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.