Med-Surg Travel Nurse Salary (2026)
Med-Surg is an in-demand travel nursing specialties. Here's what Med-Surg 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 Med-Surg travel nurses make?
In 2026, Med-Surg travel nurses typically earn between $2,000 – $3,400 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 Med-Surg travelers is steady (high volume). Want a number for your exact offer? Run it through the ScrubbedIn pay calculator to see estimated take-home.
Where Med-Surg 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 | $2,652 – $3,400 | Up to ~9.3% |
| Washington | $2,448 – $3,230 | 0% |
| New York | $2,448 – $3,298 | Up to ~6.85% |
| Texas | $2,100 – $2,992 | 0% |
| Florida | $2,000 – $2,788 | 0% |
Med-Surg travel nurse requirements
- Active RN license
- BLS (ACLS for some units)
- MEDSURG-BC optional but helpful
- 1+ year recent med-surg experience
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 Med-Surg contract — and know what it's worth
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Join ScrubbedIn Free Browse JobsMed-Surg travel nurse FAQ
How much do Med-Surg travel nurses make in 2026?
Typically $2,000 – $3,400 per week in total compensation, with crisis contracts and high-demand markets reaching higher.
Is med-surg a good first travel specialty?
Yes. Med-surg has the highest volume of contracts nationwide, so it's one of the easiest specialties to find consistent travel work in, though pay runs a bit lower than critical care.
How much do med-surg travel nurses make?
Typically $2,000–$3,400 per week in 2026, with high-demand and high-cost markets toward the top.
Where do Med-Surg 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.
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.