ideal time to plan your next assignment and take advantage of the opportunities ahead.
By understanding how factors like specialty, experience, and location influence pay, you can make more informed decisions about where and when to take your next contract. And by working with a trusted partner like 13 Weeks Staffing, you can feel confident that you're getting the support, transparency, and pay you deserve.
Whether you're an experienced traveler or just starting your first assignment, the right agency can make all the difference. Let 13 Weeks Staffing help you navigate the 2026 travel nursing market and connect you with contracts that fit your goals.
Ready to see what you could earn in 2026?
Connect with a 13 Weeks Staffing recruiter today to explore available assignments and start planning your next move.
