Written By Hourig Karalian, MSN, RN.
Not long ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel felt uncertain, but one thing was clear: travel nurses are an essential lifeline, helping healthcare systems manage unprecedented staffing challenges. Fast forward to the present, job openings in some states are 70 times higher than pre-COVID levels (according to 2025 Nomad internal data). Now is a great time to be intentional about where you go, what you earn, and how you spend your time. So, where should you head this summer?
Let’s take a look at the destinations and specialties offering the best mix of opportunity and experience.
Hot Spots in High Demand: Top States This Summer for Travel Nurses
Since pre-COVID, job postings have skyrocketed, up 900% to nearly 7,000% in the top 10 states. This means more demand, more flexibility, and way more options for your next move.
- California: From 377 pre-COVID jobs to over 8,000, California remains a top destination for travel nurses looking for a blend of high pay and quality of life — from the beautiful beaches of Malibu to the winding metropolis of the Bay Area.
- Top Specialties in CA: Labor & Delivery, Vascular Interventional Radiology
- Texas: With job openings rising from 368 to 6,700+, Texas offers more than just lifestyle variety. Rodeos, wineries and plenty of contracts, especially in critical care — Texas is a popular destination.
- Top Specialties in TX: Labor & Delivery, Cath Lab
- New York: The Empire State surged from 304 to 7,665+ jobs, with high-paying opportunities in NYC and upstate, especially in MICU and ER specialties.
- Top Specialties in NY: Emergency Room, Med-Surg
- Florida: From 279 to 2,669+ jobs, Florida is a solid option for nurses chasing sunshine, flexibility, and weekend beach escapes.
- Top Specialties in FL: Computed Tomography, Cardio Invasive Specialist
Show Me the Money
Just here for the paycheck? We’ve got you. From January to April 2025, these states saw the biggest weekly pay increases, making them top picks for high-earning assignments. On average, weekly pay in the below states has increased by about +$240 with Minnesota increasing as much as +$328 a week.
- Minnesota: $2,305/week
- Washington, D.C.: $2,246/week
- Louisiana: $2,120/week
- Alabama: $1,842/week
- Missouri: $2,217/week
It’s not just about where you go but what you do. If you’re working in high-demand specialties, you can earn even more. Here’s where Nomad saw the biggest weekly pay bumps.
- Operating Room (OR): +$86.76/week
- Medical ICU (MICU): +$64.97/week
- Emergency Room (ER): +$59.43/week
- Med Surg – Telemetry: +$17.54/week
Blending Pay with Volume: Where the Stars Align
Want the best of both worlds? Here are smart picks for maximizing your time on assignment:
| State | Why It Works |
| California | Huge job volume + strong pay across all specialties |
| New York | High volume, high acuity demand (especially MICU/ER) |
| Texas | Rising jobs, plus rodeos, wineries, and open spaces to enjoy. |
| Minnesota | Fewer jobs, but massive pay increases |
| Georgia & NC | Fast-growing markets + lower cost of living = high ROI |
Whether you’re chasing ocean views, overtime bonuses, or new clinical challenges, the summer 2025 market is yours to explore.
Data Source: Nomad Health
About the Author
Hourig Karalian, DNP(c), MSN, RN, is a compassionate nursing leader with over 20 years of experience across the continuum of care, including acute care, skilled nursing, academia, and the staffing industry. Committed to safe, high-quality, and patient-centered care, she integrates evidence-based practice, innovation, and mentorship to elevate clinical excellence.
Currently serving as Director of Clinical Excellence, Hourig brings a strong clinical foundation in Medical/Surgical, Telemetry, Medical ICU, and Geriatrics. Her professional journey, from bedside nurse to clinical instructor, educator, and director, reflects her commitment to elevating clinical standards and empowering clinicians. As a former traveler herself, she brings firsthand insight into the experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by frontline clinicians. Working through the COVID-19 pandemic further reinforced the importance of eliminating barriers clinicians face.
Hourig is deeply passionate about clinician advocacy and the development of strategies that drive excellence in care delivery. She has led nationally recognized initiatives, including the NomadU Clinical Academy, an award-winning competency education program; Resolving Polypharmacy in a Long-Term Care Setting Using an Evidence-Based, Interdisciplinary Approach; and the design and implementation of multiple nurse residency programs.
