Operating room travel nurse pay

A career as an operating room travel nurse is a smart choice that ensures you will work in a high demand industry. Whether you’re a new OR travel nurse or an experienced nurse looking to increase your earnings, traveling as an operating room nurse may be one of the most effective ways to increase your pay and skillset. No matter what stage of your operating room travel nurse career you're in, use this guide to learn about current pay trends and benchmarks for OR travel nurses. Here, Nomad Health breaks down the ins and outs of OR travel nurse pay; you can get a baseline of what to expect as a traveler and understand the different factors may influence operating room travel nurse compensation.

Average operating room travel nurse pay

Operating room travel nurse pay can vary depending on compensable factors such as your experience, certifications, and location where you take a travel job. The average weekly total compensation for operating room travel nurses is about $2,634, including a travel stipend.*

*Based off Nomad Health compensation data for travel operating room travel nurses as of September 26th, 2023.

Operating room travel nurse pay range

Operating room travel nurse pay ranges can change depending on the facility demand for OR nurses. When a facility is short staffed with OR nurses, the pay range may increase for that particular specialty. Depending on the facility needs and your level of experience, the total compensation for operating room travel nurses is between $1,800-$3,920 per week, including a travel stipend.*

*Based off Nomad Health compensation data for travel operating room travel nurses as of September 26th, 2023.

Average pay rate for OR travel nurses

The average pay rate for OR travel nurses depends on compensable factors such as experience and facility demand for operating room travel nurses. At Nomad, the average pay rate for OR travel nurses is around $67 per hour, although this number could be higher or lower for some travel nurses.*

*Based off Nomad Health compensation data for travel operating room travel nurses as of September 26th, 2023.

What is the highest OR travel nurse compensation?

As of September 26 2023, the highest total compensation for operating room travel nurses at Nomad is approximately $101 per hour or $3,920 per week, including a travel stipend. Keep in mind that compensation for travel nurses can fluctuate based on the needs of facilities, so the highest total compensation for OR travel nurses may actually be higher or lower. To see the highest total compensation for operating room travel nurses today, browse our OR travel nurse job board and sort by highest pay.

Factors that influence OR travel nurse pay

Operating room travel nurse pay is influenced by a number of compensable factors which include but are not limited to:

Operating room nurse experience

Facilities are always looking for highly skilled operating room travel nurses with experience under their belt who can start work hitting the ground running. The more relevant experience you have as an OR travel nurse, the more willing a facility may be to pay you more for your skills.

Operating room nurse credentials

Obtaining specialized operating room credentials may help demonstrate your expertise and can be a helpful tool for securing high-paying OR travel nurse jobs. Operating room travel nurses with specialized credentials may have more earning power than those without them.

Facility demand for OR travel nurses

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

Travel job location

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

Education

For operating room 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

Operating room 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 operating room 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 operating room travel nurse total compensation. In certain circumstances, OR 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 an operating room 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 operating room 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 OR 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 operating room travel assignment. Facilities that have a hard time retaining OR travel nurses and staff nurses tend to offer completion bonuses more often.

Benefits

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