by Beth Harner | Aug 11, 2025 | Uncategorized
If you’re a nurse exploring a career in travel nursing, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “How much do travel nurses make?” The answer isn’t always straightforward because travel nurse pay is made up of multiple components, some taxable, some tax-free, and some dependent on the assignment location and agency.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the real numbers behind travel nurse pay in 2025, so you can make informed decisions, compare offers with confidence, and maximize your earnings on every contract.
Why Travel Nurse Pay is Different (and Often Higher)
Travel nurses earn more than traditional staff nurses for several reasons:
- They fill urgent staffing gaps across the country
- Assignments are temporary and often come with location flexibility
- Agencies like Uniti Med offer tax-free stipends and additional benefits
Understanding the breakdown of your travel nurse compensation package is key to evaluating job offers and boosting your take-home pay.
Travel Nurse Pay Structure: What’s in the Package?
Travel nurse pay isn’t just an hourly wage—it’s a mix of base pay, tax-free stipends, bonuses, and reimbursements. Here’s what typically makes up your weekly paycheck:
- Hourly Base Rate (Taxable Income)
This is the part of your pay that is subject to federal and state income tax. It may be lower than what you’re used to as a staff nurse, but it’s offset by untaxed stipends.
- Typical Range: $20–$30/hour (depending on location, specialty, and agency)
- Taxed: Yes
Pro Tip: Don’t panic if the base rate looks low—your real earning power comes from the untaxed portions of your pay.
- Tax-Free Stipends (Housing & Meals/Incidentals)
If you qualify for a permanent tax home (per IRS rules), you can receive stipends that are not subject to tax, which drastically increases your net income.
- Housing Stipend: Covers temporary lodging near your assignment
- Meals & Incidentals (M&IE): Helps offset food and basic living costs
Example: $770.00/week housing + $476.00/week M&IE = $1246.00/week tax-free
Over a 13-week contract = $16,198 not taxed
This is why many travel nurses can earn $1700-$3200 /week total, depending on location and contract terms.
- Overtime & Holiday Pay
Most travel nurse contracts are for 36 to 40 hours per week, but if you pick up extra shifts or work holidays, that can significantly increase your earnings.
- Overtime Pay: Minimum of 1.5x your base hourly rate (most times it is higher)
- Holiday Pay: May include bonuses or premium rates depending on the facility
Pro Tip: If you’re open to working holidays or weekends, ask your recruiter about these options upfront.
- Bonuses:
Some travel nursing assignments offer additional bonuses, which are usually taxed but still a great income boost and there is always a referral bonus.
Ask your Uniti Med recruiter about current assignments with bonus opportunities—we’re always updating them!
- Reimbursements for Expenses
Many travel nurses get reimbursed for:
- Travel to and from assignment
- State license fees
- Certifications (e.g., ACLS, BLS)
- Drug screens, TB tests, physicals
Most reimbursements are non-taxable and either paid upfront or reimbursed with receipts.
Example of a Weekly Pay Breakdown (2025)
Here’s a real-world example of what your weekly pay could look like:
| Pay Component |
Amount |
| Taxable Base (36 x $25/hr) |
$900 |
| Housing Stipend |
$770(tax-free) |
| Meals Stipend |
$479.00 (tax-free) |
| Total Weekly Pay |
$2,149 |
That’s nearly $27,937 over 13 weeks, with more than half of it tax-free.
What Impacts Travel Nurse Pay?
Your total compensation depends on a variety of factors, including:
| Factor |
How It Impacts Pay |
| Location |
High-demand states the require single state licensure like California, Alaska, and New York often pay more. |
| Specialty |
ICU, CVICU, ER, COVR, OR, and L&D typically earn higher rates |
| Shift Type |
Night shifts or weekends may pay more |
| Crisis or Rapid Response |
Often includes premium pay and immediate start bonuses |
| Agency Transparency |
Some agencies bundle pay to make rates look inflated—Uniti Med keeps it real |
How to Maximize Your Take-Home Pay as a Travel Nurse
- Maintain a tax home so you can legally receive tax-free stipends
- Compare offers by breaking down the taxable and non-taxable portions
- Be flexible with assignment location and shift preferences
- Ask about perks like bonuses, paid travel, and travel discounts
- Work with a recruiter who prioritizes transparency and long-term career growth
At Uniti Med, we specialize in helping travel nurses find assignments that fit their lifestyle and financial goals. Whether you’re looking for your first contract or your fifteenth, our team is here to walk you through every detail—from pay packages to location logistics.
FAQs: Travel Nurse Pay in 2025
Q: How much do travel nurses make per week in 2025?
A: Most travel nurses earn between $1700-$3200 per week, depending on specialty, location, and contract terms.
Q: Are travel nurse stipends really tax-free?
A: Yes—if you maintain a permanent tax home, stipends for housing and meals are tax-free per IRS guidelines.
Q: Is travel nursing worth it financially?
A: For many nurses, absolutely. Between higher weekly pay and tax-free perks, it can be a lucrative short-term or long-term career choice.
Ready to See What You Could Be Earning?
Browse our current travel nurse jobs or connect with a Uniti Med recruiter to get a personalized pay breakdown based on your specialty, goals, and lifestyle.
Not all agencies are the same. At Uniti Med help you thrive wherever your career takes you.
by Beth Harner | Jul 28, 2025 | Uncategorized
Are you an Allied healthcare professional seeking new experiences, top pay, and travel perks? With nationwide demand rising, now is the perfect time to explore Allied
travel healthcare jobs in high-need specialties like
CT Tech,
Cath Lab Tech,
IR Tech,
MRI Tech, and
Respiratory Therapist.
Whether you’re drawn to the Midwest, the Southwest, or the Northeast, there are premium travel contracts available in states like Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, and Pennsylvania.
CT Tech Jobs in Kentucky, Wisconsin, Michigan & Arizona
As a CT Tech (Computed Tomography Technologist), you’re essential to diagnostic imaging—and your skills are in demand nationwide. Whether you prefer the mountains of Kentucky, the Great Lakes, or Arizona’s desert sunshine, there’s a CT travel contract with your name on it.
CT Tech in Kentucky
- Work in top hospitals in Lexington and Louisville
- Enjoy scenic drives and small-town hospitality
- Lower cost of living = more take-home pay
CT Tech in Wisconsin
- Assignments in Madison, Green Bay, and Milwaukee
-
- Experience fantastic outdoor recreation
- Cheese curds, craft beer, and beautiful lake views
CT Tech in Michigan
- Opportunities in metro areas like Detroit and Grand Rapids
- Access to top-tier medical systems and trauma centers
- Lake life, fall colors, and cultural richness
CT Tech in Arizona
- Warm climate year-round (hello, snowbirds!)
- High-paying contracts in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff
- Explore the Grand Canyon, red rocks, and desert trails
Cath Lab Tech Jobs in Illinois
Illinois continues to offer some of the best Cath Lab Tech travel jobs in the country. Whether you’re assisting with pacemaker insertions or angioplasties, these roles provide fast-paced, high-impact opportunities.
- Top assignments in Chicago and beyond
- Cross-training options in EP and IR labs
- Big-city living or quieter midwestern towns
IR Tech Jobs in Kentucky
Interventional Radiology continues to grow rapidly, and IR Techs are highly sought after in Kentucky. If you’re skilled in assisting with biopsies, drain placements, or vascular procedures, this is a lucrative specialty for travelers.
- Choose from hospitals or outpatient centers
- Work alongside expert radiologists and surgical teams
- Explore nature and enjoy slower-paced living
Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Illinois
Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are vital for patient care in ICU, NICU, and ER settings—and Illinois has a consistent need across all major metro and rural areas.
- Strong demand = better pay and flexible contracts
- Work with diverse patient populations
- Choose between fast-paced trauma centers or quiet community hospitals
MRI Tech Jobs in Pennsylvania
If you specialize in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Pennsylvania offers excellent travel opportunities in both hospital and outpatient settings.
- Assignments in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and beyond
- Competitive pay and shift differentials
- Historic cities, mountain views, and vibrant culture
Why Choose Travel Healthcare Jobs with Uniti Med?
At Uniti Med, we match passionate Allied healthcare professionals with top-paying travel jobs in high-demand locations across the U.S. Whether you’re a CT Tech, MRI Tech, IR Tech, Cath Lab Tech, or Respiratory Therapist, we’re here to help you find the right contract for your goals and lifestyle. Uniti Med offers personalized recruiter support, day-one insurance and benefits, licensing assistance, housing stipends, and access to exclusive nationwide contracts.
Search Travel Jobs Now
Ready to take your skills on the road? Explore our open positions today and start your next chapter in Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, or Pennsylvania.
Browse Allied Travel Jobs
Apply Now
Talk to a Recruiter
Also check out jobs at our sister company GQR!
by Jamie Zarlingo | Jul 24, 2025 | Uncategorized
If you’re a travel nurse searching for your next adventure, now is the perfect time to explore some of the most in-demand assignments across the country. From bustling metropolitan hospitals in Phoenix to top-ranked medical centers in the Midwest, Uniti Med is offering high-paying travel healthcare jobs in specialties like ICU, Med/Surg (M/T), and PCU—plus many more. These travel nurse jobs have multiple openings and are quick moving.
Here’s a roundup of our hottest travel contracts and the locations that need skilled professionals like you:
Banner Hospitals – Phoenix, Arizona
Looking to soak up the Arizona sun while advancing your career? Banner Health, one of the largest and most respected health systems in the Southwest, is currently hiring for:
- ICU Travel Nurses
- Med/Surg (M/T) Travel Contracts
- PCU Travel RN Jobs
Phoenix offers a vibrant lifestyle, warm climate year-round, and endless outdoor recreation. Whether you’re hiking Camelback Mountain or exploring the city’s foodie scene, this is a top pick for adventurous nurses ready to grow their skills in high-acuity units.
Cleveland Clinic – Nationwide Reputation, Midwest Values
Ranked among the nation’s top hospitals, the Cleveland Clinic continues to lead in patient care and research. Current openings include:
- ICU Travel Nursing Jobs
- Medical/Surgical Contracts
- Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Roles
If you’re ready to gain experience in a world-class facility while enjoying Cleveland’s affordable cost of living, lakefront views, and cultural attractions, this assignment is a career game-changer.
OU Health – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Explore the heartland with travel assignments at OU Health, Oklahoma’s flagship academic health system. We’re hiring across all specialties, making this an excellent opportunity for:
- ICU, ER, OR, M/S, Telemetry, and more
- First-time travelers and seasoned pros alike
Oklahoma City combines a low cost of living with a growing healthcare community and plenty of charm—from western heritage to an exploding craft beer scene.
Onvida – Yuma, Arizona
If you’re dreaming of desert skies and meaningful work, Onvida Health in Yuma, AZ is hiring in all specialties. These assignments offer:
- Competitive pay packages
- A unique small-city vibe near the California border
- Proximity to San Diego, the Grand Canyon, and Mexico
This is a perfect spot for travelers looking to slow down and soak in the beauty of the Southwest while making an impact in a close-knit community hospital setting.
CHI & CommonSpirit Health – Multiple States
Uniti Med is proud to partner with CHI and CommonSpirit Health to offer contracts across Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and Texas. These facilities need travel nurses in multiple specialties, including:
- ICU, PCU, Tele, Med/Surg, and ER
- Day and night shifts available
- Both urban medical centers and rural hospitals
Whether you’re looking for the slower pace of rural medicine or the energy of a large hospital system, CommonSpirit offers diverse options and stability in your travel journey.
Why Become a Travel Nurse with Uniti Med?
At Uniti Med, we know travel healthcare isn’t just about the paycheck—it’s about purpose, adventure, and growth. We offer:
- Dedicated recruiters who truly listen
- Transparent pay packages
- Nationwide travel nursing jobs
- Ongoing support from assignment to assignment
Ready to Start Your Next Assignment?
Apply today to land one of these high-demand travel nurse jobs at facilities like Banner Health, Cleveland Clinic, OU Health, Onvida, and CHI/CommonSpirit. Whether you specialize in ICU, Med/Surg, PCU—or any other field—we’re here to connect you to your ideal opportunity.
Search Jobs Now or connect with a recruiter at Uniti Med to get started!
by Jamie Zarlingo | Jul 10, 2025 | Uncategorized
We’re excited to share that Uniti Med has been named the #13 Best Travel Nursing Company for 2025 by BluePipes, one of the most trusted platforms in the travel healthcare industry. With over 520 traveler reviews and a top-tier score of 97.13, this recognition is especially meaningful—and marks the third consecutive year we’ve earned this honor. This marks Uniti Med’s 3rd consecutive year in a row to make the list.
Why Uniti Med Stands Out
So, what sets Uniti Med apart?
For starters, we’re one of only two agencies to receive a rating above 97 with more than 500 verified reviews. That level of feedback speaks volumes. It reflects the dedication, transparency, and care our recruiters offer every day.
At Uniti Med, we believe in people-first staffing. Our recruiters are accessible, empathetic, and genuinely invested in the success of our healthcare professionals. We prioritize not only their professional growth but also their health and well-being.
This culture of compassion extends far beyond internal teams, it’s at the core of how we engage with our travelers. From the very first conversation, we strive to make every interaction supportive, honest, and impactful.
Recognition Rooted in Relationships
Founded in 2021, Uniti Med has rapidly grown into a respected leader in healthcare staffing. Our commitment to excellence has been recognized through multiple accolades:
-
BluePipes’ 2025 Best Travel Nursing Companies
-
ClearlyRated’s 2025 Best of Staffing for Talent Satisfaction
-
Inc. Regionals 2025 list of Fastest Growing Companies
Each award reflects the voices of our healthcare professionals and reinforces our mission to deliver best-in-class experiences.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the feedback of our travel healthcare professionals,” said President and COO Chris Sund. “Their trust and participation inspire us to keep raising the bar. They’re the heart of everything we do.”
What Is BluePipes and Why Does It Matter?
BluePipes.com is a leading platform that connects travel healthcare professionals—like travel nurses and allied workers—with top staffing agencies across the country. The site provides tools for managing career documents, comparing pay packages, building recruiter relationships, and more.
The BluePipes annual rankings are based on real reviews from healthcare professionals, making it one of the most credible lists in the industry. Learn more at bluepipes.com.
Start Your Travel Journey with Uniti Med
Looking for your next travel assignment? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the world of travel nursing, Uniti Med is here to support you every step of the way.
Browse our job board to explore current opportunities in travel nursing and allied health. Find assignments that match your goals—and a team that puts your well-being first.
Visit our job board to get started.
About Uniti Med
Uniti Med is a leading healthcare staffing company known for its exceptional culture and dedicated professionals. Specializing in travel nursing and allied healthcare sectors, Uniti Med fosters lasting relationships with clients and employees alike. Learn more about Uniti Med at unitimed.com.
by Beth Harner | May 27, 2025 | Uncategorized
Are you ready to make this summer your most rewarding yet? Travel healthcare jobs are offering incredible opportunities to explore new destinations while advancing your career. Our recruiters have identified six hotspot locations where we need talented professionals like you—places where your days off become unforgettable adventures.
Here are the top destinations our team recommends:
Healthcare Staffing Hotspots for Summer 2025
1. Iowa: Affordable Housing and Surprising Adventures
Iowa currently tops the market for LPN, RN and DON positions, according to Ally Beck, our Long Term Care Recruiter – Team Lead.
“We have several spots throughout the state close to Okoboji, Adventureland in Des Moines, Omaha/Council Bluffs, and just a few hours from Minneapolis,” Beck says.
Iowa stands out because you can make good money while having affordable housing in friendly towns. These jobs keep you within easy driving distance of fun attractions and bigger cities.
Explore Iowa healthcare positions →
2. Carson City, Nevada: Lake Tahoe Access
Carson City, Nevada offers healthcare professionals proximity to breathtaking Lake Tahoe.
“That is a dream of mine, to spend time on that water, looking at the mountains!” Beck shares about the Lake Tahoe region.
This destination combines professional growth with access to one of America’s most pristine alpine landscapes.
View Nevada opportunities →
3. Rapid City, South Dakota: Adventure Hub
“Sooo much to do,” shares Nursing Client Manager Megan Wetzel about Rapid City, where she plans her own summer trip.
The area surrounds visitors with attractions including:
- Mount Rushmore
- Black Hills and Badlands National Park
- Hot Springs
- Dinosaur Park
- Historic Sturgis and Deadwood
- Spearfish Canyon
- Bear Country USA
Healthcare workers can find endless outdoor adventures and historical sites to explore during time off.
Apply for Rapid City positions →
4. Sitka, Alaska: Coastal Beauty with Welcoming Environment
Sitka delivers both stunning landscapes and a supportive workplace culture.
“Beautiful location and a super friendly facility!” notes Wetzel about this coastal Alaskan town.
Take this opportunity to experience the Last Frontier while advancing your healthcare career.
Discover Alaska assignments →
5. Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Mountain Paradise
Glenwood Springs, Colorado attracts healthcare travelers with its famous hot springs, outdoor activities and spectacular mountain scenery.
The location provides the perfect balance of professional fulfillment and Rocky Mountain adventures, from hiking and rafting to relaxing in natural thermal pools.
Browse Glenwood Springs jobs →
6. Bangor, Maine: New England Opportunity
We’re actively hiring in Bangor, creating excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals.
Beyond its quintessential New England charm, literature enthusiasts appreciate visiting Stephen King’s house. The area combines rich cultural experiences with professional development opportunities.
See Bangor healthcare positions →
Our current openings span diverse regions to match various preferences, whether you seek affordable small-town living, mountain adventures, coastal explorations or cultural experiences. These assignments help you grow professionally while discovering America’s most beautiful regions.
Ready to transform your summer and career? Contact our team today to discover the perfect summer healthcare travel job for you!
Search Travel Jobs Now | Talk to a Recruiter
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About Uniti Med: As a leading healthcare staffing company, Uniti Med is known for its outstanding culture and dedicated professionals. We specialize in travel nursing, locum tenens, and various healthcare sectors, fostering meaningful relationships with both our clients and employees. Recognized on multiple prestigious lists—including SIA’s 2024 Best Staffing Firms to Temp for and Best Staffing Firms to Work For—Uniti Med is committed to making a lasting impact in the healthcare industry. In 2024 Uniti Med joined the GQR.
by Beth Harner | May 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
Ahead of National CNA Week (June 12-18, 2025), we’re highlighting how travel assignments allow certified nursing assistants to grow professionally while exploring new places.
Meet Alexa: Combining Passion with Adventure
Alexa from Kansas embodies the spirit of the modern travel CNA. With five years of healthcare experience, she has merged her passion for caregiving with her desire to explore new places. Since our initial interview during her first assignment in Des Moines, Iowa, she has completed multiple assignments including one in Washington state and is currently taking a well-deserved break.
“I’ve always wanted to work with babies, and I love helping people,” she said. “In the past few years, I’ve also found a love for traveling, so I started working as a CNA in high school and then realized that I could do what I love while traveling at the same time.”
For many CNAs like Alexa, travel assignments offer more than just new scenery. They provide opportunities to work in diverse healthcare settings, learn different protocols and build an impressive resume while maintaining steady income.
The Travel CNA Experience
When Alexa first sat down for this interview, she was beginning her travel CNA journey and expressed excitement about her first assignment.
“What I love the most is getting to experience different places and meeting new people. I love that I get to have a job that allows me to see new places in the U.S. and still have a steady income,” she said.
Since then, her path has taken her from Iowa to Washington, giving her the variety of experiences that make travel assignments so appealing. While she’s currently taking a break from travel work, her story illustrates how these assignments typically range from 8 to 13 weeks, allowing CNAs to immerse themselves in new communities while building valuable professional connections. Many travel CNAs discover that this diversity of experience accelerates their professional growth and expands their clinical skills.
Reflections on the Travel Experience
Looking back at Alexa’s initial travel experiences provides valuable insights for those considering this path. During her early days as a travel CNA, she shared this practical advice:
“A piece of advice I’d give to a first-time traveler would be to schedule or request in your contract to have your days or nights in a row. This especially helps when working nights because it helps my sleep schedule… but it also allows me to get out and see places that may take a couple days at a time.”
Having completed assignments in both Iowa and Washington, Alexa’s journey demonstrates how travel CNAs gain diverse clinical experience while exploring different regions of the country. Her experience shows that travel work can be both a chapter in one’s career and a foundation for future growth.
Practical Wisdom for Aspiring Travel CNAs
For those considering following in Alexa’s footsteps, her experience offers several valuable lessons:
- Strategic scheduling: Request consecutive shifts to maintain a healthy sleep schedule and maximize exploration time
- Licensing preparation: Research certification requirements for different states well in advance
- Community building: Connect with other healthcare travelers in your assignment area
- Flexibility: Be prepared for different facility protocols and regional differences
- Work-life balance: Take breaks between assignments when needed, as Alexa is currently doing
The travel CNA path offers flexibility not just in location, but also in how you structure your career journey.
A Glimpse into Future Possibilities
When asked about her future plans during the interview, Alexa shared her aspirations:
“I’m super interested in traveling to Hawaii and Alaska. I’ve actually been working on getting my licenses there so we will see how that goes,” she said. “I’d also love to go to the East Coast. I’ve been there before, and it would be really fun to work out there.”
While Alexa is currently taking time off from traveling, her journey demonstrates how the travel CNA path can evolve alongside personal and professional needs. Some CNAs travel for a season before settling into permanent positions, while others make travel work a long-term career choice, periodically taking breaks to recharge.
Begin Your Travel CNA Journey
If Alexa’s story has sparked your interest in travel CNA opportunities, we can help you take the first step. Our team connects qualified CNAs with rewarding travel assignments nationwide.
Explore Travel CNA Positions →
Whether you’re an experienced CNA seeking change or newly certified and eager to expand your horizons, our recruiters will guide you through finding assignments that match your skills and location preferences.
We would love to welcome you to the Uniti community – contact us to speak with a recruiter today!
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Read more: NAHCA’s Celebrate CNA Week Toolkit
About Uniti Med: As a leading healthcare staffing company, Uniti Med is known for its outstanding culture and dedicated professionals. We specialize in travel nursing, locum tenens, and various healthcare sectors, fostering meaningful relationships with both our clients and employees. Recognized on multiple prestigious lists—including SIA’s 2024 Best Staffing Firms to Temp for and Best Staffing Firms to Work For—Uniti Med is committed to making a lasting impact in the healthcare industry. In 2024 Uniti Med joined GQR.
