OR / Surgical Travel Nurse Salary (2026)
OR / Surgical is an in-demand travel nursing specialties. Here's what OR 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 OR / Surgical travel nurses make?
In 2026, OR / Surgical travel nurses typically earn between $2,700 – $4,200 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 OR travelers is high. Want a number for your exact offer? Run it through the ScrubbedIn pay calculator to see estimated take-home.
Where OR / Surgical travel nurses earn the most
Pay tends to be highest in California, Texas, Washington, New York, 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 | $3,276 – $4,200 | Up to ~9.3% |
| Washington | $3,024 – $3,990 | 0% |
| New York | $3,024 – $4,074 | Up to ~6.85% |
| Texas | $2,835 – $3,696 | 0% |
| Florida | $2,700 – $3,444 | 0% |
OR / Surgical travel nurse requirements
- Active RN license
- BLS (ACLS for some facilities)
- CNOR preferred; documented scrub and/or circulating competencies
- 1–2 years recent OR experience; specialty service lines (ortho, neuro, cardiac) raise pay
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 OR contract — and know what it's worth
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How much do OR / Surgical travel nurses make in 2026?
Typically $2,700 – $4,200 per week in total compensation, with crisis contracts and high-demand markets reaching higher.
Do OR travel nurses need CNOR?
CNOR isn't always mandatory but it strengthens your applications and can raise your rate. Documented circulating and scrub competencies are usually required.
Which OR specialties pay most?
Cardiac (CVOR), neuro, and complex ortho service lines typically command the highest OR travel rates.
Where do OR travel nurses earn the most?
Pay is generally highest in California, Texas, Washington, New York, 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.