CRNA Travel Nurse Salary (2026)
CRNA is one of the highest-paid travel nursing specialties. Here's what CRNA 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 CRNA travel nurses make?
In 2026, CRNA travel nurses typically earn between $5,000 – $8,000 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 CRNA travelers is very high. Want a number for your exact offer? Run it through the ScrubbedIn pay calculator to see estimated take-home.
Where CRNA travel nurses earn the most
Pay tends to be highest in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and rural high-need markets. 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 | $6,240 – $8,000 | Up to ~9.3% |
| Washington | $5,760 – $7,600 | 0% |
| New York | $5,760 – $7,760 | Up to ~6.85% |
| Texas | $5,250 – $7,040 | 0% |
| Florida | $5,000 – $6,560 | 0% |
CRNA travel nurse requirements
- Active CRNA / APRN license in the practice state
- NBCRNA certification (NCE) and recertification current
- ACLS, BLS, PALS
- Specialty case experience (cardiac, OB, regional) raises 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 CRNA contract — and know what it's worth
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How much do CRNA travel nurses make in 2026?
Typically $5,000 – $8,000 per week in total compensation, with crisis contracts and high-demand markets reaching higher.
How much do travel CRNAs make?
CRNAs are among the highest-paid travelers — locum/travel packages often range from roughly $5,000 to $8,000+ per week, and annualized income can reach into the mid-six figures.
Why is travel CRNA pay so high?
Anesthesia is a critical, high-liability skill with chronic shortages, especially in rural areas, so facilities pay a steep premium for travel and locum CRNAs.
Where do CRNA travel nurses earn the most?
Pay is generally highest in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and rural high-need markets, 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.