For nurses thinking about a career shift or simply a change in scenery, traveling continues to be a popular way to explore new environments and grow as a clinician. The well-documented nursing shortage and the continued adoption of alternative workforce models has made the process of travel nursing in 2026 not just attractive and financially rewarding, but a completely viable and even easy alternative to working in a permanent staff role.
If you’re a travel nurse, or if you’re thinking about becoming one, knowing what to expect from the job market can help you decide what your next career steps should be. Take a closer look at the current travel nursing job market and what the field might look like in 2026 so you can feel prepared to start—or continue—your travel adventure in the coming year.
The current travel nursing job market
There has been a lot of fluctuation in the travel nursing market in the past year.
Travel nursing by the numbers
Now that a few years have passed since the pandemic, the nursing market has settled into a new normal. The travel nursing industry isn’t growing as rapidly as it was in 2020, but it is still worth more than it was pre-pandemic. Around the country, there are 4.3 million registered nurses (RNs) with active licenses. However, only 3.5 million are providing care to patients. In 2022, only 5% of registered nurses were working as travel nurses.
Travel nursing stagnated in 2025, with a slight drop in revenue forecasted by the end of the calendar year: 6%, to be exact, bringing the total down to $39.4 billion. However, expectations for 2026 are a bit brighter. Either way, there are plenty of opportunities out there for nurses looking to expand their horizons by traveling.
Of all of the states, California has the highest demand for travel nurses, mostly due to the state’s large population. Also, California is one of only a few states that must meet mandatory patient-nurse ratios. Other states with high demands include Texas, Georgia, Massachusetts, and New York.
Travel nursing salaries in 2026
On average, travel RNs make about $101,132 per year. By comparison, the average salary nurses make is about $86,070. Alaska is the state that pays travel nurses the most, but the cost of living there is higher. California, New York, and Massachusetts also boast better-than-average pay for travel nurses. It’s important to note that salary data may not include per diems, housing reimbursement, or other financial perks offered to travel nurses.
Click here for a deeper dive into how much travel nurses get paid.
Nursing job market outlook for 2026
A number of factors continue to make travel nursing an excellent career path in 2026.
Persistent shortage of staff nurses
Staff nurses are predicted to continue leaving the industry this coming year. An aging population as well as nurses who are approaching retirement combine to make nurse demand much higher. Until 2033, there are 197,000 predicted registered nurse job openings per year, but by 2032, it’s expected that only 177,440 new nurses will enter the workforce.
These numbers mean that travel nurses will remain relevant in the field for many years since facilities will depend on them to fill critical positions. The areas that will continue to be hardest hit by shortages are rural ones, but even in large cities, the approaching retirement of a significant number of nurses prompts the need for staff.
Increased demand for home health care travel nurses
The American population is rapidly aging. Today, one in six people in the United States is 65 or older. The baby boomer generation faces a crisis in healthcare because of the nursing shortages, especially in the home health care sector.
When compared with older generations, baby boomers have higher divorce rates, leaving many alone as they age. There has also been a rise in Alzheimer’s disease numbers, increasing the need for nurses.
All of these factors combine to increase demand for travel nurses who specialize in home healthcare. That is predicted to be one of the fastest-growing areas in the field, along with emergency nursing care options.
Need for behavioral health travel nurses
Behavioral health travel nurses will also be sought out in 2026 and beyond. Psych travel nurses of all types are needed for facilities and even home care. These are nurses who help patients with substance use disorders and behavioral or mental health conditions.
One of the challenges of this field is that employers often seek psych travel nurses with four to five years of experience. This slows the process of getting new people into these roles. Because of the huge demand for these professionals, 2026 can offer a number of opportunities if you have the necessary experience.
Increased use of technology
The expected further reliance on technology opens more doors for travel nurses. More providers offer telehealth services, and travel nurses can have even more opportunities to help rural or isolated communities without necessarily having to live there.
Telehealth services allow nurses to take on more patients, and this plays a significant role in helping nursing shortages. At the same time, telehealth services assist nurses in maintaining work-life balance and preventing burnout.
Another important factor to consider is artificial intelligence. The usage of AI in healthcare staffing will only continue to rise in 2026. Staffing agencies and health systems will streamline their hiring, sourcing, and optimization using AI technology, making the process for finding a travel assignment and getting hired smoother for nurses.
Travel nursing market stabilization
In 2025, the travel nursing market experienced a slight decline in total revenue. However, a small correction is predicted for 2026, meaning a mostly stable job market in the year ahead. The exploding job openings and pay packages of the pandemic years are in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean travel nursing isn’t still a lucrative or available option. In fact, travel nurses still make much more than their counterparts in staff roles.
Hospitals are doing their best to find contract nurses to take on long-term positions, and this means that travel nurses have to be strategic about their job search. It’s more important than ever to work with a leading travel nurse agency with access to top job opportunities in a variety of markets.
Prolink is your gateway to the best travel nursing assignments across the country. We work with top health systems across the country to find travel nursing roles that fit your lifestyle—personally, professionally, and financially. Connect with a recruiter today to get started.
In-demand travel nurse specialties for 2026
In 2026, a number of specialties in the travel nurse field will be in high demand.
ICU travel nursing
ICU travel nurses are expected to be in great demand in the coming year. ICU nurses help critically ill patients in intensive care units, but they are versatile team members who can work in a variety of settings. Rural areas as well are in particular need, but most hospitals need travel ICU nurses to supplement their staff.
Medical-surgical travel nursing
Med-surg travel nurses help patients who are about to undergo surgery, are recovering from a procedure, or have serious medical conditions. They can perform a variety of tasks and are needed in any facility where surgeries are performed. States like Alaska, California, and Hawaii are searching for travel med-surg nurses.
Emergency room travel nursing
ER travel nurses provide immediate care to patients who come into the emergency room. These patients are typically critically ill or injured people. ER nurses must be able to assess injuries quickly and decide which people require immediate attention. They must also be able to act calmly in a chaotic environment and coordinate care with other professionals.
Home health travel nursing
Home health travel nurses offer care to patients in their homes. They monitor vitals, perform basic tests, care for wounds, and administer injections and other treatments. This field of nursing can pay very well, especially if you have a few years of experience.
Telemetry travel nursing
Because telemetry travel nurses monitor patients’ cardiac rhythms, they are essential team members in a cardiac care unit. They keep records of oxygen levels, breathing patterns, heart rate, and blood pressure, and they maintain patient records. These nurses also provide patient education for those facing cardiac issues.
Begin your travel nursing adventure in 2026
Travel nursing can be a highly rewarding experience that not only allows you to help patients in high-need areas but also lets you travel across the country and meet new people. Although the industry is expected to change a bit this coming year with employers continuing to look for long-term workers, the demand for travel nurses remains high.
If you want to take the next step in your career, turn to our knowledgeable and dedicated Prolink recruiters. Prolink connects healthcare providers with employers from across the country. Because we get to know all of our clients and nurses, aligning with their personal and professional goals, we can pair you with the perfect position.
Click below to search open travel nursing jobs with Prolink. If you’re wondering why travel nurses love working with us, read this article to explore the benefits of being a Prolink nurse.
