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The Top Travel Nurse Destinations in 2026
Blog/The Top Travel Nurse Destinations in 2026
The world of travel nursing is fast-moving and exciting. With hospitals in major states and cities nationwide needing skilled nurses, it's an opportunity to earn a good wage while exploring the world. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when looking at so many different places you could go. But these decisions should never be made lightly, and there's a lot to consider before embarking on a new adventure.
If you're a nurse eager to experience something new or get a fresh start, you may be considering a nursing role in another state to learn new skills. Or, perhaps you want a healthy balance between work and the lifestyle and appeal of a reliable contract. Either way, finding the ideal travel destinations doesn't have to be stressful. In fact, it can be fun with the right information and guidance.
How can nurses make these important decisions based on what truly matters? And are there options out there for people who want a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Fortunately, Trustaff's guide on the top travel nurse destinations has everything you need to make your decision.
There's an option for every need and personality just waiting to be found. Let's take a look at some key considerations when selecting an ideal location, and what makes our chosen places so special.
What Makes a Location a Top Destination for Travel Nurses in 2026?
There are many factors for nurses to weigh when choosing their ideal destination. It's not just about enjoying a new job. It's about taking all your needs into account, including your income and overall happiness. We've based our selections on what we feel matters most to all nurses.
Here are important qualities to look for in a travel nurse destination:
Real income: By real income, we mean the actual take-home pay nurses in these places can expect. A nurse who receives a good salary in a destination with high taxes and cost of living may not earn their target amount. High pay and a low cost of living can help provide a more comfortable standard of living.
Mobility: Most of these chosen destinations are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning nurses with an NLC can travel without obtaining additional licenses. For nurses ready to help others in new parts of the country, this provides the ultimate ease of travel.
Demand and job stability: It's easy for travel nurses to find jobs in new places, only to discover that they're only needed due to a seasonal spike in healthcare. That's fine for nurses looking for short-term work. But some of these destinations have also been chosen based on factors like industrial infrastructure. This helps to provide better insight into long-term career prospects.
Lifestyle and support: Having a high quality of life outside the workplace is crucial, especially in jobs like nursing. These chosen destinations consider things like nearby nature, culture and adventure beyond the hospital ward. It's common for nurses to experience burnout, and having access to fresh air, socialization opportunities and stimulation are important for reducing these risks.
All of these criteria have been founded on strong data. However, data alone can't give you an ideal destination. It's important to remember and respect the fact that each person is different. Being a nurse is your calling, but there's more to you than clocking in and out. Think of our choices as a strong framework you can use to help build your personal career and life goals.
Which States Offer the Highest Compensation for Travel Nurses?
It's important to be comfortable in every way as a travel nurse. This includes being financially comfortable enough to enjoy a work and social life. While money isn't the only thing to consider, knowing which states offer the most generous compensation for travel nurses is a good starting point.
The following states typically offer the highest pay for travel nurses, along with many other enticing aspects that may make them appealing to ambitious individuals.
California
There are many reasons to consider The Golden State. The average travel nurse salary in California is about 16% above the national average, making it the leading place in terms of gross pay. The state also has strong nurse legislation in place, which stipulates mandated ratios for the number of assigned patients per nurse. This has contributed to the quality of patient care and nurse retention.
That being said, with a high average salary comes higher costs. Travel nurses considering California should also remember that its housing market is one of the highest in the country. It also has a very high tax rate compared to some other states.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, travel nurses can expect a salary that's around 15% above the national average. Boston's travel nurse salary is roughly 20% above the national average. The Massachusetts tax rate is generally a flat 5% rate on both earned and unearned income. It's a strong potential choice for registered nurses seeking a high salary and employment opportunities across multiple nursing specialties.
However, it's important to note that some nurses have reported staff shortages and other challenges when working in this state.
New York
New York generally offers travel nurse salaries that are 12% above the national average. There's also a great demand for nursing. The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) has directly addressed the immediate need for more staff in hospitals across the state.
Travel nurses looking for a place to settle and build a long-term career may enjoy the New York lifestyle. But with the state's homeownership rates being extremely low, finding a fair-priced rental property may be a challenge. Like California and Massachusetts, New York is a strong option for nurses looking to add a more prestigious state to their resume.
Alaska
Travel nurses who want to broaden their resumes or earn good money may consider Alaska. The state's salary is generally 13% above the national average. Its rental market fluctuates by area within the state. Because this state isn't part of the NLC, working as a nurse in Alaska may require an endorsement for a nursing license.
Alaska is widely considered one of the most beautiful states to live in. From glaciers and mountains to lush forestry, it's one of those places that offers a once-in-a-lifetime living experience. It provides a tranquil and serene lifestyle between shifts for travel nurses looking for a memorable workplace environment.
Best States for Travel Nurses for Smart Money and Lifestyle
Nurses can quickly experience burnout. This can impact mental health, patient safety and even quality of care. It's one of the many reasons why finding the best states for travel nurses isn't just about the salary. States with lower salaries but potentially higher real income opportunities offer many advantages.
Travel nurse destinations with lifestyle options away from their wards also offer that extra level of depth for a more rounded life in each state:
Texas: The state of Texas doesn't have an individual income tax. This is an important consideration, as the travel nurse salary in Texas is usually 17% below the national average. Taking the salary and lack of state income tax into account provides a more livable potential income. The state also boasts some of the largest medical centers in the country, like Houston's Texas Medical Center (TMC).
Tennessee: Tennessee's cost of living and housing are both below the national average, which can be a huge benefit for travel nurses seeking good value for their salary. There's also no state income tax on wages. The state's deep musical history and mountains make it a rich and diverse place full of local landmarks and vibrant nightlife.
Washington: Washington state is one of the most overlooked travel nurse destinations. While the state salary is roughly 6% above the national average, Washington is yet another state without an income tax. The surrounding mountains, beaches and forests make it a fantastic place for nurses to live and enjoy nature in peace.
These states offer nurses a smart way to live comfortably. While salaries are lower, the lack of income tax and a lower cost of living offer appealing alternatives.
Best Cities for Travel Nurses Based on Goals
The best city for a travel nurse can largely depend on the kind of experience they want. Some travel nurses are looking for a few months of work, and others are looking to find a career and save some money while doing so. There's no wrong answer. Finding the right option may depend on each nurse's personality.
Below are some of the best cities for travel nurses based on the following personality types:
Nurses who want to save: Cities in Ohio, like Columbus and Cincinnati, can offer a lower cost of living than many other places. With the general salary across Ohio meeting the national average, nurses can put aside a decent amount of their pay for saving.
Nurses who want adventure:
Certain cities in Colorado, such as Denver or Colorado Springs, aren't likely to be the most cost-effective place to live. But the outdoor lifestyle and culture make them some of America's
for people of all ages. If you're an adventurous nurse who enjoys out-of-work activities, these locations may be ideal.
Nurses seeking a seasonal role: Nurses seeking seasonal work with a fun lifestyle might consider Phoenix or Scottsdale. There's a high demand for nurses during winter, and many work there to help address seasonal shortages in Arizona.
Nurses looking for a bucket-list experience: Wild-card options like Honolulu offer the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience some nurses may be craving. While competition for these travel nurse destinations is high, it's a role that's impossible to resist.
Being a nurse is stressful but extremely rewarding. But it doesn't define your entire life. Considering what you want out of your career and life doesn't have to be mutually exclusive. There's nothing wrong with comparing destinations with other criteria that matter to you.
The Challenges of Finding Travel Nurse Destinations
It's helpful to know what you want. However, having a clear idea of what you're not looking for in a travel destination is equally important. This can narrow your short list of dream destinations and help you find the right place. Some of the most common challenges travel nurses face when moving destinations include:
The shortages of housing for many of the popular destination cities
A lack of support and friendship, which can lead to isolation and stress
Licensing delays or challenges with choosing NLC states
The potential burnout associated with night shifts in a new area
An excessively low or high census
Nurses shouldn't have to feel alone in arranging everything necessary for travel and work. Given the high levels of occupational stress and burnout in the industry, having proper support is vital. Working with a trusted and leading travel healthcare company can alleviate these issues. It can provide you with support in your travel, housing and career development goals.
Finding Your Top Travel Nurse Destination in 2026
Nursing is a challenging and noble profession. After a long shift, it's easy to become isolated and forget to look after yourself. Finding the right choice of state or city for your next travel nurse destination is a chance to start over. There's no universal reason to decide to explore nursing options elsewhere. Whether it's to pay off debt, build up your resume or shake up your social life outside of work, there's a destination for everyone.
Take all of these factors into account and begin your exciting next step in travel nursing. As long as you're passionate about what you do and have a clear idea of what you want out of your career, you'll soon find your perfect next placement.
