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Compensation
& Benefits
Traveling nurses work hard and fill a need for many very grateful healthcare facilities, who would otherwise have to deny patient nursing. Because of this, in terms of pay and benefits, you can enjoy some of the industry’s best benefit packages. It’s very common for traveling nurses to earn a higher then average pay rate and a more attractive benefits package than those nurses in a fulltime, permanent position. The majority of travel nursing companies in the industry make sure you’re compensated for the demands of your chosen profession. We constantly review travel staffing firms to make sure we are providing you with a list of quality, ethical, and experienced companies. We will only recommend companies that can provide you with the highest standards. Click here for a list of our premier providers.
From competitive hourly rates to offering travelers the option to take housing and daily stipends, excellent compensation is just part of the package that travelers are offered. Additional perks typically include comprehensive insurance coverage, retirement plans, continuing education, and quality private housing. Many companies make every effort to offer the benefits that are important to you. It’s important to bear in mind that every company offers different benefits to their travelers, so it’s a good idea to make a list of the items you are looking for to make sure you are getting everything that is available.
Please click on the links below to find out more about the various benefits offered to travel nurses:  Compensation and Bonuses
Compensation
Travel nursing companies do their best to negotiate top pay at your preferred locations. Nurses can make $80,000 to $130,000 per year. Compensation will vary based on your specialty, facility location, and the travel company you select. If gaining experience is your motivator, then you will need to be more flexible with compensation to get what you are seeking. For the best pay, flexibility on location and type of setting will get you the most money! In order to achieve the highest pay, travel companies offer more than just an hourly rate. Some include non-taxable per diem wages as part of your compensation. Your chosen recruiter can help breakdown the individual pay package that the travel company offers.
Bonuses
As a traveler, you may have the opportunity to earn bonuses. Bonuses can vary between sign-on, completion, and referral. The amount of bonus and type is dependant on assignment and travel company. Harder to fill positions and more rural locations may be attached to higher bonuses. Find out what your particular company is offering in regards to bonuses before being presented to positions, as they change from position to position. Most companies also offer referral bonuses when you refer co-workers and colleagues to them. Each company has a different amount they offer, generally ranging from $250 to $1,000 per referral. There is typically a large variance in when the company pays you the referral bonus, so be sure to ask what criteria they have in place for referral payment.
Guaranteed Pay
Don't worry about the times you are sent home early and are unable to make up your hours. Many travel nursing companies will negotiate to pay you for 40 hours per week regardless of whether or not you are sent home for low census. This is reassuring because you know that your paycheck will never vary while on an assignment. Your recruiter will have more details on the availability and requirements.
Housing and Travel
Housing
One of the most highly regarded benefits of traveling is the free, private housing. While on assignment, the best travel companies pay 100% for a completely furnished, quality, private, apartment, condominium, or hotel. Generally, all basic utilities are also fully covered. If you provide or wish to find your own accommodations, many travel companies will provide you with a generous stipend that can be used towards your housing costs.
Travel Expenses
Virtually all the travel companies take care of or reimburse you for the expenses occurred commuting to and from an assignment. Amounts and the coverage types vary from company to company. If you are traveling locally, some companies also provide you with daily mileage reimbursement.
Typically, full medical, dental, and basic life insurance are offered by the travel company at minimal or no cost to you. The type of coverage and more specific details can be obtained from each particular company. As an alternative, some companies let you choose to receive a fixed benefit payment each month instead of insurance coverage.
Most of the larger travel companies will allow their travelers to participate in their company retirement programs. Some of the most common offered are 401K and IRA accounts. Eligibility and matching amounts differ for each company. Shop this heavily, as only a very few companies have good matching and this can be a big benefit!
Travel companies only like to align with the most well-informed and educated nurses in the industry. Because they believe in the importance of continuing education, travel companies will reimburse their nurses for courses taken throughout their assignments. Reimbursement amounts are company specific.
Most companies have additional incentive programs they use to encourage you to work with them. These programs can include discount programs, loyalty bonuses, company paid trips, and reward programs.
Direct Deposit
Nearly every travel company offers the ease and security of having your paycheck electronically deposited into an account of your choice. Depending on the company, you will receive your pay stub via regular mail or you will have online access to your pay history. You won’t have to worry about running to the bank or being concerned about the postal system’s unpredictability.
Around the Clock Support
Generally, travel companies function beyond the typical 8-hour work day. Your point of contact understands the need to speak outside of business hours and will provide you with an on-call phone number or their personal contact information. Relationships are often the most important part of your travel experience.
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