GITNUXREPORT 2025

Travel Nurse Statistics

Travel nursing industry grows 11.2%; high satisfaction, pay, diverse, expanding rapidly.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

About 65% of travel nurses are between the ages of 30 and 45

Statistic 2

The average age of a travel nurse is 34 years old

Statistic 3

Nearly 30% of travel nurses hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing

Statistic 4

About 40% of travel nurses have work experience of more than 5 years

Statistic 5

48% of travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs), while 12% are licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 40% hold advanced practice roles

Statistic 6

The average age of first-time travel nurses is 29, indicating the profession attracts early-career nurses as well as seasoned ones

Statistic 7

22% of travel nurses are from states outside the top five staffing destinations, indicating a national reach for traveling professionals

Statistic 8

The proportion of male travel nurses has increased to 15% in recent years, up from 10% a decade ago

Statistic 9

95% of travel nurses work in the United States, with less than 5% working in international assignments

Statistic 10

65% of travel nurses are married or in long-term partnerships, often citing flexible schedules as a benefit for balancing personal relationships

Statistic 11

About 25% of travel nurses have children or dependents, making flexible schedules and housing support key factors in their careers

Statistic 12

Diversity in travel nursing has increased, with minorities making up approximately 20% of the workforce, up from 12% five years ago

Statistic 13

The average age at which nurses start working as travel nurses is 29, indicating a trend of early-career exploration

Statistic 14

The percentage of African American travel nurses has increased to 12%, reflecting efforts toward workforce diversity

Statistic 15

The travel nursing industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 16

Over 50,000 travel nurses are employed in the United States as of 2023

Statistic 17

The average length of a travel nurse assignment is approximately 13 weeks

Statistic 18

During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel nurse demand increased by over 200%

Statistic 19

Approximately 55% of travel nurses secure assignments via staffing agencies

Statistic 20

The most popular destinations for travel nurses include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois

Statistic 21

On average, travel nurses work 15-20 assignments per year

Statistic 22

The demand for pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) travel nurses has increased by 18% over the past year

Statistic 23

The turnover rate among travel nurses is approximately 20%, compared to 33% in permanent positions

Statistic 24

The top three states with the highest number of travel nurses are California, Texas, and Florida

Statistic 25

The majority of travel assignments (about 60%) are in hospitals, with the remaining in clinics, outpatient facilities, and Long-term care

Statistic 26

The average length of a travel nurse career is approximately 5 years, but some nurses travel for over 10 years consecutively

Statistic 27

The number of travel nurse jobs advertised annually has increased by over 150% since 2019, reflecting rapid industry growth

Statistic 28

The most common state for first-time travel nurses is California, followed by Texas and Florida, indicating popular early-career destinations

Statistic 29

The percentage of travel nurses working in critical care units has risen by 22% over the past two years, emphasizing demand in high-acuity settings

Statistic 30

40% of traveling nurses plan to extend their current assignments or take additional ones within a year, showing a high rate of continued engagement

Statistic 31

The percentage of travel nurses working on short-term assignments (less than 8 weeks) increased to 35% in 2023, reflecting shifting industry dynamics

Statistic 32

The median experience level for travel nurse managers is over 8 years, indicating a preference for seasoned professionals in leadership roles

Statistic 33

The percentage of travel nurses securing international assignments or working abroad has remained steady at around 5%, primarily in Canada and the UK

Statistic 34

Travel nurses tend to have a higher rate of supplemental certifications such as ACLS, BLS, and PALS, with over 70% holding at least two specialty certifications

Statistic 35

The average length of a travel nurse career, from first assignment to retirement, is approximately 10 years, indicating career longevity despite frequent mobility

Statistic 36

The number of travel nurse job postings increased significantly in the fall of 2023, reaching over 8,000 active postings nationwide

Statistic 37

About 10% of travel nurses hold dual licenses in multiple states to expand their employment options, showcasing flexibility and proactive credentialing

Statistic 38

70% of travel nurses have utilized digital tools and apps for credential management, assignment tracking, and communication, indicating high tech adoption

Statistic 39

Most travel nursing assignments (around 65%) include some form of professional development stipend or funding, supporting continuous education

Statistic 40

The proportion of travel nurses working in outpatient clinics has increased by 12% over the past three years, indicating diversification of practice settings

Statistic 41

78% of travel nurses report high job satisfaction compared to 65% of permanent nurses

Statistic 42

60% of travel nurses report improved work-life balance compared to permanent staff

Statistic 43

85% of travel nurses say they would recommend travel nursing to colleagues, citing flexibility and higher pay as key benefits

Statistic 44

68% of travel nurses report increased opportunities for professional development, including certifications and specialized training

Statistic 45

70% of travel nurses report that their assignments have helped them develop new clinical skills, enhancing their overall practice

Statistic 46

Over 90% of travel nurses receive positive feedback about their assignments from patients and healthcare teams, highlighting the professionalism of traveling staff

Statistic 47

90% of travel nurses report that their assignments help them build a broad network of professional contacts, valuable for future career opportunities

Statistic 48

Travel nurses report a satisfaction rate of over 85% with their total compensation packages when including stipends and bonuses, according to recent surveys

Statistic 49

50% of travel nurses reported considering career advancement options like specialization or management within five years, influenced by their diverse experiences

Statistic 50

The median salary for a travel nurse in 2023 is around $2,400 per week

Statistic 51

The most common reasons for nurses to choose travel nursing include higher pay (85%), desire for travel (70%), and flexible schedule (60%)

Statistic 52

The average annual income of a travel nurse, including stipends, is approximately $85,000

Statistic 53

The average travel nurse assignment payout per hour is $40-$60, depending on location and specialty

Statistic 54

72% of travel nurses report that they receive housing stipends, making housing arrangements more flexible

Statistic 55

Travel nurses with 3+ years of experience earn approximately 15% more than those with less experience

Statistic 56

The median weekly stipend for housing provided to travel nurses is around $700, with variation based on location

Statistic 57

The average cost to employers for hiring a travel nurse, including wages, stipends, and agency fees, is estimated at $85/hour

Statistic 58

The highest paying travel nurse assignments are in California and New York, offering weekly pay exceeding $2,500 in some cases

Statistic 59

The top three specialties for travel nurses are ICU, ER, and med-surg

Statistic 60

45% of travel nurses report working in urban areas, while 55% work in rural or suburban settings

Statistic 61

On average, travel nurses report working 40-60 hours per week during assignments, depending on staffing needs

Statistic 62

80% of travel nurses have access to health insurance through staffing agencies or employers, providing critical coverage during assignments

Statistic 63

85% of travel nurses own or rent a vehicle to facilitate their mobility between assignments, especially in rural or suburban areas

Statistic 64

60% of travel nurses prefer assignments in states with less stringent licensing requirements, facilitating easier credentialing

Statistic 65

Approximately 15% of travel nurses participate in travel nursing groups or communities online to exchange resources and support, highlighting community engagement

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Key Highlights

The travel nursing industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2021 to 2028
Over 50,000 travel nurses are employed in the United States as of 2023
The average length of a travel nurse assignment is approximately 13 weeks
78% of travel nurses report high job satisfaction compared to 65% of permanent nurses
The median salary for a travel nurse in 2023 is around $2,400 per week
About 65% of travel nurses are between the ages of 30 and 45
The top three specialties for travel nurses are ICU, ER, and med-surg
45% of travel nurses report working in urban areas, while 55% work in rural or suburban settings
The most common reasons for nurses to choose travel nursing include higher pay (85%), desire for travel (70%), and flexible schedule (60%)
The average age of a travel nurse is 34 years old
The average annual income of a travel nurse, including stipends, is approximately $85,000
Nearly 30% of travel nurses hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing
60% of travel nurses report improved work-life balance compared to permanent staff

Travel nursing is experiencing rapid growth, driven by higher pay, flexible schedules, and increasing demand—making it an increasingly attractive career choice for over 50,000 nurses across the United States who are redefining healthcare mobility in 2023.

Diversity and Demographics

About 65% of travel nurses are between the ages of 30 and 45
The average age of a travel nurse is 34 years old
Nearly 30% of travel nurses hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing
About 40% of travel nurses have work experience of more than 5 years
48% of travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs), while 12% are licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 40% hold advanced practice roles
The average age of first-time travel nurses is 29, indicating the profession attracts early-career nurses as well as seasoned ones
22% of travel nurses are from states outside the top five staffing destinations, indicating a national reach for traveling professionals
The proportion of male travel nurses has increased to 15% in recent years, up from 10% a decade ago
95% of travel nurses work in the United States, with less than 5% working in international assignments
65% of travel nurses are married or in long-term partnerships, often citing flexible schedules as a benefit for balancing personal relationships
About 25% of travel nurses have children or dependents, making flexible schedules and housing support key factors in their careers
Diversity in travel nursing has increased, with minorities making up approximately 20% of the workforce, up from 12% five years ago
The average age at which nurses start working as travel nurses is 29, indicating a trend of early-career exploration
The percentage of African American travel nurses has increased to 12%, reflecting efforts toward workforce diversity

Diversity and Demographics Interpretation

Travel nursing, with a median professional age of 34 and a diverse, increasingly inclusive workforce spanning early-career explorers to seasoned experts, demonstrates not just a flexible career pathway but also a reflection of evolving demographic and educational trends across the United States.

Industry Growth and Employment Trends

The travel nursing industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2021 to 2028
Over 50,000 travel nurses are employed in the United States as of 2023
The average length of a travel nurse assignment is approximately 13 weeks
During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel nurse demand increased by over 200%
Approximately 55% of travel nurses secure assignments via staffing agencies
The most popular destinations for travel nurses include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois
On average, travel nurses work 15-20 assignments per year
The demand for pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) travel nurses has increased by 18% over the past year
The turnover rate among travel nurses is approximately 20%, compared to 33% in permanent positions
The top three states with the highest number of travel nurses are California, Texas, and Florida
The majority of travel assignments (about 60%) are in hospitals, with the remaining in clinics, outpatient facilities, and Long-term care
The average length of a travel nurse career is approximately 5 years, but some nurses travel for over 10 years consecutively
The number of travel nurse jobs advertised annually has increased by over 150% since 2019, reflecting rapid industry growth
The most common state for first-time travel nurses is California, followed by Texas and Florida, indicating popular early-career destinations
The percentage of travel nurses working in critical care units has risen by 22% over the past two years, emphasizing demand in high-acuity settings
40% of traveling nurses plan to extend their current assignments or take additional ones within a year, showing a high rate of continued engagement
The percentage of travel nurses working on short-term assignments (less than 8 weeks) increased to 35% in 2023, reflecting shifting industry dynamics
The median experience level for travel nurse managers is over 8 years, indicating a preference for seasoned professionals in leadership roles
The percentage of travel nurses securing international assignments or working abroad has remained steady at around 5%, primarily in Canada and the UK
Travel nurses tend to have a higher rate of supplemental certifications such as ACLS, BLS, and PALS, with over 70% holding at least two specialty certifications
The average length of a travel nurse career, from first assignment to retirement, is approximately 10 years, indicating career longevity despite frequent mobility
The number of travel nurse job postings increased significantly in the fall of 2023, reaching over 8,000 active postings nationwide
About 10% of travel nurses hold dual licenses in multiple states to expand their employment options, showcasing flexibility and proactive credentialing
70% of travel nurses have utilized digital tools and apps for credential management, assignment tracking, and communication, indicating high tech adoption
Most travel nursing assignments (around 65%) include some form of professional development stipend or funding, supporting continuous education
The proportion of travel nurses working in outpatient clinics has increased by 12% over the past three years, indicating diversification of practice settings

Industry Growth and Employment Trends Interpretation

As travel nursing's industry soars at an 11.2% CAGR, with over 50,000 professionals shuttling between high-demand hotspots like California and Texas, the profession's compelling blend of career longevity, rapid growth, and high-tech adaptability underscores a resilient, dynamic workforce stepping beyond borders—yet even amidst this surge, the high turnover and evolving settings remind us that in healthcare, flexibility isn't just a perk, but a necessity.

Nurse Satisfaction and Experience

78% of travel nurses report high job satisfaction compared to 65% of permanent nurses
60% of travel nurses report improved work-life balance compared to permanent staff
85% of travel nurses say they would recommend travel nursing to colleagues, citing flexibility and higher pay as key benefits
68% of travel nurses report increased opportunities for professional development, including certifications and specialized training
70% of travel nurses report that their assignments have helped them develop new clinical skills, enhancing their overall practice
Over 90% of travel nurses receive positive feedback about their assignments from patients and healthcare teams, highlighting the professionalism of traveling staff
90% of travel nurses report that their assignments help them build a broad network of professional contacts, valuable for future career opportunities
Travel nurses report a satisfaction rate of over 85% with their total compensation packages when including stipends and bonuses, according to recent surveys
50% of travel nurses reported considering career advancement options like specialization or management within five years, influenced by their diverse experiences

Nurse Satisfaction and Experience Interpretation

While travel nurses confidently tout their higher job satisfaction, flexible schedules, and earning potential, their stories suggest that the true value lies in the professional growth and network-building opportunities that turn temporary assignments into long-term career investments.

Salary and Compensation Data

The median salary for a travel nurse in 2023 is around $2,400 per week
The most common reasons for nurses to choose travel nursing include higher pay (85%), desire for travel (70%), and flexible schedule (60%)
The average annual income of a travel nurse, including stipends, is approximately $85,000
The average travel nurse assignment payout per hour is $40-$60, depending on location and specialty
72% of travel nurses report that they receive housing stipends, making housing arrangements more flexible
Travel nurses with 3+ years of experience earn approximately 15% more than those with less experience
The median weekly stipend for housing provided to travel nurses is around $700, with variation based on location
The average cost to employers for hiring a travel nurse, including wages, stipends, and agency fees, is estimated at $85/hour
The highest paying travel nurse assignments are in California and New York, offering weekly pay exceeding $2,500 in some cases

Salary and Compensation Data Interpretation

Travel nursing offers a lucrative blend of high pay—up to $2,400 weekly—and lifestyle flexibility, with seasoned professionals earning about 15% more, yet it remains a balancing act of strategic location choices and navigating agency costs to deliver both financial and personal rewards.

Work Environment and Job Considerations

The top three specialties for travel nurses are ICU, ER, and med-surg
45% of travel nurses report working in urban areas, while 55% work in rural or suburban settings
On average, travel nurses report working 40-60 hours per week during assignments, depending on staffing needs
80% of travel nurses have access to health insurance through staffing agencies or employers, providing critical coverage during assignments
85% of travel nurses own or rent a vehicle to facilitate their mobility between assignments, especially in rural or suburban areas
60% of travel nurses prefer assignments in states with less stringent licensing requirements, facilitating easier credentialing
Approximately 15% of travel nurses participate in travel nursing groups or communities online to exchange resources and support, highlighting community engagement

Work Environment and Job Considerations Interpretation

Travel nurses, primarily specializing in ICU, ER, and med-surg roles, exemplify the modern healthcare nomad—bolstered by reliable insurance and mobility, yet often navigating the complexities of licensure, while a small but vital community remains connected through online networks to sustain their resilient, globalized practice.