LPN / LVN Travel Nurse Salary (2026)
LPN / LVN is an in-demand travel nursing specialties. Here's what LPN 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 LPN / LVN travel nurses make?
In 2026, LPN / LVN travel nurses typically earn between $1,300 – $2,200 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 LPN travelers is steady. Want a number for your exact offer? Run it through the ScrubbedIn pay calculator to see estimated take-home.
Where LPN / LVN travel nurses earn the most
Pay tends to be highest in Texas, California, Florida, New York, and the Midwest. 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 | $1,716 – $2,200 | Up to ~9.3% |
| Washington | $1,584 – $2,090 | 0% |
| New York | $1,584 – $2,134 | Up to ~6.85% |
| Texas | $1,365 – $1,936 | 0% |
| Florida | $1,300 – $1,804 | 0% |
LPN / LVN travel nurse requirements
- Active LPN/LVN license (compact helps)
- BLS
- 1+ year recent experience; long-term care, clinic, and corrections settings are common
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 LPN contract — and know what it's worth
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Join ScrubbedIn Free Browse JobsLPN / LVN travel nurse FAQ
How much do LPN / LVN travel nurses make in 2026?
Typically $1,300 – $2,200 per week in total compensation, with crisis contracts and high-demand markets reaching higher.
Can LPNs be travel nurses?
Yes. Travel LPN/LVN contracts exist, most commonly in long-term care, skilled nursing, clinics, and corrections, though there are fewer than RN contracts.
How much do travel LPNs make?
Typically $1,300–$2,200 per week in 2026, lower than RN travel pay but still well above many permanent LPN roles.
Where do LPN travel nurses earn the most?
Pay is generally highest in Texas, California, Florida, New York, and the Midwest, 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.