CVOR Travel Nurse Salary (2026)
CVOR is one of the highest-paid travel nursing specialties. Here's what CVOR travel nurses earn in 2026, where pay is highest, what's required, and how to keep more of every paycheck.
Updated June 2026 · Estimates compiled from public job-board data
How much do CVOR travel nurses make?
In 2026, CVOR travel nurses typically earn between $2,900 – $4,600 per week in total compensation — taxable base pay plus tax-free housing and meal stipends. Crisis contracts, hard-to-fill locations, and night shifts can push packages higher.
Demand for CVOR travelers is high (niche). Want a number for your exact offer? Run it through the ScrubbedIn pay calculator to see estimated take-home.
Where CVOR travel nurses earn the most
Pay tends to be highest in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Washington. Remember to compare take-home, not just gross — no-income-tax states often net more.
Gross pay is highest in high-cost, high-demand states; no-income-tax states often win on take-home. Compare both, and see full detail on our state pages.
| State | Typical weekly range | State income tax |
|---|---|---|
| California | $3,588 – $4,600 | Up to ~9.3% |
| Washington | $3,312 – $4,370 | 0% |
| New York | $3,312 – $4,462 | Up to ~6.85% |
| Texas | $3,045 – $4,048 | 0% |
| Florida | $2,900 – $3,772 | 0% |
CVOR travel nurse requirements
- Active RN license
- BLS; CNOR preferred
- Documented cardiovascular OR scrub experience (open-heart cases)
- 2+ years recent CVOR experience usually required
Keep every credential and expiration date in one place with the ScrubbedIn Credentials Vault so a lapsed cert never costs you a contract.
How to maximize your pay
- Add or keep certifications current — they signal expertise and can unlock higher rates.
- Stay flexible on location and shift — nights, weekends, and hard-to-fill markets pay premiums.
- Protect your stipends by maintaining a tax home — see the tax guide.
- Vet the contract — float and cancellation terms can erase a great rate. Use the Contract Analyzer.
Find your next CVOR contract — and know what it's worth
Pay calculator, contract analyzer, credentials vault, and a community of travelers. Always free.
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How much do CVOR travel nurses make in 2026?
Typically $2,900 – $4,600 per week in total compensation, with crisis contracts and high-demand markets reaching higher.
Why do CVOR travel nurses earn so much?
CVOR is a highly specialized niche — few nurses can scrub open-heart cases — so demand far outstrips supply, pushing pay to the top of the OR range.
What experience does CVOR require?
Typically 2+ years of recent cardiovascular OR experience scrubbing open-heart procedures.
Where do CVOR travel nurses earn the most?
Pay is generally highest in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Washington, though no-tax states often deliver more take-home.
Explore more
All figures are estimates compiled from publicly available job-board listings and are for general comparison only. Actual pay varies by facility, agency, experience, shift, and contract terms. ScrubbedIn is not a tax advisor; consult a qualified professional for personalized advice.