The cost to hire a traveling nurse varies based on several factors, including location, specialty, agency fees, and additional benefits. Here's a structured breakdown of the key components and estimated costs:
Key Cost Components
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Agency Fees:
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Agencies typically charge healthcare facilities?20–35% above the nurse’s hourly rate. For example, if a nurse earns?65–$70/hour to the agency.
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Alternatively, some agencies charge a?flat weekly fee?(e.g.,?3,000).
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Agencies typically charge healthcare facilities?20–35% above the nurse’s hourly rate. For example, if a nurse earns?65–$70/hour to the agency.
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Nurse Compensation:
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Hourly Rate:?100+/hour, depending on specialty (e.g., ICU, ER) and demand.
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Overtime/On-Call Pay: 1.5x–2x the regular rate for overtime.
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Bonuses: Completion/extended assignment bonuses (e.g.,?5,000).
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Hourly Rate:?100+/hour, depending on specialty (e.g., ICU, ER) and demand.
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Housing:
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Stipend:?1,500/week (nurse arranges housing).
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Agency-Provided Housing:?2,500/month (varies by location).
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Stipend:?1,500/week (nurse arranges housing).
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Travel Costs:
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One-time reimbursement for flights, mileage, or relocation:?2,000.
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One-time reimbursement for flights, mileage, or relocation:?2,000.
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Benefits:
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Health insurance, retirement contributions, and licensure/certification fees:?15–25% of total compensation.
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Health insurance, retirement contributions, and licensure/certification fees:?15–25% of total compensation.
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Taxes and Insurance:
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Payroll taxes, liability insurance, etc.:?10–15% of total costs.
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Payroll taxes, liability insurance, etc.:?10–15% of total costs.
Estimated Total Cost for a 13-Week Assignment
Component | Weekly Cost | 13-Week Total |
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Hourly Rate (Agency Fee Included) | 105/hour (36 hours/week) | 3,780/week |
Housing | 1,500 | 19,500 |
Travel Reimbursement | One-time?2,000 | 2,000 |
Benefits/Taxes | 25–40% of wages | 15,120 |
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Lower End: ~70/hour, low housing costs).
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Higher End: ~$80,000+ (e.g., crisis rates, high-cost area).
Factors Influencing Variability
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Specialty: Critical care nurses cost more than general RNs.
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Location: High-demand urban areas (e.g., NYC, SF) command higher rates.
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Duration: Shorter assignments may have higher weekly rates.
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Demand: Crisis situations (e.g., pandemics) can double rates temporarily.
Comparison to Staff Nurses
Travel nurses typically cost facilities?2–3x more?than permanent staff nurses due to agency fees and stipends. However, they provide flexibility during staffing shortages.For precise estimates, consult agencies like Aya Healthcare, AMN Healthcare, or Cross Country Nurses, as rates fluctuate with market conditions.