Top Travel Nurse Destinations in 2024

Traveling as a nurse allows you to go wherever you choose. While exploring the country, you can be paid generously, make new friends and create memories. But the destination you choose can make or break your experience, and there are various factors to consider. Your location can significantly impact your job satisfaction, work-life balance and well-being.

Finding a destination that aligns with your personal and professional preferences is crucial. With so many incredible places to explore, where do most travel nurses go? We've curated a list of the top travel nurse destinations in 2024. Each destination offers a unique blend of work and play, making them ideal choices for your next assignment.

We hope this list helps you discover the best spots to advance your career while enjoying an unforgettable adventure.

1. New York City, New York

Ah, yes, The Big Apple. New York City is one of the best travel nurse locations. The City That Never Sleeps can be your next destination. Whether you're the city itself or one of its vibrant boroughs, you're just a train ride away from some of the world's best sights, dining and experiences. Let's explore why travel nursing in New York is a favorite for so many travelers.

New York City is a hub for some of the world's leading hospitals and medical research facilities, including:

• NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

• NYU Langone Hospital

• Mount Sinai Hospital

The high number of facilities serving the more than 8.3 million residents of NYC offer plenty of employment opportunities. They may also expose you to state-of-the-art medical specializations and procedures that may be unavailable elsewhere. The city's constant demand for healthcare services ensures a steady supply of nursing positions.

Living in New York City offers an enriching experience like no other. The city is a melting pot of cultures you can experience off-duty. Here are a few things you can do:

• Attend Broadway shows

• Stroll around Central Park

• Experience the lights and sounds at Times Square

• Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty

New York City's well-developed public transportation system makes commuting relatively easy despite the bustling city life. Nurses can live in one of the city's many neighborhoods and still have access to work without needing a car.

However, New York City's living costs are high. A single person may expect over $1,600 in monthly expenses, though the earning potential can combat this. The average monthly salary is over $9,700 in New York City, depending on your specialty.

2. Los Angeles, California

Being one of the most well-known cities in the world, Los Angeles and the surrounding area provides no shortage of activities for a travel nurse. Its vast opportunities and experiences make it one of the best travel nursing locations.

The healthcare landscape in Los Angeles is dynamic and expansive. It features renowned institutions like:

• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

• Keck Medical Center of USC

• UCLA Medical Center

Hospitals like these are at the forefront of medical research and patient care. They can provide you with opportunities to work in various specialties and with diverse patient populations. This sprawling metropolis's constant need for healthcare services ensures ample job prospects.

Los Angeles is a global cultural hub known for its entertainment industry, museums, ethnic diversity and culinary scenes. Travel nurses can enjoy their days off doing the following:

• Bike the Strand

• Eat tacos at Grand Central Market

• Explore Beverly Hills and shop Rodeo Drive

• Stroll the Santa Monica Pier

Los Angeles is famous for its mild weather and outdoor lifestyle. The city offers many beaches, hiking trails and parks — ideal for those who value an active lifestyle. Additionally, the city's vastness allows for various living options. You can choose from vibrant urban centers to quieter suburban neighborhoods.

The cost of living in Los Angeles is high, though not as high as in NYC. A person living in Los Angeles may have over $1,300 in monthly expenses. However, many find that the career opportunities and lifestyle benefits justify the higher living costs. Travel nurses in Los Angeles may earn an average of over $9,000 monthly.

3. Houston, Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, including travel nursing opportunities. Houston is home to the largest medical center in the U.S., the Texas Medical Center (TMC). Other places you can work include:

• Houston Methodist Hospital

• Texas Children's Hospital

• Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center

Nurses can gain valuable experience and advance their careers in these thriving healthcare environments. Despite being known for its healthcare industry, Houston also boasts a rich cultural scene. With an average monthly salary of $7,600, you can indulge yourself in the following activities:

• Attend live performances at the Houston Theater District

• Relax at the Museum of Fine Arts

• Visit the NASA Johnson Space Center

• Explore Memorial Park

Houston offers a comfortable lifestyle with affordable housing options compared to other major cities. The city's sprawling layout provides ample recreational opportunities, including parks, outdoor activities and a thriving food scene. Houston's warm climate also allows for year-round outdoor enjoyment, making it one of the top travel nurse destinations.

4. Miami, Florida

Miami is one of many enticing travel nursing destinations, particularly noted for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. With a high demand for healthcare professionals, nurses can find rewarding positions and gain valuable experience in Miami's dynamic healthcare landscape. Miami hosts many healthcare institutions, including these renowned hospitals and medical centers:

• Baptist Hospital of Miami

• Jackson Memorial Hospital

• VITAS Healthcare

These facilities provide diverse employment opportunities for travel nurses across various specialties, from critical care to obstetrics.

Miami's rich cultural diversity infuses the city with a vibrant energy and many cultural experiences. When you're off-duty, feel free to try out the following:

• Attend the South Beach Wine & Food Festival

• Experience the swampland of Everglades National Park

• Explore the arts, foods and breweries in Wynwood

• Visit the Art Deco Historic District at night

Additionally, if you're a foodie, Miami's the place to be. Its multicultural population contributes to its diverse culinary scene, which features cuisine from Latin America, the Caribbean and beyond.

Miami's tropical climate, beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational opportunities make it an ideal destination for those seeking an active lifestyle. The city's cosmopolitan atmosphere offers urban amenities and natural beauty, allowing travel nurses to enjoy a dynamic lifestyle during their assignment.

The cost of living in Miami can be more affordable than in other cities. Travel nurses may earn an average of over $8,000 monthly.

5. Seattle, Washington

Seattle offers above-average compensation and low patient ratios, making it an ideal destination. This city is home to world-class healthcare institutions such as:

• The University of Washington Medical Center

• Virginia Mason Medical Center

• Swedish First Hill Hospital

The city's thriving healthcare industry and its status as a hub for medical research and innovation ensure a diverse range of rewarding nursing positions.

Seattle boasts unique beauty and culture with renowned attractions like:

• Chihuly Garden and Glass

• Museum of Pop Culture

• Pike Place Market

• Space Needle

Travel nurses can explore the city's eclectic neighborhoods, each with distinct character and charm. Additionally, Seattle's thriving arts community, live music venues and coffee culture contribute to its dynamic cultural landscape.

Seattle's natural beauty, surrounded by mountains, forests and waterways, offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city's walkable neighborhoods, efficient public transportation system and bike-friendly infrastructure add a touch of convenience and accessibility.

While Seattle's cost of living is higher than in other cities, competitive wages and a high quality of life offset this expense. Travel nurses may earn a monthly salary of over $8,300 in Seattle.

6. Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona has much to offer, making it one of the best places to travel as a nurse. You can experience mountains, rivers, lakes, palm trees and colorful sunsets. Phoenix, the capital city, is among the greatest places to live in the state. It has a robust economy, a wealth of attractions and a vibrant nightlife.

Phoenix boasts a thriving healthcare sector. Here, you can find many hospitals, medical centers and specialty clinics, such as:

• Banner Health

• Magellan Health

• Mayo Clinic Hospital Phoenix

The city's vibrant cultural scene offers travel nurses many experiences to explore. When you're taking a break from your nursing duties, be sure to visit the following:

• Camelback Mountain

• Desert Botanical Garden

• Phoenix Art Museum

• The Grand Canyon

With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Phoenix offers an enviable outdoor lifestyle, ideal for travel nurses seeking an active and healthy way of life. The city's abundance of parks, hiking trails and recreational facilities cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Phoenix's modern amenities also ensure convenience and accessibility for residents, including traveling nurses.

The cost of living in Phoenix may vary depending on housing preferences and lifestyle choices. Luckily, travel nurses may earn an average monthly salary of over $8,800 in Phoenix. This makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and rewarding experience.

7. Denver, Colorado

Travel nurses who are outdoor enthusiasts must consider Denver, Colorado. The city's status as a regional healthcare hub ensures a steady demand for skilled nursing professionals. This city fosters a conducive environment for career advancement and skill enhancement. Its robust healthcare sector consists of the following facilities:

• Children's Hospital Colorado

• Lutheran Medical Center

• Rose Medical Center

Denver's vibrant cultural scene offers travel nurses diverse experiences to explore. Travel nurses can enjoy:

• The Denver Art Museum

• The Denver Botanic Gardens

• The Red Rocks Amphitheater

• Various sporting events

Nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers a distinctive outdoor lifestyle. Travel nurses can indulge in many recreational activities, all within proximity of the city. Additionally, annual events like the Denver Film Festival and Colorado Shakespeare Festival provide cultural immersion and entertainment opportunities.

While Denver's cost of living may slightly exceed the national average — particularly in housing expenses — the city's competitive salaries and high quality of life offset these costs. The average monthly salary is over $ 7,400 for travel nurses in Denver.

8. Atlanta, Georgia

Consider Atlanta for your next assignments. The city's continuously available jobs and Southern charm make it as sweet as a peach. Imagine working in medical facilities like:

• Emory University Hospital

• Northside Hospital Atlanta

• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital

Atlanta's rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene provide travel nurses with many experiences to explore. Those passionate about arts and culture can visit the following:

• Fox Theatre

• High Museum of Art

• Ponce City Market

• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Atlanta hosts many festivals, concerts and events throughout the year. Its cosmopolitan lifestyle and diverse neighborhoods cater to different preferences. It can offer travel nurses a mix of urban excitement and suburban tranquility. The city's mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, while its culinary scene, shopping districts and recreational amenities ensure ample leisure options.

While Atlanta's cost of living may vary depending on the neighborhood, it generally falls slightly below the national average. Travel nurses may earn over $7,900 monthly. The cost of living and a travel nurse's average salary make it an affordable destination.

9. Honolulu, Hawaii

Travel nursing assignments in Honolulu are plentiful, but job opportunities are filled very quickly due to high levels of interest. Like many other places, Hawaii is experiencing a nursing shortage. The city's growing population and status as a major tourist destination ensure a continuous demand for healthcare professionals.

For many travelers, the opportunity to work and live on one of Hawaii's islands is the ultimate bucket-list assignment. That in itself makes it one of the top travel nursing destinations.

Honolulu has prestigious medical institutions like:

• Adventist Health Castle

• Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center

• Queen's Medical Center

Honolulu's unique blend of Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific Island cultures offers travel nurses a unique cultural experience. There's no shortage of activities in this city, as travel nurses can do the following:

• Explore the Pearl Harbor National Memorial

• Visit the Iolani Palace

• Indulge in traditional Hawaiian cuisine

• Participate in cultural festivals like the Merrie Monarch Festival

Honolulu's tropical climate, stunning beaches and outdoor recreational activities make it an idyllic destination for travel nurses seeking a balanced lifestyle. The city's cosmopolitan vibe, vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene ensure plenty of entertainment options.

Honolulu's cost of living is higher than mainland cities. However, the natural beauty, cultural richness and quality of life make it a highly desirable destination for adventurous travel nurses. Travel nurses may earn over $8,700 monthly, perfect for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

10. Kansas City, Missouri

Last on our list of travel nurse destinations is Kansas City. The area boasts a thriving healthcare sector with medical institutions like:

• Saint Luke's Health System

• Children's Mercy Hospital

• The University of Kansas Health System

The city's central location in the Midwest ensures a steady demand for healthcare professionals, offering travel nurses the chance to gain diverse experience in various healthcare settings.

Known for its vibrant arts scene and jazz heritage, Kansas City offers travel nurses unique cultural experiences. When you're off-duty in Kansas City, be sure to try the following:

• Enjoy live jazz performances at the Blue Room

• Have some fun at the Worlds of Fun theme park

• Indulge in the city's vast selection of barbecue restaurants

• Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Kansas City's affordable cost of living makes it an attractive destination for travel nurses. The city's diverse neighborhoods offer many housing options. With its thriving healthcare sector, travel nurses may earn a monthly average of over $7,700. Plus, its family-friendly atmosphere and abundance of parks and recreational facilities can ensure a high quality of life.

Chart Your Course With Trustaff

These top travel nursing destinations offer various opportunities and experiences for adventurous healthcare professionals. From the bustling streets of NYC to the sunny shores of Miami, each destination offers a unique experience.

Choosing a destination is a challenge, let alone finding an available nursing position. Connecting with the right healthcare staffing company can help you find many open positions in various locations. Most importantly, you will want to find the locations that are the best fit for your personal and professional goals, whether that means a job close to family or friends, near a bucket-list National Park or where you can make the biggest impact on your budget.

Trustaff is one of the industry's most well-respected travel healthcare staffing companies. We help connect nurses and allied professionals and place them at hundreds of top facilities nationwide. When you work with us, you'll have access to comprehensive benefits and an experienced recruiter to help you find the job of your dreams.

Explore travel nursing jobs on Trustaff today and embark on your next great adventure.