Psych / Behavioral Health Travel Nurse Salary (2026)
Psych / Behavioral Health is an in-demand travel nursing specialties. Here's what Psych 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 Psych / Behavioral Health travel nurses make?
In 2026, Psych / Behavioral Health travel nurses typically earn between $2,100 – $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 Psych travelers is high & growing. Want a number for your exact offer? Run it through the ScrubbedIn pay calculator to see estimated take-home.
Where Psych / Behavioral Health travel nurses earn the most
Pay tends to be highest in California, Washington, New York, Texas, and Colorado. 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 | $2,205 – $2,992 | 0% |
| Florida | $2,100 – $2,788 | 0% |
Psych / Behavioral Health travel nurse requirements
- Active RN license
- BLS; de-escalation / CPI training often required
- PMH-BC (psychiatric-mental health) a plus
- 1–2 years recent behavioral health 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 Psych contract — and know what it's worth
Pay calculator, contract analyzer, credentials vault, and a community of travelers. Always free.
Join ScrubbedIn Free Browse JobsPsych / Behavioral Health travel nurse FAQ
How much do Psych / Behavioral Health travel nurses make in 2026?
Typically $2,100 – $3,400 per week in total compensation, with crisis contracts and high-demand markets reaching higher.
Is psych travel nursing in demand?
Yes — behavioral health staffing shortages have made psych one of the faster-growing travel specialties.
What training do psych travel nurses need?
BLS plus crisis prevention/de-escalation (e.g., CPI) is commonly required; PMH-BC certification helps.
Where do Psych travel nurses earn the most?
Pay is generally highest in California, Washington, New York, Texas, and Colorado, 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.