Get ready for your next travel nursing adventure! Are you looking for the hottest spots for a RN travel nurse job in 2025? You’re in the right place. Knowing where the demand for travel nurse jobs is high is really helpful in guiding your career.
Why is job demand so important? Higher demand means more job opportunities, better pay, and greater flexibility in choosing assignments that align with your skills and preferences.
We’re diving into the top states for a travel nurse job in 2025, giving you the inside scoop on where you find plenty of jobs, great pay, and where your skills are needed most.
As a travel nurse, you’re not just in it for the paycheck (although it’s always a nice perk!). You’re looking for adventure, career growth, and the chance to make a difference.
If you really want to get the most out of your travel nurse journey, it’s smart to plan ahead. That’s why we’re highlighting the top states for travel nurse jobs in 2025, focusing on job demand, pay, and how far your money will go in each place.
6 Hotspots for Travel RNs: The Top States in Demand for 2025
Where should you be looking for your next travel assignment? While there is a need for travel nurse jobs nationwide, some states are consistently hotter markets than others. Here’s where you’ll likely find the most jobs in 2025:
- California: The Golden State Still Gleams for Travel Nurse Jobs
- Remains a hot spot travel nurse destination thanks to its large population, higher pay, and beautiful weather.
- California’s strict nurse-to-patient ratios also contributes to the ongoing demand for travel nurses.
- Average Weekly Pay: $2,500 – $3,500
- Job Growth projection: 12.9% (2022-2032)
- Texas: Everything’s Bigger in Texas – Including Nurse Demand
- Demand is booming! Tons of people are moving to the Lone Star State, especially older adults.
- We could even see Texas take over California as the #1 state for travel nurse jobs in years to come.
- Average weekly pay: $1,800 – $2,800
- Job Growth Projection: 14.6% (2022-2032)
- New York: Big Apple, Big Nurse Needs
- Big cities means lots of hospitals and lots of patients. This creates a constant need for nurses.
- Implementation of new rules about nurse staffing are expected to create even more job openings.
- Average weekly pay: $2,300 – $3,300
- Job Growth Projection: 25.5% (2022-2032)
- Massachusetts: Healthcare Hub with High Demand
- Massachusetts is packed full of renowned hospitals and specialty centers.
- Demand is expected to grow and MA will continue to be a solid state for travel nurse jobs, especially in specialized units.
- Average weekly pay: $2,200 – $3,200
- Job Growth Projection: 8.4% (2022-2032)
- Georgia: Growing Population, Growing Needs
- Atlanta’s growth and challenges with healthcare access in rural communities are driving demand.
- With travel nurse opportunities in both rural and urban settings, Georgia is a hotspot for travel nurse jobs in 2025.
- Average weekly pay: $1,700 – $2,700
- Job Growth Projection: 15.3% (2022-2032)
- Arizona: The Rising Star in Travel Nursing
- The rising star in travel nursing, with a growing retiree population and increase in overall population.
- High nurse burnout rates in AZ also contribute to higher demand.
- Phoenix and other metropolitan are expected to see high growth in travel nurse jobs.
- Average weekly pay: $1,900 – $2,900
- Job Growth Projection: 21.9% (2022-2032)
2025 Travel Nurse Hotspots: Where Pay, Demand, and Cost of Living Align
So, we know the states with the highest demand, but what about pay? You want to hit that sweet spot – high demand and good pay. Here’s a look at some of the top states that balance strong demand with competitive pay packages, keeping in mind cost of living and housing options too:
- Texas: Strong demand, solid pay (though not the absolute highest nationally), and a generally lower cost-of-living than coastal states, especially outside of major cities. Texas can offer a good balance.
- Georgia: Good demand, and while pay might not be as high as some states, the cost of living in many parts of Georgia is relatively affordable, potentially making your travel nurse dollars stretch further.
- North Carolina: Not always a state with super high demand, but North Carolina is growing rapidly, has increasing healthcare needs, and offers a cost of living that is appealing to many travel nurses. Worth considering for a good balance.
- Washington State: Consistently ranks among the highest paying states for travel nurse jobs. While the cost of living in Seattle and some coastal areas is high, other parts of Washington are more affordable. If maximizing income is your primary goal and you’re okay with a potentially higher cost of living in some areas, Washington is a top contender.
Sources
*Cost of Living Index: U.S. average = 100 (Data from Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, 2023)
*Job Growth Projection: 2022-2032 (Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
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