Travelling Nurse Salary
As a travelling nurse, your time is limited and you need to make the most of it. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to earn money as a travelling nurse.
With the right approach and dedication, you can land a travelling nurse job and make decent money while on the road.
With that said, you can expect your travel nurse salary to be less than what you’re currently making at your local hospital. While the pay might be lower, this is still an excellent opportunity for those who want to see more of the country while working in their favourite medical field.
Read on to learn more about travelling nurse salaries and how much money you could potentially make as a travelling nurse.
What is a Travelling Nurse?
A travelling nurse is someone who works in a clinical setting while living in a temporary location. Unlike other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, travelling nurses are contracted on a per-shift basis.
As such, they don’t have to relocate to the same place every day, but rather can go wherever the next job requires them to be.
While the position of a traveling nurse is relatively new, it’s a great opportunity for nurses who want more flexibility in their career path. If you’re looking for a way to work in a different part of the country, being a travelling nurse is a great option.
How Much Does a Travelling Nurse Make?
The exact amount you’ll make as a travelling nurse depends on a number of factors. When it comes to travelling nurse salaries, supply and demand will largely dictate what you can expect to earn.
If there’s a high demand for travelling nurses in a certain region, you can bet that your salary will be higher there.
While supply and demand determine the starting salary for most travelling nurses, there are other things that will affect your final pay.
If you have any special qualifications, such as being a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), you can expect to make a higher salary.
If you’re employed by a specific company, you might also make more than a general travelling nurse.
Tips for Increasing Your Travelling Nurse Salary
If you want to land a higher travelling nurse salary, you’ll need to be strategic with your approach. The first thing you’ll want to do is figure out where you want to work.
Make a list of the top destinations, and then research the average salaries in those places. The research you do will help you figure out where you should look for a travelling nurse job.
Once you have a list of potential employers, you can use your salary research to determine what to charge them.
While you can’t expect to make the same amount of money as you would at your local hospital, you can still expect a decent salary.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t settle for the first offer you get. Instead, use your research to determine what an average travelling nurse makes in your field. Then, use that number to negotiate a higher salary.
Other Ways to Earn Money as a Travelling Nurse
While you’ll make the majority of your money from one-off contracts, there are other ways you can earn money as a travelling nurse.
Some employers will offer benefits, such as a housing stipend or a gas allowance. If you can get access to any of these, you’ll have extra cash to put towards your travel expenses.
Other ways to earn money while travelling include:
- Cashing in on rewards programs
- If you belong to a rewards program like the AIR MILES® rewards program, you can cash in on miles and rewards while travelling.
- Getting a side gig - If you have a skill you can use to earn extra money, you can do so while travelling.
You can offer services such-as dog walking, house cleaning, or tutoring.
- Selling your stuff - If you have items that you don’t need anymore, you can sell them while you’re on the road. You can find second-hand markets in most major cities.
Final Words: Is Being a Traveling Nurse Worth It?
Many people who work as travelling nurses see it as an excellent opportunity. You get the chance to see more of the country while making a decent amount of money.
If this sounds like a dream job, you should know that it’s not without its challenges. You’ll undoubtedly have to sacrifice some things while being a travelling nurse.
You can expect to work long hours, travel in unfamiliar areas, and be away from family and friends for long periods of time.
If you’re willing to make those sacrifices, though, being a travelling nurse is a great way to make some money and see more of the country.
Travelling Nurse Salary