2025 is the evolving year for travel nursing, with high pay, freedom, and tech-driven opportunities. Imagine packing bags and visiting new cities where your skills are in high demand. The landscape of travel nursing is going through significant changes and in this blog, we will discuss what is the future of travel nursing, what’s changing in 2025 and what to look for. Before that, sign up with SkillGigs and explore the Top travel nursing jobs with high pay.
Key trends in travel nursing for 2025
Specialized roles are in high demand
Travel nursing became very popular and demanding during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has now stabilized but some specialties are still in high demand. The demand for these specialties such as ICU, ER, med-surg are high due to complex patient needs, shortage of specialized staff, etc. Hospitals are offering high pay, bonuses, incentives, and other benefits to fill the gaps. In short, the overall demand of travel nursing has stabilized but these specialties (ICU, ER, OR Med surg) are still in high demand and nurses are leveraging their skills for high pay, short-term flexibility and variety of assignment locations.
Pay rates of travel nurses
During COVID, the demand for travel nurses was high, and they were getting high pay rates. Now we see that the travel nursing pay rate is coming back to normal. The average pay rate of travel nurses is $48.62 per hour in 2025 ( source: Travel Nurse Salary: Hourly Rate October 2025 USA) However the pay rates of travel nurses vary according to location, demand, specialty, experience, etc. High-demand specialties such as ICU, ER, MED Surg, OR, etc. are in high demand and therefore their pay rates are also very high. Some states are paying the highest to travel nurses such as California and New York, while in some states the pay rate of travel nurses has lowered.
Telehealth opportunities on the rise
In telehealth nursing, nurses provide care and education to patients remotely using technology such as phone calls, online messaging, or video calls etc. Nowadays, the demand for telehealth nurses is increasing because they are needed in remote monitoring, virtual check-ins, etc. This trend increased in 2025, allowing travel nurses to provide online care especially in underserved areas.
Licensure and mobility are getting easier
We also see a bright future for travel nursing in 2025 because licensure and mobility are becoming easier for nurses. A compact state nursing license allows nurses to work in different states without applying for separate licenses. This multi-state nursing license has made travel nursing easier, and nurses can take contracts to make extra money providing them with flexibility and freedom.
What is trending in travel nursing in 2025?
- More states are joining the compact states in 2025.
- There is further integration of technology and AI tools, such as SkillGigs is used to match travel nurses with their jobs.
- Telehealth nursing demand is increasing.
- There is greater emphasis on providing benefits to travel nurses. There is also focus on mental health support, manageable workloads, flexibility, etc.
Changes in travel nursing in 2025
- After COVID, the market of travel nursing has calmed down and there is slight decrease in average weekly pay, but it is predicted that travel nursing will grow in 2025.
- There is high demand for some specialties (ICU, NICU, OR) and tech-savvy nurses.
- There is an increase in virtual/remote nursing.
- More cities are now becoming part of travel nursing, which is making it easy for nurses to travel across the states and provide patient care.
- There is more focus on nurse wellness, mental health, and work-life balance.
- Onboarding and credential processes are getting faster; the use of AI and technology is increasing in the field of healthcare, which is making travel nursing easier.
What to watch in travel nursing in 2025?
- Travel nurses should not assume that pay should always be high, as it was during the pandemic. While taking assignments, you should focus on base pay, bonuses, incentives, etc., to make money.
- Upskill or specialize. Get certificates to boost your skills and resume to get assignments.
- Always read your contracts carefully. Location, pay, benefits, the hospital facility, etc.
- Get comfortable with technology and digital tools such as EHRs, RMP devices, etc.
Conclusion
In 2025, we know that the pay rates have normalized for travel nurses after the pandemic, but it is important to know that the demand for specialized roles is still high, and healthcare facilities are willing to pay for that. To make sure that you get the best assignments, it is important to boost your skills and get certifications. Travel nurses should focus on skill growth, adapt to new technologies, and stay flexible to become successful travel nurses. Explore high-paying travel nursing jobs with SkillGigs, which is an AI technology that helps you find your ideal assignments. Download our app now and unlock the top trending travel nursing jobs.
