Travel Nurse Salary in New York (2026)
Here's what travel nurses actually earn in New York in 2026 — weekly packages by specialty, top-paying cities, licensing, and how taxes and cost of living shape your real take-home.
Updated June 2026 · Estimates compiled from public job-board data
How much do travel nurses make in New York?
In 2026, most New York travel nurse contracts land between $2,900 – $4,400 per week in total compensation — taxable base pay plus tax-free housing and meal stipends — with a common average around ~$3,400/week. Annualized, that's roughly $150K–$228K if you stay booked year-round (most travelers take time off between contracts, so real annual pay is usually lower).
New York — especially NYC — posts some of the highest gross packages in the country, but high state and city taxes plus steep housing costs mean you should focus on net pay.
New York travel nurse pay by specialty
Typical 2026 weekly total packages by specialty in New York. High-acuity and procedural roles command the most.
| Specialty | Typical weekly range |
|---|---|
| ICU / Critical Care | $3,740 – $4,400 |
| ER / Emergency | $3,432 – $4,180 |
| L&D / Labor & Delivery | $3,432 – $4,268 |
| OR / Surgical | $3,168 – $3,960 |
| Telemetry / PCU | $3,045 – $3,740 |
| Med-Surg | $2,900 – $3,700 |
Want your own number? Plug your offer into the free pay calculator to see estimated take-home after New York taxes and stipends.
Highest-paying New York cities for travel nurses
The strongest pay and contract volume in New York are usually around New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany. Bigger metros pay more but cost more — smaller cities can deliver better net value once housing is factored in.
Licensing: working as a travel nurse in New York
New York is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member. You'll need a New York-specific RN license, so apply early — processing can take several weeks. See the compact license guide for details.
How to maximize your take-home
- Protect your tax-free stipends by maintaining a tax home and duplicating expenses — see the tax guide.
- Compare net, not gross — weigh state tax and housing cost.
- Use the Housing Finder to compare furnished options before you commit.
- Run the contract through the Contract Analyzer for float, OT, and cancellation terms.
See your real New York take-home in 60 seconds
Free pay calculator, contract analyzer, and housing search — built by a travel nurse, for travel nurses.
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How much do travel nurses make in New York in 2026?
Most New York contracts pay $2,900 – $4,400 per week in total compensation, with a common average around ~$3,400/week. High-demand specialties trend higher.
Are travel nurse stipends taxed in New York?
Housing and meal stipends are tax-free if you maintain a legitimate tax home and duplicate living expenses. New York's state income tax on taxable base pay is Up to ~6.85%.
Which New York cities pay travel nurses the most?
New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany typically post the highest pay and most contracts, though larger metros also have higher living costs.
Do I need a compact license to work in New York?
No — New York is not an NLC member, so you need a New York-specific RN license. Apply early, as processing can take several weeks.
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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.