travel nurse salary london

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• United Kingdom
• London Greater Area

Travel Nurse

£62,510 (gbp)/yr, £30.05 (gbp) /hr, £1,325 (gbp) /yr.

The average travel nurse gross salary in London Greater Area, United Kingdom is £62,510 or an equivalent hourly rate of £30. This is 12% higher (+£6,902) than the average travel nurse salary in United Kingdom. In addition, they earn an average bonus of £1,325. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in London Greater Area, United Kingdom. An entry level travel nurse (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of £43,816. On the other end, a senior level travel nurse (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of £77,584.

Data powered by ERI's Salary Expert Database .

This page is a promotion for SalaryExpert’s Assessor Platform and is not intended for professional use.

Professionals should subscribe to SalaryExpert’s Assessor Platform .

ERI’s compensation data are based on salary surveys conducted and researched by ERI. Cost of labor data in the Assessor Series are based on actual housing sales data from commercially available sources, plus rental rates, gasoline prices, consumables, medical care premium costs, property taxes, effective income tax rates, etc.

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£68,657 (GBP)

Based on our compensation data, the estimated salary potential for Travel Nurse will increase 10 % over 5 years.

Education data not available for this job

London Greater Area, United Kingdom

The cost of living in London Greater Area, United Kingdom is 43% more than the average cost of living in United Kingdom. Cost of living is calculated based on accumulating the cost of food, transportation, health services, rent, utilities, taxes, and miscellaneous.

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What is a travel nurse? - Roles and responsibilities in the UK

How to become a travel nurse in the UK? - Benefits

Working in healthcare can be limiting in times when you are stuck in one place with long hours. This can be tough for people who like to travel. But this can be solved when you choose travel nursing as your profession. We will explore how to become a travel nurse in this blog. Whether you dream of exploring places or meeting new people our blog will helpful for you! 

Explain what a travel nurse is?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse who works on a temporary basis in different locations. These nurses are sent to different places in the UK temporarily. They step into assist when there aren't enough nurses available.  

Travel nurses became popular in UK when there were not enough nurses to fill the jobs in healthcare centres. Employers offered more money and help with moving to attract nurses to the open positions. They not only work in UK but also in other countries as international travel nurses. Many people like travel nursing job because it will offer new experience and better pay than usual.

How to become a travel nurse?

• If you want to become a travel nurse in the UK, the first step is to go to a university for two or four years and get a nursing degree . You need either an associate's degree (ADN) or a bachelor's degree (BSN) in nursing to qualify. 
• Once you finish a nursing program that's approved, you need to pass a test called the NCLEX-RN to get your license. 
• Many travel nurse agencies in UK need you to have at least one year of experience working in your chosen nursing field before you can join them. 
• Nurse staffing agencies have become more popular because there aren't enough nurses due to retirements or people leaving their jobs. As a result, many agencies now focus on providing travel nurses to fill these gaps. 
• Depending on where you work, your first day might involve a thorough orientation or just a quick introduction to the rules and ways of the place. At the start, you might work alongside another nurse for a bit, but you will likely be working on your own quickly. 

What are the key responsibilities of travel nurses in the UK?

1) Giving basic first aid involves helping with wounds by putting on and taking off dressings, giving medicines and shots and preparing IV drips for patients. 

2) Operating medical equipment at your workplace to a good level, following the training you got during your qualifications. 

3) Checking and understanding your patients' condition to figure out the best way to keep treating them. 

4) Being understanding and caring towards your patients, explaining things to them, and making sure they feel as comfortable as they can while you're taking care of them. 

5) Recording basic patient details, like important signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and body temperature. 

6) Giving quick medical help to lots of people during wars or disasters. 

7) Teaching patients and their families how to take care of their health and prevent problems. 

8) Identifying and helping patients who are very sick and need immediate attention. 

9) Working in jobs for about eight to thirteen weeks in the UK or one to two years in other countries. 

10) Working together with doctors to create a care plan. 

What is the average salary of travel nurses in the UK? 

The salary for travel nurses will vary based on experience and location. They change a lot of locations. One day week they might be work in London and next week they could be in Birmingham. On average travel nurses make about £28,822 a year. This amount can vary depending on the agency they work for and how experienced you are as a nurse. This can also vary depending on individual circumstances and terms of the employment contract. 

Travel nursing offers nurses various perks like higher pay and benefits, such as: 

• Bonuses 
• Retirement plans 
• Helping to get passports and work visas. 
• Competitive pay 
• Choice of location 
• Travel reimbursement 
• Choosing the hours or shifts to work 
• Helping to get passports or work visas 
• Free housing 
• Healthcare, dental, and vision benefits 

What are the benefits of being a travel nurse in UK? 

Being a travel nurses in the UK have lots of benefits. Some of the key benefits are listed below, 

a) Lots of nurses who like the idea of traveling get happy about the chance to visit new places when they're working. 

b) Hospitals and clinics really need travel nurses so they will be happy to pay them. So travel nurses get paid more than regular nurses. 

c) Travel nurses in UK don’t have to stress about where they stay while they are on an assignment. Either they will provide a free house for a nurse, or they can choose the accommodation. 

d) A travel nurse in UK can decide when and where they want to work. If they prefer to spend some time with their family, they can plan vacations around their nursing assignments. 

e) Lots of travel nurses are amazed at how they improve and change because of traveling. They can also learn new things, explore new cultures, and try to meet different people. The more you travel the better you will get handling all sorts of situations. 

f) Travel nurses can do better networking by choosing their profession. They can work with lots of healthcare professionals who have different backgrounds and specialities. Building a strong network can help you in the future. 

g) Travel nurses will get professional development by choosing their careers. They will get an opportunity to work in different types of hospitals and clinics. 

Picking the best healthcare service agency in the UK can be tough, and it requires careful thought and time. Nurses Group shines as an excellent option for caring and personalized service. Nurses Group, the rapidly expanding healthcare agency in the UK, advances the development of support workers by offering training to enhance their skills and knowledge, enabling individuals to grow into seasoned support professionals. 

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become a Continental nurse

European adventures while you work, uk short/long contracts, company housing, best package by far, easier than ever and we cover the costs.

Welcome to Continental Nurse

Getting your uk rgn has just become easier than ever and we’ll cover the costs*.

Best of all, our package helps you every step of the way and you’ll be reimbursed for most fees once you’re here.

WE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING!

Continental Nurses can choose to live in company housing in the best locations and never worry about a thing…other than planning your adventures when off duty.

If you like where you’re working and living — and we bet you will — your head nurse will almost always ask you to “extend,” i.e. do another thirteen-week assignment. Just as typically, you will also be asked to “join the staff.” Of course, the choice is entirely yours.

We’re certain an attractive hourly rate, the choice of a short-term commitment or  staff position, upmarket accommodations and even travel money are enticing enough.

• 28 days paid vacation annually
• Statutory sick pay
• Continuing professional education
• Paid for NMC, CBT, OSCE and OSCE prep*

LET'S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

Call now to discover how easy and fun it is to put your highly valued skills to good use while seeing the world. -For those of you trained or working in English, the onerous English exam IELTS is NO LONGER required

-The theory test (CBT) taken in your home country is easy peasy — almost entirely med / surg and we’ll cover the fee*

-The clinical test (OSCE) is given here and we’ll pay for it*

-Our package includes a two-day OSCE training course and, again, we’ll cover it*

-Our pass rate for the  OSCE currently stands at  96.5%  — and that’s with more than 400 takers

What We Can Do For You

• Airfare ( up to $750)
• Theory test (CBT) paid for
• OSCE training course paid for
• Clinical Test (OSCE) paid for
• COS, visa and much more paid for

We only work with the best nurses and place them at the best hospitals and locations in the UK.

We offer staff positions for those nurses not eligible to work short-term in the uk and we are now placing the best nurses in the best hospitals in permanent positions., isn’t it amazing to care for other people while living in and exploring a diverse, fascinating place like the city of  london.

We walk you through every step with one-on-one attention.

Our assignments include upmarket housing or (if you prefer) a housing allowance.

We have wonderful short term assignments for those of you with UK/EU right to work.

start your EUROPEAN adventure

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• What can ITN do?

Who are ITN?

What is travel nursing.

• Our Process
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Ready to begin your UK adventure as a travel nurse? Let’s go…

Ready to begin your uk adventure as a travel nurse let's go....

If you’re a nurse who loves to explore, you’re in the right place. With International Travel Nurse, getting a licence to work as a nurse in the UK has never been easier. 

Not only will we find you the perfect placement in a world-class hospital, we’ll sort every detail, from your VISA application to your accommodation. 

Whether you fancy flitting around Europe with a short 13-week placement in the UK or basing yourself here for a longer assignment, we’ve got the opportunity to suit you. Every day is an adventure as an International Travel Nurse! 

Give us some quick details below and one of our recruitment consultants will be in touch

So what can ITN do for you?

Pretty much everything! Well, apart from packing…

• – Support with all documentation including VISA application and NMC registration
• – Placements in the world’s best medical facilities here in the UK
• – Excellent hourly rates
• – Short 13-week placements available
• – Reimbursement packages from £1,300 to £3,000
• – Accommodation allowance
• – Freedom to explore the rest of Europe
• – A support network of amazing nurses

ITN is here to make your new life in the UK a reality.

“International Travel Nurse helped me through the whole process from the very start to the day I flew home!”

If you are aged 18-30, have a nursing qualification and a minimum of one year experience in a medical facility under your belt, we’d love to chat to you.

Fill in the quick form below and one of our recruitment consultants will be in touch.

At International Travel Nurse we’re all about making every day an adventure.

We’re a young, dynamic team of experienced nursing recruitment consultants who love designing adventurous new lives for nurses. We have experience with the NHS spanning 30 years and connections with world-class medical providers. We predominantly work with nurses from Canada, Australia and New Zealand who dream of living and working in the UK.

Learn. On an ITN placement you’ll be working in world-class hospitals with super talented professionals. The ultimate glow up for your CV and a great way to learn more. Plus we offer short 13-week placements if you want to incorporate work into your travel plans.

Live. We’ll help you find the right accommodation to get you living like a local, enjoying the local hotspots and making new friends. Whether you’re on a flying visit with a 13-week placement or a longer-term stay, we want the UK to feel like home.

Explore. Living in the UK means you have the whole of Europe at your fingertips. Sample gelato in Rome, party in Ibiza or sun yourself in Santorini. Plus the UK has so much to offer, with fun city breaks, beautiful countryside and historic hotspots.

Want to start your adventure? Just fill in your details below and we’ll be in touch.

Travel nursing is an incredible way to make some money, boost your CV in the best medical facilities and see the world! Travel nurses are assigned to a hospital or facility on a temporary basis to fill gaps in staffing or on maternity cover. This means short, flexible contracts and excellent hourly rates.

“I’ve always wanted to travel but to get paid whilst you do it? It’s the perfect combination.”

There has been a real rise in demand for travel nurses in the UK since the pandemic so there has never been a better time to get out there and see the world.

Want to know more? Give us some quick details below and one of our recruitment consultants will give you a call.

• Average Salary
• Travel Nurse

Average Travel Nurse Salary

The average Travel Nurse salary in UK is £42,065.60 The hourly average pay for a Travel Nurse salary in UK is £20.22 The starting salary for a junior Travel Nurse in UK is £26,148.00 per year or £12.57 per hour

What does a Travel Nurse earn?

Travel nurses typically earn around £42,100 per year in the UK. They provide care to patients across a range of settings including public hospitals, private homes, and sheltered homes. Travel nurses are required to be mobile and may accept regular short-term contracts to cover a sick colleague in another location. They are often required to have additional experience in areas such as paediatrics, night work, and post-operative care.

How to earn more as a Travel Nurse

"If you're looking to become a travel nurse, you'll usually need to have a degree in nursing, health sciences, or a related subject. Depending on the role, you may also require additional qualifications such as a master's degree. To increase your earning potential, you could choose to specialise in a particular area, take on a managerial role, or even go freelance. Travel nurses can earn up to £67,600 a year or more."

Min: £26,148.00 Max: £67,600.00

Average Travel Nurse Salary in UK : £42,065.60

The salary is calculated by jobs advertised online.

Read about Travel Nurse salaries, related jobs and salary information across the UK

Travel Nurse Salary data from the ONS

Recommended travel nurse jobs in uk, average salary for travel nurse compared to similar jobs, related jobs.

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Understanding the Average Travel Nurse Salary in the UK

As a travel nurse in the UK, it's important to have a clear understanding of the average salary you can expect to earn. The healthcare industry offers a wide range of salaries, and it's crucial to know where you stand in order to negotiate fair compensation.

To get an idea of the average healthcare salaries in the UK, you can refer to this website . It provides comprehensive information on salaries across various healthcare professions, including travel nursing.

Salary Expectations for Newly Qualified Travel Nurse

If you're a newly qualified travel nurse, it's natural to wonder what salary you can expect. The good news is that travel nursing offers competitive salaries, allowing you to earn a decent income right from the start of your career.

To explore job opportunities and find out the salary expectations for newly qualified travel nurses, you can visit this job search website . It provides a comprehensive list of travel nursing positions available in the UK, along with their respective salary ranges.

Salaries for Experienced Travel Nurse

As an experienced travel nurse, your salary potential increases significantly. With your expertise and years of experience, you can command a higher salary and enjoy the rewards of your hard work.

To get an idea of the salary range for experienced travel nurses, it's best to consult with recruitment agencies or browse job listings specifically tailored for experienced professionals in the field.

Creating a Travel Nurse CV

A well-crafted CV is essential for any travel nurse looking to secure a job in the UK. It's important to highlight your skills, qualifications, and experience in a way that stands out to potential employers.

To create an impressive travel nurse CV, you can use a CV template specifically designed for this profession. This template will guide you through the process of showcasing your strengths and presenting yourself as a highly qualified candidate.

Career Development Opportunities for Travel Nurse

As a travel nurse, there are numerous career development opportunities available to you. Whether you're looking to specialize in a specific area of healthcare or advance into leadership roles, the possibilities are endless.

To explore different career paths and gain valuable insights on how to become a successful travel nurse, you can refer to career advice specifically tailored for this profession. This resource will provide you with valuable information on how to navigate your career and achieve your professional goals.

Comprehensive Compensation for Travel Nurse

As a travel nurse, your compensation goes beyond just your salary. You may be entitled to additional benefits such as housing allowances, travel reimbursements, and healthcare coverage.

It's important to consider the comprehensive compensation package offered by potential employers when evaluating job opportunities. This will ensure that you're not only receiving a competitive salary but also enjoying additional perks that enhance your overall compensation.

Strategies for Increasing Your Salary as a Travel Nurse

If you're looking to increase your salary as a travel nurse, there are several strategies you can employ. One approach is to gain additional certifications or specialize in a high-demand area of healthcare. This can make you more valuable to employers and allow you to negotiate higher pay rates.

Another strategy is to seek out assignments in locations with higher cost of living, as this often translates to higher salaries. Additionally, building a strong professional network and consistently delivering exceptional patient care can also contribute to salary growth over time.

Professional Development and Earnings

Continuing professional development is crucial for travel nurses who want to stay competitive and increase their earnings. By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in healthcare and continuously improving your skills, you can position yourself for higher-paying opportunities.

Investing in professional development courses, attending conferences, and seeking out mentorship opportunities are all ways to enhance your knowledge and expertise, ultimately leading to higher earnings as a travel nurse.

Capitalising on Extra Hours and Duties

As a travel nurse, there may be opportunities to take on extra hours or duties that can boost your income. Some healthcare facilities offer overtime pay or bonuses for working additional shifts, which can significantly increase your earnings.

It's important to communicate your availability and willingness to take on extra responsibilities to your employer. By demonstrating your dedication and flexibility, you can maximize your earning potential as a travel nurse.

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Key job facts, how to become a travel nurse.

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Travel Nurse Salaries by Experience

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Travel Nurse Salaries by Industry

Compare Travel Nurse salaries grouped by industry, UK wide

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Travel Nursing Salary

Travel nurses are also known as district nurses. They are specialist nurses who give who work in the community providing care and support to vulnerable and sick patients. They are an important part of the health family of the UK. You would usually work in the community, paid for by the National Health Service (NHS). In this role you will play a vital role in keeping hospital admissions and re-admissions to a minimum. By doing this you will also ensure patients can return to their own homes as soon as possible. The role of travel nurses has been developing for around one hundred and seventy-five years. The first people were employed in this specific role in the 1850s. A shortage of travel nurses (as with other health professionals) in recent years means the position is increasingly well-regarded.

What Does a Travel Nurse Do

All travel nurses work extensively with older people. However, you will also regularly care for others including those recently discharged from the hospital. You will also work with people who are terminally ill and those who have physical disabilities. Travel nurses are expected to play a leading role in the following activities:

• Provide emotional support and advice to patients and their families.
• Support and listen to patients in a community setting, often in their own homes.
• Give drugs and injections and treat wounds.
• Monitor breathing and take temperatures and blood pressure.
• Work in teams to help doctors with physical examinations and set up drips.
• Monitor the quality of care a patient receives and update patient records.

In addition to providing direct patient care, travel nurses have a teaching and support role. You must always work with patients to enable them to care for themselves. You also support family members and teach them how to give care to their relatives.

Who Employs Travel Nurses

In most circumstances, travel nurses in the UK work as part of the NHS team within primary care linked to General Practitioners (GPs). You would be employed through an NHS contract. Travel nurses work closely with wider health teams including social services, voluntary agencies and other NHS organisations.

Job Salary for a Travel Nurse

The salary levels of travel nurses are set based on National Health Service (NHS) pay and conditions between Bands 6 and 7. These bands are re-negotiated every year. The current pay rates for the different bands in England are: Band 6 <2 years’ experience – £35,392 2-5 years – £37,350 5+ years – £42,618 Band 7 <2 years’ experience – £43,742 2-5 years – £45,996 5+ years – £50,056 Some other figures are useful to allow you to compare salaries. In the UK, the national average wage is estimated to be around £30,000 according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The current National Living Wage (which must be paid to people aged 23 and over) means the minimum untaxed income for a 40-hour week is over £21,000 per year.

Geographic Weightings in Pay

Some travel nurses get additional pay to help them with the cost of living in areas where things cost more. Recent geographical weightings are:

• Inner London: 20% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £4,888 and a maximum payment of £7,377.
• Outer London: 15% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £4,108 and a maximum payment of £5,177.
• Fringe: 5% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £1,136 and a maximum payment of £1,915.

How Often is a Travel Nurse Normally Paid

Travel nurses can normally expect to be paid a salary every month. This is the standard method of payment for employees of the NHS.

Who Negotiates a Job Salary for a Travel Nurse

Salaries are based on the NHS pay band system. Travel nurses are paid between Bands 6 and 7 depending on experience and seniority. These pay bands are negotiated between the government and trade unions operating in the NHS that represent nurses.

What Sort of Contracts Do Travel Nurses Have

Travel nurses will have set contracts that guarantee a minimum number of hours per week. These contracts will also be clear about where you should work and to whom you should report to.

Earning Potential

After completion of the training, travel nurses will be paid at least on NHS pay band 5 with the chance for additional payments linked with career progression and length of service. Additional payments based on geographic weightings to deal with higher costs of living also exist for those living in London and the surrounding area.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

Understanding the educational and training requirements to become a travel nurse is important if you want to become one. You first need to qualify as a nurse. Once this is done you can then take an apprenticeship to become trained as a travel nurse.

Qualifications/Courses – Travel Nurse

To qualify as a travel nurse, you first need to get a degree qualification in nursing. To get onto a nursing course you will usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science.
• 2 or 3 A levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma.

Full-time nursing degree courses usually take 3 years to complete. Some people can fast-track to a second year of study if they already have a degree in a health-related subject, psychology, life sciences or social work. Another potential route is to take a degree apprenticeship in nursing if you work in a healthcare setting like a hospital. Training as a nurse can also take place within the armed forces. Once you have your degree in nursing you will need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a registered nurse. You then need to have worked for one or two years as a nurse before you apply for an apprenticeship as a travel nurse. The qualification you will need to work toward is Specialist Community Public Health Nursing – District Nursing. The apprenticeship will usually be funded through the NHS and will last between 1 and 2 years before you qualify.

General Skills Required

• You will always be accountable for your own patient caseloads so effective time management and decision-making are essential.
• As a travel nurse, you must have the willingness to learn about medicine throughout your working life.
• Strong emotional resilience, a calm temperament and the ability to work well under pressure are all needed by nurses.
• Excellent communication skills are needed because you will be working with a wide variety of different people from different walks of life and, usually, a wide variety of ages. This will include the families of patients as well as the patient themselves.
• You will also need to be able to put patients at their ease and gain their confidence. This includes the ability to work sensitively and constructively with patient fears.
• Excellent problem-solving and diagnostic skills are essential.
• Well-developed counselling skills are needed. This includes active listening and a non-judgemental approach.
• You must be a good team player. This means having the ability to work constructively with others carrying out aligned tasks in the healthcare team.
• Some computer literacy to record information relating to patients.
• Confidentiality relating to patient records.
• A clean Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this job. This is because you will be working with children or vulnerable adults.

Challenges of Being a Travel Nurse

• You’ll also be accountable for your own patient caseloads. This means the job is a responsible one.
• Travel nurses must also be proactive in caring for patients. You need to use your own initiative to contact other NHS and social services professionals.
• Maintaining a professional outlook is essential. You must treat the public with respect at all times. It is essential to maintain this no matter how difficult a patient is being.
• You will always need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.
• Exposure to unpleasant sights and smells is part of the job.
• You must always be prepared for the unexpected. This can be exciting but also challenging at times.

Type of Person Suited for this Work

• A person with a commitment to the values of the NHS and a genuine interest in healthcare.
• Someone with a calm and patient outlook is required. This includes the ability to deal with stress.
• You must be able to deal with losing patients.
• Nurses must be team players. You must also be able to work with direction from more senior team members.
• You must be a responsible person. This means being dedicated to the care of a patient for the duration of their treatment.

General Expected Working Hours

You can expect to work around a forty-hour week. The days of your work will also sometimes change. Evening work, weekend work and Bank Holiday cover will also sometimes be needed.

Location of Work

The majority of travel nurses usually work in the community, making visits and supporting patients. This means you will need to be ready for regular and extensive travel. Some travel nurses are based in health centres and most people employed in this role will spend at least part of their time in health centres.

Future Prospects

Experienced travel nurses can make an excellent career. Within the service, there are promotion opportunities to become a senior district nurse or a community matron. You might also look to move into general health service management or become head of community nursing, or move into an aligned discipline such as research, education or health promotion. Some travel nurses also choose to find work overseas.  

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The best paying travel nurse jobs in the UK

The idea of travel is high on many people’s bucket list. We all dream of taking up an adventure and seeing a completely new part of the world. However, travelling comes with many hidden costs that can make it hard for most people to achieve. Luckily, many industries, including healthcare, will offer travel jobs that allow medical professionals to temporarily work in the country that they are travelling to. This is a great opportunity for people who dream of travelling but can’t afford to go without a regular wage.     UK locum nursing jobs are almost always available for anyone who is qualified to enter. Becoming a travel nurse is a great way to experience the UK, ea rn  money whilst you travel and use your skills to make a difference. This article will explain the duties of a travel nurse and outline the best paying travel nurse jobs in the UK.

What is a travel nurse?

Travel nurses work in temporary positions to fill staff shortages so that hospitals and other care facilities can run smoothly. Nursing locum agencies are often looking for travel nurses to fill the positions of permanent staff members who may be on leave for a period of time. Travel nurses may be required to work in various locations around the UK, so it is a great way to experience the country.

Travel nurses will carry out the same duties as regular nurses within the industry, so candidates must meet the criteria for UK nursing jobs to be successful. As a travel nurse, you can expect to be carrying out a variety of different tasks in the ward that you are assigned to; no day will be exactly the same! There are many different nursing jobs available in the UK, you may be assigned to a busy hospital, an elderly care home or even a mental health ward.

What are the benefits of being a travel nurse?

Working as a travel nurse for a nursing locum agency is an exciting role that allows visitors to experience the UK whilst earning money. Although nursing is definitely not a walk in the park, you will never be short of things to do. There are in fact many benefits of working as a travel nurse.

Working whilst you travel means that you are able to grow your experience. Nursing locum agencies will assign travel nurses to a variety of care facilities, so you have the opportunity to try your hand in an area that you’ve never worked in before. Working in the UK also offers the chance to learn new skills from many highly qualified professionals in the healthcare system, which will allow you to enhance your knowledge and skill set. Locum nursing jobs will look impressive on any CV; the experience will help you to stand out from competitors at future job interviews.

Making a difference

Travel nurses are an important part of any health care team, as they provide support when gaps appear within the staff. Healthcare in the UK follows mandatory nurse-patient ratios, which ensure that there are always enough nurses on hand to provide the highest level of care to patients. Following these ratios leads to increased safety and lower mortality of patients, which is a fundamental aim within any healthcare service. Travel nurses play an essential role in making sure that these ratios are met. As a travel nurse, you will be able to leave work each day knowing that you have made a huge difference to the care of your patients, which is great for self-esteem.

What qualifications do travel nurses require?

To apply for UK nursing jobs, you will need to hold a nursing degree from a university. Acceptable degrees include an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BDN).

You will then need to complete the NCLEX-RN to secure a license that will allow you to practice in the UK. Many nursing locum agencies will also require 1 year of relevant nursing work experience and the ability to speak English fluently.

Nurses who would like to undergo locum work are required to be registered with the NMC and must have a minimum of 6 months experience working unsupervised within the NHS.

What are the best paying travel nurse jobs in the UK?

Locum nursing jobs are popular in the UK and there are many agencies to choose from when considering the role. It is always best to carry out thorough research of all the jobs that are available so that you are fully prepared to commit to the work involved. All nursing jobs will require similar qualifications but can have slightly different salaries, sick pay and benefits.

A newly qualified nurse in the UK will earn around £24,904, but this figure can rise, with the average nursing salary being around £33,384. Of course, travel nurses may only fill short assignments, so your earnings will depend on the length of time that you work in the UK.

In the UK, the highest paying nursing jobs will often be within the private healthcare sector, however, the benefits of working in this sector may not be as good as with the NHS. Agencies will recruit travel nurses for a variety of positions, so if you want a high paying role, it may be worth asking to be placed in a private healthcare service.

The NHS provides exceptional benefits for all staff, including travel nurses. These benefits can make a huge difference to overall finances and often make up for the slightly lower pay rate. The benefits that you can expect to receive from the NHS include increased pay for unsociable hours, sick pay, annual leave and flexible working.

Globe Locums is a specialist healthcare recruitment service that works with a range of healthcare providers across the UK. The company offers jobs in a variety of health care divisions and regularly updates their job page, making it easy for aspiring locum professionals to find a job through the site . The team are also on hand to answer any questions that you may have about working as a locum in the UK.

Latest Nursing Jobs

We currently have a variety of locum and permanent vacancies across the UK and Ireland

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Travel Nurse Salary: How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

• Travel Nurse Salary
• Salary Factors
• Salary by Specialty
• Highest Paying States
• Highest Paying Cities
• Top Paying Agencies
• How to Make More
• Related Careers
• Final Thoughts & Next Steps

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

The average annual travel nurse salary in the US is  $105,021 or $50/hr, according to  ZipRecruiter  as of May 2023. This is significantly higher than the average salary for registered nurses overall, which is $81,220 per year or $39.05 per hour per the BLS . 

>> Click here to see available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

Travel nurse salaries range widely across the country, with the lowest earners making $40,000 and the highest earners making $155,500 annually!

If you are a Registered Nurse (RN) who has ever considered traveling the country and wants to know how much travel nurses earn, you’ve come to the right place! This travel nurse salary guide will explain everything you need to know about how much travel nurses can make. Including:

• Types of travel nurses who make the most money
• Travel nurse salaries by city and state incomes
• Top-paying travel nurse agencies
• How to increase your salary as a travel nurse

Factors That Impact Travel Nurse Salaries

It is important to remember that travel nursing salary is dependent on several factors, including:

• Nursing specialty
• Full-time or part-time employment
• The shifts you work: day shift, night shift, mid-shifts, or weekends
• Bonus income

Also, travel nurses who work holidays often receive time-and-a-half or double-time pay, and in some cases, even more!

In addition, depending on the circumstances, travel nurses may also receive “crisis” pay due to needing to fill staffing urgently. If you have the desire and flexibility to move to another city or state quickly, a “crisis” assignment might be a great option for you.

Travel Nurse Salary by Specialty

What do travel nurses do that warrants their higher salaries? While flexibility is a significant factor, your travel nurse salary will also change depending on your nursing specialty.

Travel CRNA

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are the top-paid nursing specialty. The same holds true for CRNAs who take travel assignments as well. According to ZipRecruiter , CRNA travelers earn an average annual income of $194,352 or $93/hr. The highest earners make as much as $311,500!

Operating Room Travel Nurse

Operating Room (OR) travel nurses are in high demand at various locations around the country. ZipRecruiter found that operating room travel nurses earn an average annual income of $181,460 annually or $87/hr. The highest earners make as much as $286,000.

Emergency Room Travel Nurse

ZipRecruiter reports that ER travel nurses earn an average annual income of $83,503 annually or $40/hr. However, they add that the highest earners make as much as $171,500.

Intensive Care (ICU) Travel Nurse

According to ZipRecruiter , the average annual salary for ICU travel nurses is $143,416 annually or $69/hr. However, the highest earners make as much as $263,500.

Travel Nurse Practitioner

The average travel nurse practitioner salary is $140,086 annually or $67/hr, according to ZipRecruiter .  However, salary is often dependent on location and specialty. The highest-earning travel nurse practitioners make as much as $243,500.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Travel Nurse

NICU travel nurses earn an average income of approximately $173,017 annually or $83/hr, according to ZipRecruiter . However, incomes across the country can range widely, with bottom earners making $56,000 and top earners bringing in $281,500.

Med-Surg Travel Nurse

ZipRecruiter reports that med-surg travel nurses in the US earn an average annual income of $118,997 or $57.21/hr. However, per-hour incomes can reach as high as $134.38, depending on your location and facility.

Telemetry Travel Nurse

ZipRecruiter states that telemetry Travel nurses earn an average annual income of $124,122 annually or $60/hr. However, top earners bring in as much as $174,500.

Top Paying States for Travel Nurses

Location can make a huge difference in salary as a travel nurse. ZipRecruiter reports that the states that offer the highest pay for travel nurses include:

• New York: $128,277 annually or $61.67/hr
• Arizona: $109,776 annually or $52.78/hr
• Wyoming: $109,765 annually or $52.77/hr
• Hawaii: $109,653 annually or $52.72/hr
• Tennessee: $107,708 annually or $51.78/hr
• Massachusetts: $107,000 annually or $51.44/hr
• New Jersey: $106,901 annually or $51.40/hr
• Washington: $106,086 annually or $51.00/hr
• West Virginia: $106,044 annually or $50.98/hr
• New Hampshire: $105,438 annually or $50.69/hr

Top Paying Cities for Travel Nurses

ZipRecruiter reports that the cities that offer the highest pay for travel nurses include:

• Barrow, AK: $137,200 annually or $65.96/hr
• San Jose, CA: $133,873 annually or $64.36/hr
• Oakland, CA: $132,042 annually or $63.48/hr
• Antioch, CA: $129,387 annually or $62.21/hr
• San Francisco Bay Area, CA: $128,781 annually or $61.91/hr
• Lebanon, NH: $128,674 annually or $61.86/hr
• New York, NY: $128,277 annually or $61.67/hr
• Hayward, CA: $127,865 annually or $61.47/hr
• Vallejo, CA: $127,791 annually or $61.44/hr 
• Seattle, WA: $127,691 annually or $61.39/hr

Top Paying Agencies for Travel Nurses

There are multiple top-paying travel nurse agencies across the US. It is important to remember that your pay package depends on several factors, and income may vary widely depending on location and the needs of the facility. When a healthcare facility has more urgent needs for travel nurses, the pay ranges typically increase.

>> Related: Travel Nurse Requirements

Aya Healthcare

Aya Healthcare is one of the largest travel nurse agencies in the country, and they offer a wide range of travel nurse opportunities for various nursing specialties and allied healthcare positions. 

Fusion Medical Staffing

Fusion is another large nurse travel agency with many opportunities for nurses to choose their top travel destinations. Their website reports that one of the biggest perks of working with them is that they offer dedicated contacts available every day and night, 24/7.

Axis Medical Staffing

Axis Medical Staffing has won awards for “Best Customer Service” by Verywell Health and “Top Travel Nursing Company 2022” by Travel Nursing Central. 

Travel Nurse Across America

The TNAA website boasts highly skilled recruiters, housing experts, and clinical and quality insurance that prepares their travel nurses for success. 

Gifted Healthcare

Gifted Healthcare is another large travel nursing agency that reports that they aim to open the door to the right opportunities for their clinicians. In fact, their website reports that 90% of travel nurses report that their assignments aligned perfectly with their skills and expectations. 

TotalMed Staffing

Headquartered in Appleton, WI, TotalMed Staffing has several other locations across the country, such as California, Illinois, Tennessee, and North Carolina. They serve various types of healthcare facilities across the country.

Ventura Medstaff

Ventura Medstaff prides itself on integrity. Their website makes it easy to find a match for various types of healthcare specialties in the right location and facility across the country.

Tailored Healthcare

The Tailored Healthcare website reports that travel nurses are rewarded professionally with high-paying travel assignments, Platinum Shield Benefits, and everything paid for upfront. In addition, the company celebrates its nurses year-round with praise, gifts, and best-in-class bonuses.

Titan Medical 

Titan Medical Group states that they help their clients “find your place.” They feature various jobs on their website daily and make it easier for clients to find their next travel assignment.  

MedPro Healthcare

Medpro Healthcare offers incredible benefits, including competitive compensation, travel reimbursement, health insurance, short and long-term disability, 401K, Continuing education, and even referral bonuses.

How to Increase Your Salary as a Travel Nurse

No matter where you live and work as a travel nurse, there are often opportunities to increase your salary.

Be Flexible With Your City and State

When you live and work in a city with a higher cost of living, you will also be compensated at a higher rate. For example, travel nurses who work in areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle will earn significantly more income than travel nurses who choose to work in lower-cost-of-living areas. 

Consider Your Specialty(s)

If you have been cross-trained in more than one nursing specialty, you may want to see which specialties pay the most through your travel agency. For example, if you usually work as an ICU nurse, but a facility has crisis needs for telemetry nurses and will pay top dollar for that specialty, then you may want to consider accepting that travel assignment. After all, these are temporary assignments, and if you decide you don’t like them, you won’t have to stay for long.

Ask About Per Diem Daily Pay

Many nurses qualify for additional per diem pay for travel nurse housing , incidentals, and meals during their travel assignments. Talk to your travel agent to see if this applies to you.

Choose Shifts Wisely

Career and travel nurses are typically paid a few dollars more per hour for working less desirable shifts such as night shifts, mid shifts, and weekends.

In addition, travel nurses who work holidays often receive time and a half or double time pay!

Talk About Bonuses

Your travel agency will need to explain your bonus structure, as they can differ from agency to agency. However, here are a few of the different types of bonuses you may be eligible for as a travel RN:

• Agency bonus: Added pay from your travel agency
• Retention bonus: Your agency will often pay you a fee for referring your nurse and allied healthcare professional friends to their agency.
• Retention bonus: Agency-paid bonuses for nurses who continue to accept travel bonuses from the same agency.

Find Crisis or Strike Pay

Healthcare facilities in dire need of nursing staff during a public healthcare crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or during a nursing strike, often will pay travel nurses significantly higher wages than during non-dire times. Talk to your travel agency to find out where the most significant staffing needs are. 

Consider Looking at Different Agencies

If you are ever disappointed with your travel pay or hear through the grapevine that other agencies pay significantly more, consider looking at different agencies. It is also wise to build relationships with other travel nurses so you can talk freely about what to expect at different agencies.

Consider Finding Your Own Housing

Many agencies offer a housing stipend and then secure your housing for you. However, if you find your own housing, you may be able to find something less expensive and pocket the rest of the money.

>> See more travel nurse salary tips in How to Make the Most Money as a Travel Nurse

Salaries of Related Nursing Careers vs. Travel Nursing

The following are salaries of non-traveling nursing specialties, according to ZipRecruiter:

• NICU Nurse : $136,592 annually or $66/hr
• Surgical Nurse: $120,699 annually, or $58/hr
• Postpartum Nurse: $108,952 annually or $52/hr
• Telemetry Nurse: $95,179 annually, or $46/hr
• ICU Nurse : $92,568 annually or $45/hr
• Emergency Room Nurse : $83,503 annually or $40/hr

Travel Nurse Salary: Final Thoughts & Next Steps

The high salaries alone are enough to make dozens of nurses excited to enter travel nursing. But the perks don't stop at pay - travel nurses get to see the world, interact with patients across cultures, and enjoy non-taxed travel stipends. If all that sounds enticing to you, check out our guide on how to become a travel nurse to start your dream career today!

Travel Nurse Salary FAQs

Do travel nurses get paid well.

• ZipRecruiter reports that as of May 2023, travel nurses in the US earned an average annual income of $105,021 or $50/hr. They also add that salaries range widely across the country, with the lowest earners making $40,000 and the highest earners making $155,500 annually! 

What is the highest travel nurse salary?

• CRNAs travelers are the top-paid travel registered nurse specialty.  According to ZipRecruiter, CRNA travelers earn an average annual income of $194,352 or $93/hr. The highest earners make as much as $311,500! 

Why are travel nurses paid so much?

• Travel nurses help to fill staffing gaps and often accept assignments in areas with severe or “crisis’” nursing shortages. For their travel flexibility and ability to work in sometimes hard-to-fill areas, they are typically paid a higher compensation.

Sarah Jividen , RN, BSN, is a trained neuro/trauma and emergency room nurse turned freelance healthcare writer/editor. As a journalism major, she combined her love for writing with her passion for high-level patient care. Sarah is the creator of Health Writing Solutions , LLC, specializing in writing about healthcare topics, including health journalism, education, and evidence-based health and wellness trends. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two children. 

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You’ll get settled or pre-settled status depending on how long you’ve been living in the UK. This might affect when you choose to apply.

• Find out what you’ll get

Step 3 : Check what you’ll need to apply

• What you'll need to apply

Check what you need to do if:

• you’re not a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
• you have ‘indefinite leave to remain’ or ‘permanent residence’
• you're applying for your child

Step 4 : Apply

The deadline for applying for most people was 30 June 2021.

• Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme

Step 5 : After you've applied

• What happens after you’ve applied

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