Nursing Salary Guide
At AMN Healthcare, we make it easy to compare travel, contract, and per-diem opportunities, understand your total compensation, and find the roles that align with your financial and lifestyle goals.
Nursing
How Much Do Nurses Make?
Based on the jobs currently displayed on AMN Healthcare, pay ranges between $1,825 - $2,766. Nursing pay varies based on role type, specialty, and location, but one of the biggest drivers of your earnings is how you choose to work.
From high-paying travel contracts to flexible per diem shifts, each option offers a unique compensation structure. The key is understanding which model fits your goals.
Compare Travel, Contract, and Per Diem Nurse Pay
Travel, local contract, and per diem nursing each offer unique advantages. Compare typical pay, scheduling flexibility, and assignment types to find the nursing career option that fits your lifestyle and financial goals.
What Impacts Nursing Pay?
No two jobs pay the same, understanding these factors helps you maximize your earning potential.
Specialty demand
ICU, ER, OR, and specialty units typically pay more
Location
High-demand or high-cost regions offer higher rates
Shift Type
Nights, weekends, and overtime increase pay
Facility urgency
Critical needs may include bonuses or rapid-fill incentives
What’s Included in a Travel Nurse Pay Package?
For travel nurses, total compensation goes beyond hourly pay:
- Taxable base pay
- Tax-free housing stipends
- Guaranteed pay
- Travel reimbursements
- Referral bonuses
- Benefits (health, dental, retirement)
Refer a Nurse. Earn a Reward
Know a great nurse looking for their next role? Refer them to AMN Healthcare.
Nurses support nurses. Share opportunities with colleagues, classmates, and friends who may be searching for their next assignment. You'll help grow our nursing community while earning rewards for eligible referrals.
Earn up to $1,000 for eligible travel nurse referrals and up to $500 for eligible per diem nurse referrals.
Your Questions, Answered.
Which Nursing Jobs Typically Pay the Most?
Pay varies based on market demand, but specialties such as ICU, Operating Room (OR), Labor & Delivery (L&D), Emergency Room (ER), and other highly specialized nursing roles are frequently among the highest-paying opportunities.
Do Travel Nurses Make More Than Staff Nurses?
In many cases, yes. Travel nurses may earn more than staff nurses because facilities often offer competitive pay packages to fill critical staffing needs. Total compensation can include housing stipends, meal allowances, travel reimbursements, and bonuses in addition to hourly wages.
How Much Do Travel Nurses Make Per Week?
Travel nurse pay varies based on specialty, location, shift, and facility demand. Compensation is typically structured as a weekly package that includes taxable hourly wages plus tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and incidental expenses. Because of this pay structure, travel nursing often offers higher total earning potential than traditional staff positions.
What Factors Impact Nursing Pay?
Several factors can influence nursing earnings, including:
- Specialty and certifications
- Geographic location
- Shift type (days, nights, weekends, holidays)
- Assignment type (travel, local contract, per diem, or staff)
- Experience level
- Facility demand and staffing needs
High-demand specialties such as ICU, ER, OR, and Labor & Delivery often command higher rates.
What Is the Difference Between Travel Nurse Pay and Local Contract Nurse Pay?
Travel nurses typically receive compensation packages that may include housing and meal stipends when working away from their permanent residence. Local contract nurses usually work close to home and are paid primarily through hourly wages without travel-related stipends. Both options often offer competitive rates, but compensation structures differ.
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