As travel nurses, we know firsthand how quickly the healthcare staffing industry can change. Whether it’s shifts in demand for travel nurses, new nursing technology, or evolving salary trends, staying informed is key to building a thriving, long-term career in travel nursing.
At Travel Nurse 101, I make it my mission to keep you up to date on what’s happening in the industry. Whether you’re just starting your travel journey or are a seasoned traveler looking to stay ahead of the game, understanding the latest trends in travel nursing will help you secure better assignments, maximize your earnings, and find long-term success.
Let’s dive into the biggest trends shaping travel nursing in 2025 and how you can prepare for an exciting year ahead!
1. The Travel Nursing Market is Stabilizing & Growing
The travel nursing industry saw huge fluctuations during the pandemic, but now we’re seeing stabilization with steady demand. According to industry reports, the travel nurse market is projected to reach $19.5 billion by the end of 2025.
What does this mean for you?
- While there won’t be pandemic-level pay spikes, steady job opportunities remain
- Facilities are still relying on travel nurses to meet patient care demands
- Flexibility is key—being open to different locations and contracts will help you land the best assignments
Mentor Pro Tip: Keep your licenses current and be ready to adapt to changes in contract availability.
2. Nursing Shortages Are Keeping Travel Nurses in High Demand
We’ve all seen the impact of the nursing shortage, and it’s not going away anytime soon. With an aging population and more nurses retiring, travel nurses are more essential than ever to fill gaps in healthcare facilities nationwide, according to the Staffing Industry Analyst 2025.
Key takeaways for travel nurses:
- Stay credentialed and have your documents ready for fast job placements
- Specialize in high-demand travel nurse fields like ICU, ER, OR, and L&D
- Be open to rural and high-need areas for even more job opportunities
3. Travel Nurse Pay is Normalizing – But Still Competitive
Gone are the extreme pandemic-level crisis pay rates, but travel nursing still offers great compensation compared to permanent staff positions.
Average Travel Nurse Salary in 2025:
- $101,132 per year (varies by state and specialty)
- Washington state: $55.07/hour (highest in the U.S.)
- Florida: $36.33/hour (lower cost of living)
- California & New York: High pay + strong nurse protections
Mentor Pro Tip: If maximizing earnings is your goal, consider assignments in high-paying states or compact license states where demand is strong.
4. Healthcare Technology & Telehealth Nursing Jobs Are Growing
Technology is changing how travel nurses work, and telehealth travel nursing is one of the fastest-growing sectors.
What’s trending?
- Telehealth nurse jobs are expanding, especially in rural and underserved areas
- Hospitals are digitizing records & workflows—making tech skills essential
- Travel nurses familiar with EHR systems, AI tools, and remote monitoring will have a competitive edge
Mentor Pro Tip: Get comfortable with telehealth platforms and healthcare apps—these skills will make you more marketable in the coming years!
5. Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is Expanding – Making Travel Nursing Easier
Great news for travel nurses: the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is growing, allowing RNs to work across multiple states with one license.
Benefits of an NLC License for Travel Nurses:
- Faster job placements (less waiting on state approvals!)
- More flexibility to choose where you work
- Greater access to high-paying travel nurse jobs
Mentor Pro Tip: If your home state is an NLC state, apply for a multi-state license to unlock more job opportunities in 2025.
6. More Focus on Nurse Burnout & Work-Life Balance
Let’s be real—nursing burnout is real, and it’s affecting both staff and travel nurses. The good news? Hospitals and travel agencies are stepping up by offering better mental health support and work-life balance options.
How the industry is addressing burnout:
- More travel agencies offering mental health resources
- Employers pushing for better nurse-to-patient ratios
- Nurses prioritizing breaks between contracts to recharge
Mentor Pro Tip: Prioritize your well-being by setting boundaries and taking time to rest between assignments.
The Future of Travel Nursing: What Should You Do Next?
The 2025 travel nurse job market is looking strong, with consistent demand, stable pay, and growing opportunities in telehealth, high-demand specialties, and tech-driven nursing roles.
- How to set yourself up for success in 2025:
- Stay flexible – Be open to assignments in high-demand states
- Keep certifications and licenses updated – Employers prefer nurses who are ready to start ASAP
- Learn new tech skills – Telehealth & digital nursing platforms are the future
- Take care of YOU – Avoid burnout by prioritizing self-care & mental health
If you’re looking to build a thriving career in travel nursing, staying ahead of these trends is key. I’m here to help you navigate this ever-changing industry, land the best assignments, and create a travel nursing career you love. Happy Travels!