Welcome to the August 2025 edition of the SkillGigs Money Story, your trusted monthly guide on verified salary trends across top RN specialties and key healthcare roles. With data from over 3,000 verified employer bids, this report helps travel nurses stay ahead of the curve with transparent, real-world insights into market pay.
In this edition, we compare July vs. August data across RN specialties to highlight where salaries are rising, holding steady, or experiencing seasonal shifts.
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Acute Care RN
- Jan: $53.56
- Feb: $53.87
- Mar: $54.41
- Apr: $53.43
- May: $51.79
- June: $53.43
- July: $54.82
- August: $55.72
Trend: After a July boost, August data also show an increase, showing that Acute Care RNs are sustaining momentum moving into Q3.
ER RN
- Jan: $60.43
- Feb: $63.90
- Mar: $60.95
- Apr: $61.60
- May: $59.36
- June: $58.51
- July: $60.44
- August: $60.77
Trend: ER RN salaries rebounded in July. August data indicate that growth is expected to continue in Q3.
ICU RN
- Jan: $62.97
- Feb: $61.99
- Mar: $62.20
- Apr: $62.42
- May: $62.50
- June: $62.71
- July: $63.63
- August: $62.99
Trend: ICU salaries have remained one of the most stable specialties in 2025. August data shows a slight decline, but still, this is one of the most promising fields.
Labor & Delivery (L&D) RN
- Jan: $66.47
- Feb: $66.16
- Mar: $64.75
- Apr: $66.30
- May: $64.57
- June: $65.82
- July: $66.39
- August: $65.39
Trend: July reaffirmed L&D as one of the highest-paying RN specialties. August shows a little decline in the trend after a long upward trend.
Med Surg RN
- Jan: $60.11
- Feb: $60.37
- Mar: $60.17
- Apr: $59.98
- May: $58.69
- June: $58.33
- July: $57.44
- August: $56.38
Trend: Med Surg continues to experience gradual declines. August data confirms that the trend continues its downward trend.
OR RN (Operating Room)
- Jan: $66.66
- Feb: $64.54
- Mar: $64.37
- Apr: $65.30
- May: $65.92
- June: $64.18
- July: $63.29
- August: $61.92
Trend: OR RN salaries softened in July. The August data shows deline again as OR RN salary trend continues to decline.
PCU RN (Progressive Care Unit)
- Jan: $62.37
- Feb: $62.09
- Mar: $62.09
- Apr: $62.49
- May: $61.14
- June: $60.11
- July: $60.67
- August: $61.15
Trend: PCU salaries showed improvement in July. August data shows that this specialty continues its rebound.
Physical Therapist
- Jan: $64.00
- Feb: $64.07
- Mar: $63.90
- Apr: $64.19
- May: $62.64
- June: $62.51
- July: $61.28
- August: $61.71
Trend: Salaries for physical therapists saw a gradual decline into July. Although August data confirms stabilization of the trend.
TeleHealth RN
- Jan: $58.22
- Feb: $58.61
- Mar: $58.84
- Apr: $58.92
- May: $59.03
- June: $58.19
- July: $61.30
- August: $59.62
Trend: July brought a strong rebound for TeleHealth RN salaries. August data shows a slight decline, but this specialty is promising for the year 2025.
Conclusion
August marks a pivotal moment in RN salary trends, with some specialties showing rebounds and others adjusting to seasonal fluctuations. Whether it’s the stability of ICU and L&D, or the evolving shifts in Med Surg and OR roles, travel nurses can expect dynamic opportunities heading into the fall.
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