As a travel nurse, if you are only focusing on hourly pay, then you are missing out. Travel nursing is more than just an hourly rate; the real money comes from the benefits you negotiate. As a travel nurse, you should not settle for a standard paycheck. Here are the tips and tricks on how to negotiate your benefits to make your travel nursing assignments more rewarding. Before we discuss the top benefits that every travel nurse should negotiate in 2025, join SkillGigs now and explore the top-paying travel nursing jobs.
Benefits you can negotiate as a travel nurse
Travel nursing means new opportunities, new experiences and flexible schedules and high pay but do you know that you can make more money with travel nursing? Travel nursing is not only about hourly pay but also the other benefits and perks that can boost your income. To maximize your income, you should always negotiate your benefits. Let’s discuss what benefits you can negotiate in your travel nursing assignment.
Hourly pay
We all know that before signing a nursing contract, travel nurses check the base pay. But do you know that you can negotiate your hourly pay? Yes, it is possible. Agencies offer standard pay rates according to the location and specialty, but it is not fixed; you can negotiate and ask for higher pay. Research the average pay of your specialty and region and then ask for the rate above standard, especially if you have extra certification and experience. SkillGigs is an AI platform that connects you with high-paying assignments that match your specialty, certifications, and experience. SkillGigs supports you in negotiating your contract including hourly pay.
Bonuses
Besides hourly pay, travel nurses can also negotiate bonuses. There is a start-up bonus (you get before starting an assignment) or a completion bonus (you get after completing your assignment). Suppose you think that the assignment is in high demand or longer than what is asked for an extra bonus. Skill Gigs is offering $500 when you sign a contract with us.
Housing allowance and stipends
Some agencies or healthcare facilities also provide housing for free; this can save you a lot of money but if the housing is not provided, you can ask for housing stipends. Negotiate a competitive allowance that reflects the local cost of living. If you are going to a high-cost living area such as New York, you can ask for higher housing stipends so that you don’t have to pay out of your pocket.
How to negotiate housing stipends?
- Research local cost.
- Use your experience, certification, and demand as your leverage.
- Ask clearly and professionally.
- You can also suggest a range. Be flexible but firm.
Travel reimbursement
During your travel nursing assignment, your travel costs can add up, such as flight tickets, milage, gas, rental cars etc. Negotiate travel reimbursement to save money.
How can you do that?
- Check your assignment and see what covered.
- Keep receipts with you as proof, as some agencies will ask for it so you can get full investments.
- If you are travelling long distances, then negotiate for per diem allowances and higher mileage; don’t assume that they are fixed.
Insurance
Health insurance is one of the most important benefits you can negotiate as travel nurse. Here is how you can do that:
- Understand the plan.
- Ask about upgrades or alternatives.
- Leverage your experiences.
- Include family or dependents in the plan.
- Check additional benefits such as some that provide dental, vision, and life insurance.
License and certification reimbursements
Travel nursing means you are working in multiple states with different licenses and certifications. This can add up but the good news is that many agencies are willing to cover these expenses. This is another benefit that you can negotiate to save money. Tips you can do that are as follows:
- Ask up front.
- Make sure to include annual education stipends. Some agencies are willing to pay to keep credentials up to date.
- Always keep the renewal receipts of your documentation as proof to get the reimbursements.
Flexible scheduling
Another thing travel nurses can negotiate is flexible scheduling. Yes! The best part about travel nursing is freedom. You can choose your own assignments, schedules, location, etc. You can always ask for the schedule that fits your lifestyle so you can enjoy travel nursing to the fullest. Some nurses prefer short contracts; some want to work in the daytime and some at night. Talk to your agency about it or you can always check on Skill Gigs and look for a job that best suits you.
Over time and holiday pay
The demand for travel nursing is high during holidays; make sure to negotiate that. Know your worth and ask for higher pay rates during holidays. You can also negotiate and ask for higher overtime pay.
What are the tips to negotiate your benefits as a travel nurse?
- Know your worth and don’t settle for less.
- Negotiate early so it’s easy to adjust before signing the contract.
- Prioritize which benefits you want the most and fight for them.
What kind of insurance do travel nurses get?
Travel nurses can get health insurance, life, dental, vision and life insurance.
What are sign-on bonuses and completion bonuses?
Travel nurses can boost their income by getting sign-on bonuses and completion bonuses. A sign-on bonus is what they get after signing a contract such as with SkillGigs, you can get $500 sign-on bonus once you sign a contract with us. A completion bonus means you get a bonus after completing your assignment.
What if companies refuse to negotiate benefits?
Don’t be afraid to walk away from the companies that won’t negotiate benefits. If you have skills, experience and demand for your specialization, companies will pay for it. The best way is to join SkillGigs, where you can directly contact the employer and negotiate your benefits.
Conclusion
Travel nursing is all about freedom, new opportunities, and new experiences but do you know that you can make more in travel nursing besides hourly pay? With travel nursing, you can maximize your income by negotiating and advocating for yourself. Benefits you can negotiate include housing stipends, hourly rate, travel reimbursement, meal stipends, insurance, etc. Remember always know your worth and negotiate to make more with travel nursing. If you are a travel nurse who wants to make the maximum amount of money, then join SkillGigs and become travel nurse with us. With SkillGigs you have the advantage of negotiating your benefits directly with an employer and there is no middleman. Download our app now and start travel nursing with SkillGigs.
