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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.
| 4th Quarter 2024 Average Pay | 1st Quarter 2025 Average Pay | Quarter-over-Quarter Percent Change | |
| National Average Travel RN Wage | $2,289.73 | $2,287.14 | -0.11% |
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.
States Where Travel Nursing Salaries Saw Upward Mobility
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.
For travel nurses open to the Midwest, Nebraska 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.
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.
States Where Travel RN Wages Took a Nosedive
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—and for some, the decline was steep.
Colorado 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.
It doesn’t 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.
Regional Travel Nurse Rate Shifts Tell a Bigger Story
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:
- West: +0.70%
- Midwest: +0.24%
- Northeast: -0.09%
- South: -0.88%
The West led with the strongest average increase by region, driven by wage bumps in states like Hawaii (+1.86%) and Oregon (+1.40%). However, Nebraska (+2.52%) in the Midwest saw the highest increase overall. Demand in coastal and remote markets, as well as post-holiday staffing gaps, may have sustained higher rates in this region.
In contrast, the South experienced the sharpest decline. Travel nurse pay in key Southern states like West Virginia (-2.44%), Florida (-1.95%) and South Carolina (-1.78%) pulled the regional average down. The wage drop in this region may reflect increased competition from permanent hires and contract normalization in traditionally lower-cost states.
These regional shifts offer a snapshot of where opportunities are rising—or tightening—for travel RNs early in 2025.
Where the Travel RN Salary Stayed Mostly Steady
Not every state saw big changes this quarter. In fact, 30 states had wage shifts of less than 1%, which Vivan Health considers essentially unchanged. These small adjustments usually add up to only a few dollars in weekly pay, hardly enough to influence contract decisions or reflect major changes in demand.
Of the 30 states listed in the chart above:
- 17 saw slight increases
- 13 saw slight decreases
A few states came close to crossing the 1% line but didn’t quite hit that mark, including:
- Texas (-0.80%)
- Illinois (-0.97%)
- New York (-0.97%)
- 1% Threshold
- Virginia (+0.85%)
- Idaho (+0.75%)
About the same number of states stayed almost flat, with barely any movement, including:
- Maryland (-0.16%)
- Missouri (-0.09%)
- 0% Threshold
- New Mexico (+0.12%)
- Pennsylvania (+0.17%)
If you’re looking for a contract with less pay fluctuation or aiming to work in a stable market, these states could offer a good starting point for now. However, small fluctuations seen in one quarter can be less modest in the next, but there has been more consistency recently.
Top 10 Highest-Paying States in Q1 2025
For travel nurses who are more interested in knowing which states paid the most and not which ones had the largest fluctuations in pay, some markets offered significantly higher weekly travel nurse wages than others this quarter. The national average for Q1 2025 was $2,287.14, but the following states stood well above that line, making them top earners.
It’s also worth noting that 14 additional states came in above the national average. This broad group of higher-paying markets helps explain why the overall quarter-over-quarter wage change at the national level was relatively flat at -0.11%. While the remaining states saw declines, they were largely balanced out by strong averages in high-paying regions.
RELATED: How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?
Find Your Next Job on Vivian
Wage trends in Q1 2025 showed a mix of modest gains, notable drops and overall stability depending on which state you looked for jobs. Whether you’re seeking higher pay, more predictable contracts or considering a new region to explore, understanding how travel nursing salaries are shifting each quarter gives you a stronger position to choose the assignments that work best for your goals.
From top-paying states to regions offering consistent rates, staying informed can help you spot new opportunities and avoid surprises. Vivian Health is your leading source of travel nurse jobs from top staffing partners for all 50 states. Register for a Vivian account and find the travel job or staff role of your dreams today.
