If you’ve ever wondered what the travel labor and delivery nurse salary really looks like, you’re not alone. This specialty has a strong pull for nurses who want meaningful work while also exploring new places. The pay is often higher than permanent staff roles, and the perks can be just as appealing, think housing stipends, flexible schedules, and the freedom to pick where you work.
At Junxion Med Staffing, we’ve helped nurses land assignments that fit their goals and lifestyles. Whether you’re comparing offers or just starting to think about travel nursing, it helps to know what’s realistic for your earnings. If you’re curious about current openings, you can check out our Travel RN’s page to see what’s available now.
Travel Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary Basics
When you look at the travel labor and delivery nurse salary, it’s more than just your hourly wage. The total pay package usually includes base pay plus stipends for housing and meals, along with bonuses and reimbursements.
On average, travel labor and delivery nurses earn anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 per week, depending on location, your experience, and contract length. In high-demand areas or crisis situations, pay can be even higher. Because many of these stipends are tax-free if you qualify, the money you keep in your pocket often beats what you’d get in a traditional role.
How Much Do Delivery Nurses Make Compared to Travel Nurses?
If you’ve wondered how much do delivery nurses make in a permanent position, the average pay for labor and delivery nurse jobs typically ranges from $62,000 to $95,000 a year.
Travel nurses in the same specialty can surpass those numbers because facilities need quick staffing solutions and will pay more for that flexibility. When you add in housing stipends and bonuses, it’s not uncommon for travel L&D nurses to earn the equivalent of six figures without working all 12 months of the year.
Factors That Influence Labor and Delivery Travel Nurse Salary
Even within the same specialty, the labor and delivery travel nurse salary can vary. A few factors make the biggest difference in what you take home.
Location
High-cost-of-living states like California or New York often pay more to offset expenses, but you’ll need to consider whether the extra income outweighs the higher cost of housing and living. For example, a contract in Los Angeles might pay more per week than one in Oklahoma, but your rent could eat into that pay difference.
Experience and Certifications
Your years in labor and delivery and credentials like Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB), ACLS, or NRP certification can boost your rates. Hospitals value nurses who can step in with minimal training.
Shift Differentials and Overtime
Evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts often pay more. Overtime is another way to increase your paycheck, especially in busier facilities.
Contract Length
Short-term, high-need assignments might pay a premium, while longer contracts can provide steady work and benefits.
Traveling Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary vs. Staff Pay
When comparing traveling labor and delivery nurse salary to permanent positions, you need to look at the whole package. Travel contracts often include:
- Housing stipends that can be tax-free if you maintain a permanent tax home
- Meal and incidental stipends
- Licensing and travel reimbursements
- Completion or sign-on bonuses
Permanent roles may offer retirement plans, paid time off, and consistent schedules, but the weekly paycheck is typically lower. If you want to learn more about what it’s like, our How travel nursing works guide walks you through the process.
Top States for High-Paying L&D Travel Assignments
Pay rates for labor and delivery travel nurses can shift quickly based on need, but some states remain consistent hotspots for high-paying contracts. Three of the most promising states right now are Texas, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. Each offers strong wages, a variety of healthcare settings, and opportunities to enjoy a change of scenery between shifts.
Texas
Texas continues to be a favorite for travel L&D nurses, thanks to its mix of high-demand hospitals, diverse cities, and plenty of rural facilities that need skilled staff. Large metropolitan areas like Dallas, Houston, and Austin often pay competitive weekly rates, especially for night shifts or critical needs.
The cost of living is reasonable in many regions, which means you can keep more of your paycheck. If you want to explore available opportunities, check out our Travel assignments in Texas.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is gaining popularity among travel nurses who want both solid pay and a welcoming work environment. The state’s mix of mid-sized cities and smaller communities means you’ll find a range of assignments, from busy hospitals to quieter regional facilities.
Seasonal needs, especially during the winter months, can lead to excellent contract offers. See our current Travel assignments in Wisconsin to learn more about what’s available.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma offers a strong balance between steady demand and affordable living costs, making it a great option for travel nurses looking to maximize their take-home pay. Many facilities here are eager to bring on experienced L&D professionals, which can open the door to high-paying assignments and even potential contract extensions. For the latest listings, visit our Travel nurse jobs in Oklahoma.
Tax Considerations for Travel L&D Nurses
Because stipends are often tax-free if you qualify, your taxable income may look lower than your actual take-home pay. This is one of the reasons many travel nurses see more money in their accounts than staff nurses earning the same gross amount.
If you want to understand how stipends, taxable wages, and deductions work, our Travel nurses taxes guide breaks it all down.
Is Travel Nursing Worth It for L&D Nurses?
For many nurses, the answer is yes. You can earn more, build your skills, and explore different parts of the country. But it’s not for everyone. Travel nursing can mean time away from family, adjusting to new teams often, and handling your own housing arrangements.
If you’re on the fence, our Is travel nursing worth it guide can help you weigh the pros and cons.
What Do Labor and Delivery Nurses Make in the Long Run?
When asking what do labor and delivery nurses make, it really depends on the career path you choose. Some nurses stay in staff positions for stability, while others mix in travel contracts to boost earnings and keep the work exciting. Over time, strategic use of travel assignments can significantly increase your total income.
Conclusion
The travel labor and delivery nurse salary is one of the most competitive in the travel nursing world, especially when you factor in stipends, bonuses, and the ability to choose your contracts. Whether your goal is to earn more, see new places, or expand your skills, travel nursing in this specialty can open the door to all three.
At Junxion Med Staffing, we match you with contracts that work for your lifestyle and provide support every step of the way. We’re here to make sure travel nursing is not just a job for you, but a career you love.
FAQs About Average Pay for Labor and Delivery Nurses
What’s the average pay for labor and delivery nurse positions in the U.S.?
Staff nurses in this specialty usually earn between $62,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and facility type.
Do travel L&D nurses always make more than staff nurses?
Most of the time, yes, especially when you include stipends and bonuses. However, benefits and job stability can be different.
Can new grads become travel labor and delivery nurses?
It’s rare. Most facilities and agencies want at least 1 to 2 years of recent L&D experience before offering travel contracts.
How long are typical travel L&D contracts?
Most contracts are 13 weeks, but they can range from 8 to 26 weeks based on the facility’s needs.
Do certifications impact travel labor and delivery nurse salary?
Definitely. Credentials like RNC-OB, ACLS, and NRP can help you secure higher-paying assignments.
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