5 Best States for Travel Nursing in 2025

If you’re wondering where you should go as a travel nurse in 2025, I’ve got you covered!  This list of the best states for travel nursing in 2025 was created by myself – a travel nurse of 7 years; and my trusty travel nurse recruiter who brings her knowledge and expertise of the industry.  We have curated this list based on experience, trends from 2024, laws & regulations for nurses, and current needs that have already started to open up in 2025.

 

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO WORK WITH A TRAVEL NURSE RECRUITER WHO HAS YOUR BACK & IS TRUSTWORTHY, FILL OUT THIS FORM AND MY #1 RECRUITER – JESS – WILL CONTACT YOU!

 

Don’t miss…

• Navigating State Licensing and Certifications:  A Comprehensive Guide for Travel Nurses

 

1.  Arizona

Whether you’re a new travel nurse or season travel nurse, Arizona is a great state to work in.  For starters, travel nurse compensation will greatly exceed staff nurse compensation (one reason I would rather travel there than go staff there) and they consistently have open needs with high rates.  Another reason Arizona is great to work in is because the state is part of the NLC or Nurse Licensure Compact so if you already have a compact license, you don’t need to apply for another RN license.  (If you don’t know what the NLC is, make sure to read this post).

I also love the idea of travel nursing in Arizona because it’s the perfect place for a winter assignment.  You can stay in Phoenix or Scottsdale where you’ll have great weather but you can also travel to Flagstaff if you’re looking for more of a winter experience.  Not to mention, if you’re feeling burned out, you can head to Sedona for a spiritual experience hiking or checking into a spa!  There are also so many great things to do in Arizona like visit the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and more!

 

If you need more Arizona inspiration, don’t miss…

• 4 of the Best Hikes in Arizona
• The Best of Scottsdale

 

2.  California

Without a doubt, travel nursing in California is one of the most lucrative states and your likelihood to land one of those big, coveted paychecks is pretty good.  Because California has strict staffing regulations and monitors nurse to patient ratio, as well as requires breaks for nurses, hospitals are always hiring travel nurses.  Plus, the population in California is rapidly growing which also means that there is a higher need for healthcare professionals.  Finally, California is so diverse so if you’re a nurse who enjoys the beach, you can try to land an assignment in Southern California or Santa Barbara.  If you’re a nurse who likes the outdoors and hiking, aim for an assignment in Northern California.  And if you like big cities, you can work in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego.  It goes without saying, but California is one of the best states to explore on your days off!

 

If you need more California inspiration, don’t miss…

• 10 Things to See and Do on the California Coast
• The Best 8-Day California Vacation
• How to Spend a Weekend in Palm Springs
• How to Plan an Epic Wine Trip through 5 California Wine Regions
• How to Have the Best Day Trip to Joshua Tree
• The Best Things to Do in Paso Robles
• Spending the Day in Headlsburg – the Best Wineries to Visit
• Spending 2 Days in Santa Barbara
• The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Solvang, California
• The Ultimate Napa Valley Travel Guide

 

3.  Connecticut

The hospitals in Connecticut are notoriously travel friendly, and while it might seem like a more off the beaten path state to work in, there are many pros to working in Connecticut!  For starters, Connecticut is part of the NLC or Nurse Licensure Compact so if you already have a compact license, you don’t need to apply for another RN license.  (If you don’t know what the NLC is, make sure to read this post).  Another draw to working in Connecticut is that in the winters, you’re close to New York City so you can experience all of the fun Christmas activities without living in the city (and paying rent in the city).  Plus, the pay in Connecticut tends to increase in the winter months because it’s so cold and doesn’t draw as many travelers.  In the summers, the Northeast is beautiful and you’re near to Boston, Cape Cod, and Maine if you want to adventure around.

Finally, according to US News, Connecticut is the fifth safest state in the United States.  Violent crime rate occurs to 150 people of 100,000, and property crime rate occurs to 1,494 per 100,000.

 

Curious about the highest paying travel nurse specialities?  Don’t miss…

• Highest Paying Travel Nurse Specialties in 2025

 

 

4.  Washington

Personally, I believe that Washington is the best state for travel nurses, especially if you’re new to travel nursing!  There is a massive community of travel nurses in Washington because the pay is great, hospitals always have needs open, and the state itself has so much to offer.  Because Washington has mandatory breaks and nurse to patient ratios, hospitals always need to hire travel nurses to make sure they have enough staff on hand.  Plus, Washington just joined the NLC or Nurse Licensure Compact so if you already have a compact license, you don’t need to apply for another RN license.  (If you don’t know what the NLC is, make sure to read this post).  And last, but not least, there is no state income tax in Washington so you will keep more of your paycheck and pay less in taxes.

 

If you need more Washington inspiration, don’t miss…

• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Seattle
• A Local’s Guide to Bainbridge Island, Washington
• 5 of the Best Hiking Trails Near Seattle
• How to Have the Perfect Weekend Trip to Seattle
• The Ultimate Guide to Seattle
• The 8 Day Vacay – Washington

 

5.  Wisconsin

Like Connecticut, Wisconsin might also seem like an odd choice for a travel nurse assignment.  However, Wisconsin is incredibly traveler friendly (it is a midwestern state after all), it’s part of the NLC, and the cost of living is affordable.  While I would be hesitant to take a winter assignment in Wisconsin, in the summer months you can enjoy time out on the lakes, go fishing, and explore Wisconsin’s brewery scene!

 

For my favorite travel nurse cities, don’t miss…

• The Best Places to Be a Travel Nurse

 

If you want to be a travel nurse in 2025, don’t miss my conversation with Jess on the realities of travel nursing this year!

 

 

Travel Nurse Essentials

 

If you’re hoping to make 2025 your year of travel nursing, I hope that you found inspiration in this list!  If you have any questions about travel nursing or the best states for travel nursing, let me know in a comment below!  And if you’re looking to connect with an experienced recruiter in this industry, fill out this form to connect with Jess.

 

If you’re ready to make the leap to travel nursing, don’t miss…

• The Best Travel Nurse Housing Sites
• Health Insurance for Travel Nurses
• How to Acclimate to Your New City As a Travel Nurse
• Top Strategies for Travel Nurses to Adapt Quickly to New Hospital Environments

 

---

For more information and inspiration on all things nursing and travel nursing, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinscrubs” or under my highlights for “Nursing” or “Travel Nursing”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Nursing” or “Travel Nursing” highlight

---

 

Pin Me!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.  Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.