April 2025 Travel RN Wage Trends by State

In 2025, travel nurse salaries have experienced a downward trend, prompting some registered nurses who previously transitioned from permanent positions to higher-paying travel roles to reconsider and return to their original staff jobs.This phenomenon, often referred to as 'boomerang nurses,' is influenced by the appeal of improved pay and benefits offered by former employers.

According to data from Vivian Health, the average weekly salary for travel nurses in the United States as of May 1, 2025, is $2,132. This represents a decline from previous years, with significant variations across states. For instance, California remains one of the highest-paying states, with average weekly salaries ranging from $2,500 to $3,500, while states like Florida offer lower averages, around $1,596 per week.

The shift back to permanent positions is also driven by hospitals enhancing their compensation packages to attract and retain staff nurses. These improvements include competitive salaries, better benefits, manageable patient-to-staff ratios, and flexible work hours. Additional perks such as tuition assistance, wellness programs, dependent care, and financial counseling are becoming more common.

Despite the decrease in travel nurse wages, opportunities still exist, especially in states with high demand and competitive pay. For example, New York offers average weekly salaries between $2,300 and $3,300, and Texas ranges from $1,800 to $2,800. However, the overall trend indicates a stabilization or decline in travel nurse compensation, influencing some nurses to reevaluate their career paths.

Healthcare organizations aiming to attract nurses back into permanent roles should focus on addressing key concerns such as compensation, benefits, and work-life balance. By doing so, they can build a more stable and satisfied workforce, reducing reliance on temporary staffing solutions.

For more information on current job opportunities and trends in the nursing field, visit GoodWork World.