Best State to Be a Nurse: Top 10 Travel Nursing States

If you’re a nurse looking to break free from the traditional 9-5 grind, travel nursing might be exactly what you need. The ability to explore different parts of the country while making competitive pay and gaining new experiences in different healthcare settings is one of the most exciting perks of being a nurse today. But where should you go? What is the best state to be a nurse for travel nursing opportunities?

Here at Junxion Med Staffing, we know how important it is for nurses to make informed decisions about where to take their careers. Whether you’re considering travel nursing or simply exploring options across the country, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 travel nursing states. This post will break down the best states for travel nurses, highlighting not just the pay and nursing job opportunities, but also the quality of life, work-life balance, and professional growth potential in each location.

What Makes a State the Best State to Be a Nurse for Travel Nurses?

The best state to be a nurse depends on a number of factors. If you’re eyeing a travel nursing career, you’ll want to consider:

• Pay & Compensation: Not all states offer the same pay. Some states pay more to compensate for the higher cost of living, while others balance competitive wages with affordable living expenses.
• Job Opportunities: A top state for nurses will have abundant job openings in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
• Work-Life Balance: Travel nursing can be demanding, but the best states support nurses with flexible schedules, manageable nurse-to-patient ratios, and employee wellness initiatives.
• Career Growth: States with a strong healthcare infrastructure offer plenty of room for professional growth, with opportunities to work in various specialties or take on leadership roles.
• Cost of Living: While high pay is important, the best states for nurses cost of living also matter. Nurses need to make sure their paycheck stretches far enough to support their lifestyle.

Now, let’s check out the top states where being a nurse—whether as a travel nurse or otherwise—can offer incredible career opportunities.

1. California: The Best State to Be a Nurse with High Pay and Great Opportunities

California is often considered the best state to be a nurse, and for good reason. The state offers the highest-paying RN positions in the country, with an average salary of $137,690 annually. But the perks don’t stop there. California is home to some of the best hospitals for travel nurses, including renowned healthcare systems like UCLA Health and Stanford Health Care.

For travel nurses, California offers a diverse range of work environments—from cutting-edge research hospitals in urban centers like San Francisco and Los Angeles to rural clinics in more remote areas. While the cost of living can be high, especially in cities like San Francisco, the compensation usually balances it out. California’s excellent weather, vibrant cultural scene, and outdoor activities also make it one of the best places to live as a nurse.

Interested in learning more about travel nursing? Check out our Healthcare Traveler Blog page!

2. Hawaii: Paradise and Great Pay for Nurses

If you’ve always dreamed of living and working in paradise, Hawaii should be high on your list. With an average annual salary of $119,710, Hawaii is the best paying city for nurses in the Pacific. Nurses working in Hawaii enjoy competitive compensation, a laid-back lifestyle, and the ability to spend their free time enjoying the beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes.

Despite the higher cost of living, Hawaii’s salary rates make it one of the best places for nurses to work. Travel nurses can find work in top-notch hospitals like Hawaii Pacific Health or in smaller facilities across the islands. 

It’s not just about the job opportunities, though—Hawaii offers a work-life balance that’s tough to beat. The best cities for travel nursing in Hawaii include Honolulu, Kailua, and Maui, all offering scenic beauty and a relaxed pace of life.

3. Iowa: Affordable Living and Strong Demand for Nurses

Iowa is an excellent choice for travel nurses who want to combine career opportunities with a lower cost of living. With an average RN salary of $72,900 and growing demand across the state, Iowa is quickly becoming one of the best states to be a nurse for those seeking stability and professional development.

The state’s smaller cities and rural areas offer a high need for skilled nursing professionals, making it easier for travel nurses to secure fulfilling assignments. Facilities throughout Iowa are known for their supportive work environments and commitment to patient-centered care. If you’re seeking meaningful work without the big-city chaos, Iowa could be the ideal destination.

Our Junxion Med Staffing team offers support, guidance and travel healthcare staff & travel nursing resources to help with your exciting journey.

4. Washington: High Pay and Fantastic Work-Life Balance

If you’re a nurse looking for high pay and an overall good quality of life, Washington is one of the best states for nurses. Registered nurses in Washington can expect an average annual salary of $111,030, and with a cost of living lower than California, the pay goes a lot further.

Washington is also home to some of the best hospitals for travel nurses, particularly in cities like Seattle and Spokane. Washington state places a high emphasis on nurse staffing ratios and workplace wellness programs, contributing to a healthy work environment and good work-life balance. For travel nurses, Washington offers a variety of locations, from busy metropolitan areas to smaller rural hospitals, providing lots of opportunities to find your niche.

5. New York: Pay and Professional Growth Opportunities

New York is a hotspot for nurses, with an average annual salary of $106,620. The state has a robust healthcare infrastructure and is home to some of the best hospitals for travel nurses, including NewYork-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai Health System. While New York’s cost of living is on the higher end, the compensation makes it a solid choice for nurses looking to advance their careers.

For travel nurses, New York offers endless opportunities to work in different settings—whether in urban centers or smaller, underserved areas. If you’re looking for best places to travel nurse, New York’s mix of high-paying roles and diverse job environments makes it an ideal location. 

The state also offers plenty of best cities for nurses adjusted for cost of living, with Buffalo and Syracuse providing more affordable alternatives to the high cost of living in New York City. You can always rely on our team to help you find the best travel nursing assignment for you.

6. Massachusetts: Cutting-Edge Healthcare and High Salaries

If you’re a nurse looking for cutting-edge healthcare opportunities, Massachusetts is the place to be. Nurses in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $108,850 and benefit from working in some of the best hospitals for travel nurses, including the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Massachusetts is one of the best places for nurses to work due to its focus on healthcare innovation, research, and development. The state’s emphasis on professional growth means you can take your nursing career to new heights while enjoying a work-life balance that allows for both professional and personal fulfillment.

7. Texas: Competitive Pay and Work Flexibility

Texas offers affordable living and solid pay, with an average RN salary of $79,120. The state has a high demand for nurses, making it one of the best states for nurses in terms of job opportunities. Nurses here can enjoy a work-life balance thanks to flexible schedules and a variety of job options across the state.

Travel nurses in Texas benefit from the state’s diverse healthcare system. Whether you prefer the big-city hustle in Dallas or the slower pace of small-town clinics in rural areas, Texas offers the best travel nurse locations to suit any nurse’s preferences.

8. Arizona: Affordable Living with Solid Pay

With a growing healthcare sector and an average salary of $81,600, Arizona offers an attractive opportunity for nurses. The cost of living in Arizona is lower than in many other states, making it one of the best states for nurses cost of living. Whether you’re interested in working in a big city like Phoenix or a smaller community like Tucson, Arizona offers a mix of both for travel nurses.

The state’s commitment to nurse autonomy and work-life balance ensures that you’ll have a rewarding experience as a travel nurse. Arizona is one of the best places to live as a nurse with great weather and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in your downtime.

9. Indiana: Central Location and Expanding Healthcare Opportunities

Indiana offers nurses a strong mix of affordability, job availability, and work-life balance. With an average RN salary of $75,580 and a cost of living below the national average, it’s one of the most practical states for travel nurses who want their paychecks to stretch further.

Travel nurses can find work in respected healthcare systems such as Indiana University Health, and enjoy a variety of contract options in both urban and rural communities. The state also benefits from being centrally located, which makes it convenient for nurses who like to explore surrounding states during their time off.

Make sure you choose the best travel healthcare agency for the smoothest experience.

10. Wisconsin: Competitive Pay and Welcoming Communities

Wisconsin combines competitive compensation with a high quality of life, making it a fantastic choice for travel nurses. With an average RN salary of $81,000, nurses here can enjoy strong earnings while living in communities known for their hospitality and charm.

The state offers a diverse range of assignments—from large hospitals in Milwaukee and Madison to smaller facilities in scenic, rural areas. Wisconsin also places a strong emphasis on nurse satisfaction and workplace safety, helping to create an environment where you can grow your career and enjoy life outside of work.

Finding the Best State to Be a Nurse

The best state to be a nurse depends on your priorities—whether that’s salary, job opportunities, or work-life balance. While California and Hawaii offer high pay, their cost of living can be a challenge. States like Texas or Arizona might provide better financial flexibility while still offering competitive salaries and benefits.

For travel nursing, these states offer excellent opportunities to explore while advancing your career. With the right mix of pay, benefits, and career growth, you’ll find a state that aligns with your professional goals.

Ready to take the next step in your travel nursing career? Contact us now or explore top travel nurse locations and positions tailored to your lifestyle and career ambitions!

FAQs About the Best State to Be a Nurse

What is the best state to be a nurse in 2024?

The best state for nurses in 2024 depends on what you’re looking for. California and Hawaii offer high pay but come with a high cost of living. Texas, Arizona, and Nevada offer great opportunities with a lower cost of living. States like Washington and New York offer competitive pay with great work-life balance.

What is the highest paying state for nurses?

California consistently ranks as the highest paying state for nurses, with an average annual salary of $137,690.

Which state has the best job opportunities for nurses?

States like Texas, California, and Florida have some of the best places for nurses to work due to their large healthcare infrastructures and high demand for healthcare professionals.

FAQs About Junxion Med Staffing

What is Junxion Med Staffing?

Junxion Med Staffing is a healthcare staffing agency that specializes in placing travel nurses, advanced practice providers, and physicians across various states in the U.S. Our mission is to bridge the gap in healthcare staffing by offering high-quality professionals to healthcare facilities.

How do I get started with Junxion Med Staffing?

Getting started is easy! Visit our website and sign up with our Traveler Success Portal to begin browsing job opportunities and connecting with our team. We’ll guide you through every step of the process and help you find the perfect travel nursing assignment.

What makes Junxion Med Staffing different from other staffing agencies?

What sets Junxion Med Staffing apart is our personal, supportive approach. Our founder has been a traveling healthcare professional, so we truly understand the needs and concerns of our travelers. We focus on offering competitive pay, great housing stipends, and ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. Check out these helpful resources!