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How Much Do Travel & Per Diem Nurses Really Make?
Nursing is one of the few careers where you can literally choose your own pay structure.
You just clocked out after a brutal 12-hour shift. You check your bank account—nice, but could be better. Then you hear about a travel nurse pulling $3,000 a week, and suddenly, that staff nurse salary isn’t looking so great. 🤔
Let's break down the real numbers: Is travel and per diem nursing really the financial jackpot? Or just a different way to hustle?
In today’s email:
💰 How Much Do Travel & Per Diem Nurses Really Make? – A breakdown of earning potential vs. staff nursing.
📢 Nurse Pay Transparency Laws – New legislation could shake up pay rates.
🛫 Best Travel Assignments This Month – High-paying locations for travel RNs.
🌎 Around The Web – Trending nursing stories you need to know.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
💸 Travel vs. Per Diem vs. Staff Nursing: Show Me The Money
Nursing is one of the few careers where you can literally choose your own pay structure. Want stability? Staff jobs are for you. Want flexibility and top dollar? Per diem and travel nursing might be the move.
Here’s how the numbers stack up:
Type of Nurse | Avg. Hourly Rate | Weekly Earnings | Pros | Cons |
|---|
Staff Nurse | $40-$50/hr | $1,800-$2,200 | Benefits, job security | Lower flexibility, mandatory overtime |
Per Diem Nurse | $50-$100/hr | Varies (per shift) | High hourly pay, flexible schedule | No guaranteed hours, limited benefits |
Travel Nurse | $2,000-$4,000/week | $8,000-$16,000/month | Housing stipends, tax-free perks | Moving frequently, contract gaps |
💸 Maximizing Your Income:
✅ Know Your Worth – Research fair pay in your state. Some travel contracts lowball nurses.
✅ Negotiate Contracts – Housing stipend vs. taxable income? Get the most out of your contract.
✅ Tax-Free Stipends – Understanding how to qualify for tax-free travel nurse stipends can save you thousands.
✅ High-Demand Specialties Pay More – ICU, OR, and L&D nurses often make significantly more.
AROUND THE WEB
🔹 Nurses in California see pay bumps after new staffing laws. Read more
🔹 Travel nursing demand surges in Texas amid staffing shortages. Read more
🔹 Are AI and automation coming for nursing jobs? Experts weigh in. Read more
📊 By The Numbers: This Week’s Nursing Stats
📌 $3,000/week – Average pay for an ICU travel nurse in California.
📌 25% – Increase in per diem nurse demand over the past year.
📌 $7,500 – Highest per diem sign-on bonus offered in 2024.
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