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Exploring the Best Places To Travel Nurse: The Top Cities for Adventurous Nurses in 2024

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?

With all the benefits that travel nursing offers, taking this route can be an easy decision. 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:

You can start by making a list of what you might want (or don’t 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 to check available jobs in the area. Pronto is an excellent way to find the best locations for travel nursing.

So what makes a destination a top city for travel nurses? 

Some of the top destinations have these five things in common: 

  1. Licensing requirements
  2. Pay rates
  3. Attractions 
  4. Cost of living
  5. Transportation options 

top cities 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

#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 with 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 as one of the best places to be a travel nurse. 

Travel nurses love visiting local attractions like: 

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 $1,804 per week, which is higher than the national average. 

An additional benefit of picking up a nursing contract in San Diego is that California requires (by law) facilities to keep appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios throughout all units. Instead of feeling run-down and overworked, 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 $1,843 per week. 

Seattle is home to over 15 hospitals, so you’re bound to find a contract that meets your needs. 

What else makes Seattle one of the best places to work as a travel nurse? 

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 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. 

Travel nurses on assignment in Denver can enjoy: 

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 creameries, this city will have your stomach full and your taste buds sated. 

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. 

Travel nurses can expect an average salary of $1,699 per week working here. 

#4: Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona has a lot to offer travel nurses. The average salary for traveling nurses in Phoenix is $1,647 a week. 

Here, you’ll find mountain ranges, palm trees, lakes, rivers, and painted sunsets — all in a single state. 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:

This guide breaks these down and many more of the top things to do and see.

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#5: Portland, Oregon

It pays great to be a travel nurse. With an average weekly salary of $2,062, Portland is a profitable travel nurse destination. But that isn’t the only thing that makes this city one of the best places for travel nurses to work.

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:

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. 

#6: Salem, Oregon

The average salary of a travel nurse in Salem, OR, is $1,994 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 can also 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:

In addition, Salem is known for its great coffee shops — a must for a travel nurse who loves a good cup of Joe. 

#7: Boulder, Colorado

Boulder has often topped lists of the happiest cities in America. 

It 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:

The average salary for travel nurses in Boulder is $2,079 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 to your heart’s content, 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:

The average salary of travel nurses in Los Angeles is $2,553 a week. Another fantastic attribute that makes this city a great travel nurse destination is its nationally ranked hospitals, such as:

#9: Las Vegas, Nevada

Travel nurses craving a faster pace and a 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:  

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. 

Las 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 $2,570 per week. 

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. 

top 10 cities for travel nurses

5 of the Best Travel Nurse Locations in the Eastern United States

#1: New York City, New York 

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:

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:

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 $2,402 per week.  

#2: Orlando, Florida

Central Florida contains over 349 hospitals, with some of the top medical research facilities in the country — like the University of Central Florida Medical School. 

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 among 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 one of the best places to be a travel nurse!

Travel nurses can enjoy: 

Plus, with so much to do and so many sites to see, Orlando 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 $1,749 per week. 

The average travel nurse’s salary in Orlando is $1,403 per week. 

#3: Boston, Massachusetts

The average travel nursing salary in Boston is $2,442 per week. 

Boston is home to some of the most prestigious hospitals and universities, including: 

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 why so many travel nurses enjoy contracts in the area. These include: 

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 will find you available assignment opportunities in Boston — all without the need for a recruiter. 

#4: Richmond, Virginia

The average travel nurse salary in Richmond is $1,957 per week. 

If you’re a travel nurse who loves history, then this city might have the assignment you’re looking for. 

Richmond is known for its rich history, local cuisine, and amazing city views from the James River.

This Virginia capital offers so much to see and experience, such as:

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 that 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: 

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. 

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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 up 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:

Travel nurses in Dallas can expect an average weekly salary of $1,694.

#2: Omaha, Nebraska

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. 

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: 

The average travel nursing salary in Omaha is $2,121 per week. 

#3: Kansas City, Missouri

The average travel nurse salary in Kansas City is $1,979 per week. 

One of the biggest perks of working here 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 BBQ, 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. 

#4: Austin, Texas

From world-class museums to a lively music scene and plenty of places to eat and drink, it’s no surprise that Austin is quickly becoming a favorite of travel nurses. 

You might try:

The average travel nurse salary in Austin is $1,648 per week.

#5: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

OKC sits along Route 66 and boasts plenty of historic, outdoor, and hospitable spots for travel nurses to explore. 

Don’t miss: 

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 is $2,258 per week. 

top 10 cities for travel nursing

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 is $2,034 per week.  

The breathtaking beaches, the mountains, the people, and the culture make this a true paradise for travel nurses.

Living in Maui 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:

  1. Attend a luau. 
  2. Go whale watching.
  3. Swim with sea turtles.
  4. See the Seven Sacred Pools.
  5. Tour a pineapple farm.
  6. See a blowhole.
  7. 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:

#3: Honolulu, Hawaii

Like many other locations, Honolulu is experiencing a shortage of nurses, so travel nurses should have no problems finding assignments there. 

Many travelers dream of visiting the Aloha State. And for travel nurses, it is a dream come true. Although it may not 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? The average travel nurse’s salary is $2,088 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 is $1,877 per week. 

The city of Hilo is located on the Big Island, so you’ll likely need a rain jacket for any outdoor activities during your assignment. Take a day trip to see the lava, hike to waterfalls like the ‘Akaka Falls, or just relax.

You can visit gorgeous beaches and parks like:

#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:

Juneau 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 $2,541 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. 

Consider these top 4 factors when deciding on the best places to travel nurse:

  1. Pay and cost of living
  2. Distance from family
  3. Local transportation options
  4. 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 partner with Trusted Talent, you’ll enjoy perks like:

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 travel nursing assignments in cities that interest you. Can’t find one that suits your interests and needs? Set reminders so you can be notified when the perfect assignment comes up. 

Go to Pronto now and start searching for your dream travel nursing job. We can’t wait to connect with you.

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