Long-term care travel nurse salary

Long term care travel nursing is an incredibly rewarding field. These clinicians work with entire teams of healthcare professionals and specialize in working with patients with extended care needs due to illness or disability. Taking travel assignments as a LTC nurse is a great way to gain experience and work in different settings. Nomad Health created this guide to serve as a resource for travel long term care nurses. You can find pay information, including average compensation for travel LTC nurses, as well as information on benefits, bonuses, and travel stipends. So whether you’re looking to start a new long-term care travel rn job or already have some experience, we hope this guide can help you navigate your healthcare journey.

Average long term care travel nurse pay

Long term care travel nurse pay can vary depending on compensable factors such as your experience, certifications, and location you take a travel job in. The average weekly total compensation for long term care travel nurses is about $2,110, including a travel stipend. Depending on your experience, LTC travel nurses at Nomad earn a total compensation of up to $2,964 per week or more depending on the specific demand for your specialty.*

*Based off Nomad Health compensation data for travel long term care nurses as of October 18th, 2023.

Long term care travel nurse pay range

Long term care travel nurse pay ranges can change frequently depending on the facility demand for LTC nurses. When a facility is short staffed with long term care nurses, the pay range may increase for that particular specialty. Depending on the facility needs and your experience, the total compensation for long term travel nurses is between approximately $1,584-$2,964 per week including travel stipend.*

*Based off Nomad Health compensation data for travel long term care nurses as of October 18th, 2023.

Average pay rate for long term care travel nurses

The average pay rate for LTC travel nurses depends on compensable factors such as experience and facility demand for long term care travel nurses. At Nomad, the average pay rate for LTC travel nurses is around approximately $56 per hour, although this number could be higher or lower for some travel nurses.*

*Based off Nomad Health compensation data for travel long term care nurses as of October 18th, 2023.

What is the highest LTC travel nurse compensation?

As of October 18, 2023, the highest total compensation for long term care travel nurses at Nomad is approximately $71 per hour or $2,964 per week, including a travel stipend. Keep in mind that compensation for travel nurses fluctuates based on the needs of facilities, so the highest total compensation for LTC travel nurses may actually be higher or lower. To see the highest total compensation for long term care travel nurses today, browse our long term care travel nurse job board and sort by highest pay.

Factors that influence long term care travel nurse pay

Long term care travel nurse pay is influenced by a number of compensable factors which include but are not limited to:

Long term care travel nurse experience

Facilities are always looking for highly skilled long term care travel nurses with experience under their belt who can start work comfortably. The more relevant experience you have as a LTC travel nurse, the more willing a facility could be to pay you a higher salary for your skills.

Facility demand for LTC travel nurses

When facilities experience long term care staff nurse shortages, they often rely on long term care travel nurses to fill those gaps. Depending on the severity of the shortage, LTC travel nurses may be able to earn higher pay with the facility.

Travel job location

The cost of living in each city and state can directly influence how much facilities can pay long term care travel nurses. For example, a LTC travel nurse on assignment in a rural area may earn less than in a big city where the cost of living is higher.

Education

For long term care travel nurses, achieving the highest level of education available to your specific profession can help open more doors to advanced job opportunities and higher pay.

Variable pay rates

Long term care travel nurse pay is constantly fluctuating based on factors like facility needs and seasonality. At times, hourly pay for travelers may be higher or lower than staff workers. Knowing when long term care travel nurses are most likely to be in-demand can help ensure you get the highest total compensation available.

Taxes

Taxes are an important factor for consideration when it comes to long term care travel nurse total compensation. In certain circumstances, LTC travel nurses without a registered tax home could be responsible for paying taxes on all earned income. Maintaining a permanent tax home could potentially provide tax advantages for travel stipends. We ask that you consult with your tax consultant to understand your specific tax circumstances.

Travel stipends

Travel stipends, also known as per diems, can be a big part of your total pay as a long term care travel nurse. If you qualify, these travel stipends can help pay for any duplicate lodging and meal expenses that come with living away from your tax home. Travel stipends may also be eligible for tax preferred treatment. Please consult with your tax consultant to better understand your specific circumstances.

Overtime pay

It’s important for long term care travel nurses to be clear in their contract about hourly rates and how much they will be compensated for overtime hours, which can differ from base pay rate and/or applicable law.

Completion bonus

Depending on the facility, your LTC travel nurse job might come with a completion bonus. A completion bonus is a set amount of money a facility will pay you if you complete the full long term care travel assignment. Facilities that have a hard time retaining long term care travel nurses and staff nurses tend to offer completion bonuses more often.

Benefits

Benefits are considered an extension of long term care travel nurse total compensation. LTC travel nurses who work with Nomad enjoy a full range of benefits including health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, and participation in Nomad’s 401(k) plan. Nomad also partially reimburses LTC travel nurses for certifications, licensure, and scrubs.