L&D / Labor & Delivery Travel Nurse Salary (2026)
L&D / Labor & Delivery is one of the highest-paid travel nursing specialties. Here's what L&D 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 L&D / Labor & Delivery travel nurses make?
In 2026, L&D / Labor & Delivery travel nurses typically earn between $2,600 – $4,400 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 L&D travelers is high. Want a number for your exact offer? Run it through the ScrubbedIn pay calculator to see estimated take-home.
Where L&D / Labor & Delivery travel nurses earn the most
Pay tends to be highest in California, New York, Washington, Texas, and Massachusetts. 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 | $3,432 – $4,400 | Up to ~9.3% |
| Washington | $3,168 – $4,180 | 0% |
| New York | $3,168 – $4,268 | Up to ~6.85% |
| Texas | $2,730 – $3,872 | 0% |
| Florida | $2,600 – $3,608 | 0% |
L&D / Labor & Delivery travel nurse requirements
- Active RN license
- BLS, ACLS, and NRP
- AWHONN fetal monitoring / C-EFM commonly required
- 1–2 years recent L&D experience; high-risk and circulating C-section skills are a plus
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 L&D contract — and know what it's worth
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Join ScrubbedIn Free Browse JobsL&D / Labor & Delivery travel nurse FAQ
How much do L&D / Labor & Delivery travel nurses make in 2026?
Typically $2,600 – $4,400 per week in total compensation, with crisis contracts and high-demand markets reaching higher.
What certs do L&D travel nurses need?
BLS, ACLS, and NRP are standard, with AWHONN/electronic fetal monitoring certification frequently required. Circulating for C-sections is often expected.
Is L&D a good travel specialty?
Yes — L&D is consistently in demand and well paid, though contracts can be more specialized, so broad skills (high-risk, C-section circulating) help.
Where do L&D travel nurses earn the most?
Pay is generally highest in California, New York, Washington, Texas, and Massachusetts, though no-tax states often deliver more take-home.
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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.