{"id":9163,"date":"2025-04-04T18:28:34","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T18:28:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=9163"},"modified":"2025-06-27T14:42:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T14:42:23","slug":"quarterly-travel-rn-salary-recap-jan-mar-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/money-taxes\/quarterly-travel-rn-salary-recap-jan-mar-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Quarterly Travel RN Salary Recap: Jan-Mar 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 wrapped, travel nurse wages showed more movement than you might expect, especially after a relatively steady end to last year. However, the national average barely blipped with an almost nonexistent dip of 0.11%, resulting in a decrease in average travel RN wages dropping just $2.59 per week. Individual states were a different story, with some seeing meaningful increases and others experiencing continued declines.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n4th Quarter 2024 Average Pay<\/b><\/td>\n1st Quarter 2025 Average Pay<\/b><\/td>\nQuarter-over-Quarter Percent Change<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
National Average Travel RN Wage<\/b><\/td>\n$2,289.73<\/span><\/td>\n$2,287.14<\/span><\/td>\n-0.11%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

In this post, Vivian Health breaks down the biggest shifts in travel RN pay by state and region, spotlights where wages are rising (or falling), and highlights which states offered the strongest growth. Whether you’re planning your next contract or just keeping an eye on the market, these insights can help you make more informed decisions as you look ahead to Q2.<\/span><\/p>\n

States Where Travel Nursing Salaries Saw Upward Mobility<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"States<\/p>\n

The chart above highlights states where travel RN wages increased by 1% or more between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. Of the 10 states in this bucket, there were some standout movers. Nebraska led the way with a 2.52% jump, reclaiming lost ground after a decline last quarter. This rebound brings average wages back in line with late 2023 levels and may reflect renewed demand in rural hospitals or facilities facing seasonal staffing gaps.<\/span><\/p>\n

For travel nurses open to the Midwest, Nebraska<\/a> offers more than you might expect with shorter commutes, lower cost of living and assignments in areas with a strong sense of community where people are typically helpful and friendly. It may be a great fit for RNs looking to avoid burnout while still earning solid weekly rates.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hawaii (+1.86%) and New Hampshire (+1.85%) were next in line, posting nearly identical increases this quarter. While Hawaii continues to be a coveted destination for its lifestyle appeal, New Hampshire may be gaining traction due to staffing shortages in the Northeast and a competitive push to attract travelers. Unlike Nebraska, this was the second consecutive quarter that these two states saw an increase.<\/span><\/p>\n

States Where Travel RN Wages Took a Nosedive<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"States<\/p>\n

While some states saw solid gains, 10 states experienced notable drops in travel RN wages this quarter. The chart above shows states where average pay fell by 1% or more between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025\u2014and for some, the decline was steep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Colorado<\/a> saw the biggest decrease at 3.72%, followed by Kansas (2.73%) and West Virginia (2.44%). These reductions may reflect slower seasonal demand, market saturation in certain regions or a shift in facility reliance toward permanent staff. In some cases, rate fluctuations may also be tied to regional budget cycles or contract timing.<\/span><\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t mean contracts in these states are off the table, it just means wages may be lower this quarter. Be prepared for slightly lower weekly rates and, as always, weigh the full pay package, cost of living and facility experience when you pick your next move.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regional Travel Nurse Rate Shifts Tell a Bigger Story<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Average<\/p>\n

This chart compares the average quarter-over-quarter wage changes for travel RNs across four U.S. regions. Here’s how the numbers shook out between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025:<\/span><\/p>\n