Traveling as a nurse gives you the freedom to go where you want while making good money, new friends, and memories.
Maybe you’re interested in pursuing travel nursing or perhaps you’re a travel nurse looking for the next best city to work in. Either way, you want to know what the best travel nurse destinations are.
With endless opportunities and new sights to see, your head is spinning at all the possibilities. Don’t know where to start? No worries. Let’s break down the best places to work as a travel nurse one city at a time.
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Destination a “Top City” for Travel Nurses?
- The Best Places To Travel Nurse in the United States by Region
- Top 9 Cities for Travel Nurses in the Western United States
- 5 of the Best Travel Nurse Locations in the Eastern United States
- 5 of the Best Places To Travel Nurse in the Central United States
- The 5 Best Places To Travel Nurse Outside of the Contiguous United States
- Factors That May Influence the City You Choose for Your Next Travel Assignment
- Select the Best Travel Nurse Locations For Your Next Assignment With Trusted Nurse Staffing
What Makes a Destination a “Top City” for Travel Nurses?
With all the benefits that travel nursing offers, it can be an easy decision to become one. Now comes the hard part — deciding where to go.
Travel nurse locations and jobs are available across the country, but the assignments available will depend on:
- The facility’s current staffing needs
- Your qualifications for certain assignments
- Personal preference
You can start by making a list of what you might want or not want when it comes to the city you will be working in. Once you have an idea of the perfect travel city for you, you can begin checking if it is available to work in. Pronto is an excellent way to find the best places to travel nurse for you.
So what makes a destination a top city for travel nurses?
Some of the top destinations have these five things in common:
- Licensing requirements
- Pay rates
- Attractions
- Cost of living
- Transportation options
The Best Places To Travel Nurse in the United States by Region
Top 9 Cities for Travel Nurses in the Western United States
#1: San Diego, California
Maybe you’re interested in quintessential California beach living — picture this: waves perfect for surfing, shops bordering the beach, and hip new bars.
Or maybe you’re more interested in the quality of life and relaxed atmosphere that San Diego provides. As one of the safest large cities in the United States and over 190 communal and neighborhood parks, San Diego is a haven for safety and relaxation.
Either way, San Diego should be at the top of your travel nurse destination list, making the cut for one of the top cities for travel nurses.
Travel nurses love visiting local attractions like:
- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park
- Petco Park
- USS Midway Museum; and
- Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market
But it’s more than just the sights and scenes. San Diego has much to offer those focused on their nursing careers!
With around 30 hospitals in the city alone, there’s no shortage of nursing contracts available.
While traffic can be an issue in the area, travel nurses have many options for getting to and from work. Whether in the carpool lane with a coworker, riding the bus, or cruising the freeway, you can count on a beautiful drive through the area.
California travel nurses make an average of $1,540 a week, which is higher than the national average.
The additional benefit of picking up a nursing contract in San Diego? California requires (by law) facilities to keep appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios throughout all units. Instead of feeling run-down and overworked while providing minimal care to your patients, California’s law helps nurses ensure they are providing proper care.
#2: Seattle, Washington
Another destination with low patient ratios and above-average pay is Seattle, Washington. Travel nurses in the area make an average of $1,574 per week.
But the pay isn’t the only thing bringing travel nurses to the area. Although Washington isn’t a part of the NLC, it brings its own benefits. Seattle is home to over 15 hospitals, so you’re bound to find a contract that meets your needs.
What else makes Seattle a top city for travel nurses?
It could be the food, as Pike Place Market is a foodie’s paradise. Or it may have to do with the endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Lake Washington, Mount Rainier, and Alki Beach are just a few hotspots our travel nurses visit regularly.
Did you know Seattle, Washington was ranked #1 for America’s most Hygge Cities? Hygge is the Danish concept of coziness, well-being, and contentment. So if you welcome “sweater weather,” warm drinks by a fire, and liberal use of blankets, candles, and comfort, Seattle is sure to be your top travel nurse location.
Great pay, great food, and superb views. What isn’t to love about this travel nursing destination?
#3: Denver, Colorado
Outdoor enthusiasts, Denver is calling. In reality, some might say Denver, Colorado, offers it all.
Travel nurses on assignment in Denver can enjoy:
- Sporting events galore (Check out the Broncos, Nuggets, or the Rockies.)
- The Red Rocks Amphitheater (It’s one of the most famous music venues in the world.)
- Denver Botanic Gardens; and
- A little bit of everything Denver has to do at RiNo
Maybe you’re not too invested in the outdoors but have heard of Denver’s diverse food and drink culture.
Whatever your flavor is, Denver is bound to have it. With hundreds of restaurants, dozens of wineries and distilleries, and many ice creameries, this city will have your stomach full and your taste buds stated.
Getting around in Denver is easy with affordable public transportation options. Travel nurses can use the light rail system, rent a motorized scooter or bike, or catch the bus. It’s the perfect location for travel nurses who like to stay active, even on their way to work.
Colorado is also a part of the NLC, making it easy for travel nurses with multi-state licenses to start working as quickly as they arrive in the area.
Travel nurses can expect an average salary of $1,433 per week working here.
#4: Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona has a lot to offer travel nurses. The average salary for traveling nurses in Phoenix, Arizona is $1,409 a week.
Here, you’ll find mountain ranges, palm trees, lakes, rivers, and painted sunsets — all in a single state.
One of the best cities to live in Arizona is Phoenix, the state’s capital city. Phoenix’s economy is thriving, offers many amenities, and the nightlife is alive and well.
Check out just a few of the many things to do in or around Phoenix:
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Camelback Mountain
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Hole-in-the-Rock
- The Grand Canyon
This guide breaks these down and many more of the top things to do and see.
Do you like sunshine? According to data compiled by the National Climatic Data Center, Phoenix basks in sunshine more often than any other major metropolitan area in the U.S. The sun shines on Phoenix during 85 percent of its daylight hours
Professionally, what can you expect from this destination? Arizona is part of the NLC, so getting started on assignments is pretty painless for travel nurses with multi-state licenses.
#5: Portland, Oregon
It pays great to be a travel nurse. With an average weekly salary of $1,913, Portland is a profitable travel nurse destination. But that isn’t the only thing that makes Portland, OR, so great.
Portland is home to a diverse biome and an even more diverse culture.
Breathe in the fresh air and take in all that Portland has to offer. Investigate one of Portland’s many haunted attractions and take the Haunted Shanghai Tunnel Tour. Enjoy tax-free shopping in the Rose district. Visit one of Portland’s various gardens like the:
- Leach Botanical Garden
- Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
- The Grotto
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- And more
Do you like beer? Portland is said to have more microbreweries per capita than any other city in the world. There’s also Powell’s City of Books, which is the world’s largest independently owned bookstore.
With so much to offer, Portland is a great destination for travel nurses or anyone in general. According to recent studies conducted in the U.S. News and World Report, the city of Portland was ranked the 6th best place to live in the nation.
#6: Salem, Oregon
The average salary of a travel nurse in Salem, OR is $1,812 per week.
Do you consider yourself a foodie? Located right in the center of the Willamette Valley, Salem is a mecca for farm-to-table living and eating.
The region produces some of the best wines, hazelnuts, and other food-lover favorites in the entire Western Hemisphere. Salem is also famously nicknamed the “Cherry City” because of its past importance in the cherry-growing industry.
If you’re a travel nurse who loves the outdoors, then Salem is for you.
The mountains, the coast, or larger cities like Eugene and Portland are all about an hour away. You also can experience hiking trips to Mount Hood or day trips to Bend on your days off.
A few of the top things to check out include:
- Riverfront City Park
- Enchanted Forest
- Elsinore Theatre
- Willamette Heritage Center; and
- Cascades Gateway Park
In addition, Salem is known for its great coffee shops — a must for a travel nurse who loves to drink coffee.
#7: Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado, has often topped lists of the happiest cities in America.
Boulder offers breathtaking scenery, amazing weather, a thriving food scene, a Hallmark-worthy downtown, and enough outdoor activities to keep any travel nurse busy on off days.
A huge perk for a travel nurse is that you can rely on public transportation.
Just a few things to do during your assignment include:
- Checking out live music at the historic Boulder Theatre
- Visiting The Flatirons
- Seeing the Boulder History Museum
- Browsing the Boulder County Farmers Market; and
- Hiking through Eldorado Canyon State Park
As mentioned before, Colorado is part of the NLC, so those nurses with multi-state licenses should have no problem getting started at a healthcare facility in Boulder.
The average salary for travel nurses in Boulder, Colorado is $1,514 per week.
#8: Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is known for its Mediterranean climate, ethnic diversity, and of course — Hollywood.
L.A. is one of the most famous cities in the world, and any travel nurse would have a hard time running out of things to do during an assignment.
You can eat your heart out, do some star gazing, explore the ample parks, or just be a beach bum on your days off.
Make sure to add these must-dos to your travel list:
- Drive around the Palos Verdes Peninsula
- Have tacos at Grand Central Market
- Bike the Strand
- Take in a drive-in movie
- Visit Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive; and
- Walk the Santa Monica Pier
The average salary of travel nurses in Los Angeles is $1,658 a week. Another fantastic attribute that makes this city a great travel nurse destination is its nationally ranked hospitals such as:
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- UCLA Medical Center
- Keck Medical Center of USC
#9: Las Vegas, Nevada
Travel nurses craving a faster pace and more lively night scene may want to consider a travel-nursing assignment in Sin City.
Not interested in the vibes the strip of Vegas offers?
Travel nurses love checking out the sites nearby, including:
- Red Rock National Park
- The Mob Museum
- The Grand Canyon; and
- Hoover Dam
Aside from always having something to do — such as shows, restaurants, and historic sites galore — Vegas is a top spot for those nurses who want to make a difference in the community.
Vegas struggles to keep up with the demand for nurses, so finding a position in the area certainly isn’t a struggle for many travel nurses. The average salary ranges from $1,218 to $1,779 per week in Las Vegas.
With the Trusted Nurse Staffing Pronto job search, you can enter your ideal travel nurse assignment location and find jobs around those areas.
Plus, you’ll always have the backing of our top-notch staff to help you design the assignment you’ve been looking for.
5 of the Best Travel Nurse Locations in the Eastern United States
#1: New York City, New York
The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. Gotham.
Whatever you call it, New York City is known as a great destination for experiences, nightlife, and rich history.
You can truly experience in all in New York, like:
- Attending Broadway shows
- Strolling through Central Park
- Standing in Times Square
- Boating to the Statue of Liberty; and
- Taking walking food tours
Are you looking to make some impressive marks on your resume? New York City is home to some of the best hospitals in the country including:
- Mount Sinai Hospital
- NYU Langone Hospital
- New York Presbyterian Hospital
- North Shore University Hospital
The cost of living in the Big Apple may be high, but it pays well to be a travel nurse in New York City. The average travel nurse’s salary is $1,958 per week.
#2: Orlando, Florida
Central Florida contains over 349 hospitals, with some being some of the top medical research facilities in the country — the University of Central Florida Medical School is one example.
No matter your specialty, travel nurses have a wide variety of opportunities in the Sunshine State.
Aside from career opportunities, there are numerous reasons Orlando ranks in the top 100 places to live in the country.
From its booming economy to its unlimited sights, it’s no wonder Orlando makes the cut for the top cities for travel nurses!
Travel nurses can enjoy:
- Visiting Disney World
- Swimming with dolphins
- Exploring Lake Eola Park; and
- Sipping drinks at M Lounge
Plus, with so much to do and so many sites to see, Orlando, Florida, may be the perfect place to start travel nursing with a friend! Make memories, share experiences, and build your resumes together.
The average travel nurse’s salary in Orlando is $1,403 per week.
#3: Boston, Massachusetts
The average travel nursing salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $1,664 per week.
Boston is home to some of the most prestigious hospitals and universities, including:
- Boston Medical Center
- Massachusetts General Hospital; and
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
This makes Boston a wonderful place for nurses looking to make higher salaries, enhance their resumes, and gain experience with some of the top physicians.
Boston’s welcoming atmosphere instantly makes it feel like home to many travel nurses. While the city has a high population, it is still reasonably compact and quite walkable, making it ideal for those looking to get to and from work easily.
The historic sites of the city may also be the reason so many travel nurses enjoy contracts in the area, like:
- Boston Massacre Memorial
- Central Burying Ground; and
- The Paul Revere House
Red Sox fans — and baseball fans alike — get excited! Fenway Park is one of the many favorite parts of this travel nursing destination.
To begin your search for a Boston travel nurse assignment, create your free Pronto profile. The job search then finds you available assignment opportunities in Boston — all without the need for a recruiter.
#4: Richmond, Virginia
The average travel nurse salary in Richmond, Virginia is $1,459 per week.
If you’re a travel nurse who loves history, then Richmond, Virginia, might be the assignment you’re looking for.
Richmond is known for its rich history, local cuisine, and amazing city views from the James River. It’s been rated as one of the 100 best places to live.
Richmond offers so much to see and experience such as:
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- American Civil War Museum
- Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
- RVA Trolley
- The Edgar Allan Poe Museum
- Richmond food tour; and
- James River
Richmond is a great travel nurse location for nurses who are looking to work in a nationally ranked children’s hospital like the VCU Medical Center.
#5: Atlanta, Georgia
Southern charm, hospitality, and above-average nursing salaries — it’s no surprise why Atlanta is one of the top cities on the East Coast for travel nurses.
Atlanta travel nursing assignments offer nurses the chance to explore an array of activities, including visiting:
- The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Fox Theatre; and
- Piedmont Park
Atlanta’s unique public transportation system, MARTA, makes it easy for travel nurses to get to and from work or activities via the transit rail system.
5 of the Best Places To Travel Nurse in the Central United States
#1: Dallas, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas.
And that’s true for the city of Dallas. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is made of 10 major cities and 13 counties — the largest metropolitan area in the southern United States.
The number of people moving into the area may be a pro or a con for you. Either way, Dallas is booming.
There’s always something for a travel nurse to do in Dallas, such as:
- The AT&T Performing Arts Center for theater, opera, or dance
- Live music venues such as Adair’s Saloon or The Bomb Factory
- The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden; or
- The Dallas Arts District
#2: Omaha, Nebraska
“Flyover Country” isn’t the first destination many travel nurses think of as they create their list of dream destinations, but it certainly has its perks.
With a population of around 475,000 and home to over 100 hospitals, Omaha provides travel nurses with various opportunities to meet their career goals.
Nebraska is also a member of the NLC, so multi-state license holders can breathe easy knowing they have one less thing to check off their to-do lists when arriving.
One of the biggest perks of heading to Omaha for your next assignment is the state’s low cost of living, with housing costs below the national average.
Travel nurses can enjoy the state’s most populous city by:
- Taking trips to the historic Old Market
- Visiting the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
- Hiking Fontenelle Forest; or
- Being in two places at one time by visiting the Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
The average travel nursing salary in Omaha Nebraska is $1,405 per week.
#3: Kansas City, Missouri
The average travel nurse salary in Kansas City, MO is $1,799 per week.
One of the biggest perks of working as a travel nurse in Kansas City, Missouri, is the lower housing expenses, easygoing feel, and endless career opportunities.
Often referred to as an “urban-meets-suburban” town, Kansas City isn’t lacking in attractions. From world-class barbeque to jazz music players — there’s a bit of charm everywhere you go.
In Kansas City, you can enjoy delicious barbeque, an enthralling music scene, and a booming sports culture. This makes good old KC a universal travel nurse destination for travel nurses of all types.
Travel nurses can take in the sights, enjoy all four seasons, and help a community dealing with nursing shortages regularly.
#4: Austin, Texas
From world-class museums to a lively music scene and plenty of places to eat and drink, it’s no surprise Austin is quickly becoming a favorite of travel nurses.
You might try:
- Floating the Guadalupe and San Marcos rivers
- Checking out the Congress Bridge bats
- Renting a boat on Lake Travis
- Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
- Taking a swim in Barton Springs
- Shopping on Congress and buying a pair of cowboy boots at the iconic Allens Boots
The average travel nurse salary in Austin, TX is $1,452 per week.
#5: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Known for its “cowboy culture and capitol complex,” OKC sits along Route 66 and boasts plenty of historic, outdoor, and hospitable spots for travel nurses to explore.
Don’t miss:
- Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
- Scissortail Park
- First Americans Museum
- Bricktown Water Taxi
- Myriad Botanical Gardens
- Factory Obscura’s Mix-Tape
- Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball
- Oklahoma City Zoo’s Sanctuary Asia
- Conestoga Wagons & Teepees at Orr Family Farm
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- Oklahoma City Museum of Art
- Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center
- Stockyards City
With so much to do in Oklahoma City, you’ll have plenty of time to make new memories and friends at this top destination for travel nurses.
The average travel nurse’s salary in Oklahoma City, OK is $1,676 per week.
The 5 Best Places To Travel Nurse Outside of the Contiguous United States
#1: Maui, Hawaii
Who doesn’t have traveling to Hawaii on their bucket list? In this top travel nurse city, you’ll get paid more than sunshine and good times. The average salary for travel nurses in Maui, Hawaii is $1,925 per week.
For many travel nurses, working in Maui, Hawaii, is a dream come true.
The breathtaking beaches, the mountains, the people, the culture — beauty is everywhere in Maui.
Living in Maui means everything to do is about being outdoors and connecting with nature. Why not? It’s warm all year long.
Here are seven popular ideas to get your Maui bucket list started:
- Attend a luau
- Go whale watching
- Swim with sea turtles
- See the Seven Sacred Pools
- Tour a pineapple farm
- See a blowhole
- Bicycle down a volcano (Yes, that’s a thing.)
#2: Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska is another top destination for travel nurses due to its high pay and great attractions. The average travel nurse salary in Anchorage is $2,041 per week.
Alaskan travel assignments are for nurses who love adventure.
You can hike volcanoes, see the Northern Lights, watch the salmon run, or take a helicopter tour over glaciers.
But Alaska’s not all wilderness — Anchorage offers arts, entertainment, galleries, restaurants, and nightlife.
A few things to get your visit started are:
- Find moose
- See glaciers
- Learn about Alaska Native cultures
- Try dog sledding
- View the Northern Lights; and
- Watch the Bore Tide
#3: Honolulu, Hawaii
Like many other locations, Honolulu is experiencing a shortage of nurses, so travel nurses should have no problems finding assignments in Honolulu.
Many travelers dream of visiting the Aloha State. And for travel nurses, it is a dream come true. Although it doesn’t make the cut for financial reasons — as the cost of living is quite high — the quality of life travel nurses experience far outweighs the issue.
Aside from the surfing, beaches, historic landmarks, culture, and tropical climate, what makes Honolulu one of the best places for travel nurses to accept an assignment?
Although not having a car may limit what travel nurses can do in their free time, public transportation makes it easy to travel in Honolulu.
Take the time during your travel nursing career to enjoy the culture, history, and wholesome lifestyle Hawaii provides.
Did we mention it pays well to be a travel nurse in Honolulu, Hawaii? The average travel nurse’s salary is $1,914 per week!
#4: Hilo, Hawaii
The weather, the culture, the outdoor activities — Hawaii itself doesn’t need much selling. And the pay isn’t half bad either. The average travel nurse salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $1,901 per week.
The city of Hilo is located on the Big Island, so you’ll likely need a rain jacket for any outdoor activities over your assignment. Take a day trip to see the lava, hike to waterfalls like the ‘Akaka Falls, or just relax on the beach.
Visit gorgeous beaches and parks like:
- Richardson Ocean Park
- Liliuokalani Gardens
- Carlsmith Beach Park
- And more
#5: Juneau, Alaska
As the capital city of Alaska, Juneau offers plenty of activities for residents and visitors alike. During your assignment, you might check out:
- The Mendenhall Glacier
- Whale watching
- Mount Juneau or Mount Roberts
- Bear viewing
- The Alaska State Museum
- Garden tours
Juneau, Alaska is a great travel nurse destination for nurses who love snow and rain. Juneau has an average of 230 days per year that have measurable precipitation, with 43 of those days having measurable snowfall.
And if you aren’t into rain and snow, maybe you’ll be into the fact that Juneau has an average travel nursing salary of $1,628 per week.
Factors That May Influence the City You Choose for Your Next Travel Assignment
One of the best things about being a travel nurse is the experience of travel.
However, you can’t just throw a dart at a map or hop on a plane to Hawaii without first considering a few factors.
You may love the opportunities the destination offers, but if the cost of living is too high for the pay offered, you won’t be able to afford to go on adventures. Be sure to learn how to budget appropriately.
If you are hoping to rely on public transportation, but you arrive to find out that what’s offered is several years away from efficiency, you’re going to begin your several months there already stressed.
Consider these top 4 factors:
- Pay and cost of living
- Distance from family
- Local transportation options
- Crime rates
If you’re working with a reliable nurse staffing agency, like Trusted Nurse Staffing, they should walk you through these factors and help you make the right decision for your travel nurse assignment.
Select the Best Travel Nurse Locations For Your Next Assignment With Trusted Nurse Staffing
At Trusted Nurse Staffing, we appreciate our nurses. We make it a priority to make you feel welcome, and we want you to be successful.
When you become a travel nurse with us, you’ll enjoy perks like:
- The highest pay rates
- The best benefits packages in the industry
- A welcome box with lots of great swag; and
- Access to your recruiter 24/7
When you’re ready to start your new adventure, we’d love to help you discover the best places to travel nurse.
Just visit Pronto and start scrolling through all of the travel nursing assignments in all of the various cities. Can’t find one that suits your interests and needs? Set reminders so that you can be notified when the perfect assignment for you comes up.
Go to Pronto now and start searching for your dream travel nursing job. We can’t wait to connect with you.