If you’ve ever wondered who’s taking home the bigger paycheck between travel nurses and staff nurses, you’re not alone. The travel nurse salary VS regular nurse salary debate is a hot one, especially with more nurses considering flexible, on-the-road roles. Whether you’re early in your career or looking to make a switch, knowing how the two stack up can help you figure out your next move.
Travel Nurse Salary VS Regular Nurse Salary: The Basics
Let’s kick it off with the big question: what’s the average travel nurse salary VS regular nurse salary? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average travel nurse in the U.S. makes around $2,100 to $2,500 per week, while staff RNs average closer to $1,300 to $1,600 per week, depending on location and specialty.
That said, a lot goes into those numbers. Things like stipends, housing, overtime, and specialty all affect what you actually bring home. Plus, when you’re talking about a niche like icu travel nurse salary or nicu travel nurse salary, those numbers can jump way up.
So why do travel nurses make so much more? We’ll break it down.
Why Do Travel Nurses Make So Much?
Travel nurses are in high demand. Hospitals need help during peak seasons, staff shortages, or emergencies—and they’re willing to pay extra to get experienced professionals on the floor fast. That’s why you’ll often see job boards advertising highest paying RN travel jobs with weekly pay ranging from $2,300 – $3,500.
But it’s not just supply and demand. Travel nurses also receive:
- Tax-free housing stipends or free accommodations
- Meal and incidentals stipends
- Travel reimbursements
- Bonuses for sign-on or assignment completion
These perks are what really push the travel nurse salary VS regular nurse discussion in favor of travelers.
How Does Travel Nursing Work?
Wondering how does travel nursing work day to day? It’s actually pretty straightforward.
You sign a short-term contract (usually 13 weeks) through an agency like Junxion Med Staffing, get matched with an assignment, and head to a hospital that needs your skills. You get paid weekly, and in most cases, you can negotiate location, shift type, and even housing preferences.
It’s not just about the money—it’s about lifestyle too. Many nurses choose this route for the flexibility, the variety, and the chance to explore new cities while getting paid.
And yep—do nurses get paid weekly in travel roles? With Junxion, you sure do.
What About Contract Length and Job Security?
One thing traditional roles have going for them is stability. You’ve got consistent hours, a long-term spot on the team, and benefits like PTO and retirement. That predictability is important to some. But here’s the thing—Junxion Med Staffing bridges that gap. While our contracts typically run 13 weeks, we still provide solid benefits you can count on.
Our travelers get health insurance, a self-funded 401(k), and optional company contributions—so you’re not sacrificing your future to take advantage of the flexibility that travel nursing offers.
The typical contract runs 8–26 weeks, with the option to extend or hop into a new gig elsewhere. For some, that’s more appealing than being locked into one unit or facility.
If you’re wondering how long does it take to become a travel nurse, it’s usually just a couple of years of bedside experience (depending on the unit), especially for critical areas like ICU, OR, or L&D.
Travel Nurse Salary VS Staffing Nurse Salary
Another version of the same question: how does travel nurse salary VS staffing nurse salary look on paper?
Let’s say you’re a regular med-surg RN in a Midwest hospital. You’re probably earning about $70K–$85K annually. A travel nurse in the same specialty might make $110K–$150K—sometimes more with bonuses and stipends. The gap widens when you compare specialties.
For example, icu travel nurse salary can hit $3,000–$3,500/week, while staff ICU RNs might average closer to $90K/year.
Curious about specific numbers in your region? Check out our guide to the best states to be a nurse for more location-based insights.
Travel Nurse Weekly Pay vs. Traditional Biweekly
Another perk? Travel nurses often get paid weekly. That’s a win for budgeting, saving, or planning those post-contract beach getaways. While not every hospital system offers weekly pay, agencies like Junxion do.
For those asking travel nurse weekly pay vs. staff pay, just know this: when you’re making $2,400/week, it adds up fast. Even after housing and taxes, that’s a bigger and faster paycheck than most full-time roles offer.
Specialties That Pay the Most
Wondering what the highest paid travel nurse jobs are right now?
Here’s a quick list:
- ICU travel nurse salary – consistently high demand and top pay
- OR and CVOR – skilled surgical nurses are gold
- NICU travel nurse salary – pays well due to complexity and certifications
- FNPs (Family Nurse Practitioners) – travel FNP salary often exceeds $150K annually
- ER and Trauma – high acuity + quick turnover = high pay
Is Travel Nursing Worth It?
Now to the question we hear all the time: is travel nursing worth it?
If you want higher pay, more freedom, and the chance to work in new places, then yes. For most nurses, the increased compensation and flexibility far outweigh the temporary nature of the job. Especially when you’re backed by one of the best travel healthcare agencies that’s got your back every step of the way.
But, if you’re someone who thrives on routine, long-term bonds with coworkers, or prefers a more stable lifestyle—staff nursing might be the better fit.
To get a clearer picture of what it’s like on the ground, read our full post on is travel nursing worth it next.
How Long Does It Take to Be a Travel Nurse?
Another top question: how long does it take to be a travel nurse?
Most hospitals want at least 1–2 years of experience before you travel. That gives you time to sharpen your clinical skills, gain confidence, and figure out your specialty. Once you hit that milestone, the door to travel opens wide.
New to the game searching on travel nurse salary VS regular nurse salary? Here’s our guide on how to become a traveling nurse.
Travel Nurse Salary VS Regular Nurse Salary: How to Boost Your Travel Nurse Pay
Looking to maximize your paycheck? Here’s what helps:
- Pick the right assignments – Locations with high demand usually pay more
- Choose in-demand specialties – ICU, OR, L&D, and psych tend to offer more
- Work nights, weekends, or holidays – shift differentials add up
- Accept shorter contracts – fast-fill roles often come with bonuses
- Get certified – especially for specialties like NICU, ICU, or OR
The secret? Flexibility pays. If you’re open to moving around and working less popular shifts, your paycheck will reflect that.
Real Support for Real Travelers
Travel nursing is exciting—but it’s even better when you’ve got a team that gets it. At Junxion, we’ve walked this road ourselves. Our founder was a traveler, and we’ve built everything around creating a better experience for you.
We help you stay prepared with travel nurse safety tips and offer direct support through our employee resources hub.
Final Thoughts on Travel Nurse Salary VS Regular Nurse Salary
The bottom line? When it comes to travel nurse salary VS regular nurse, travel nursing comes out ahead financially—especially if you want more flexibility, faster pay, and the adventure of working in new places. Regular nursing offers stability and long-term benefits that some nurses value more.
It’s all about what works best for you.
Got questions or ready to explore your first assignment? Let’s talk.
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