Travel nursing offers freedom, flexibility, and strong income potential. Among travel nursing roles, home health RN jobs stand out for their growing demand. If you’re a registered nurse looking to earn more while enjoying variety, travel home health RN jobs may be your next big move.
Here’s how to find high-paying opportunities in this rewarding field.
Understand the Role
Home health travel RNs care for patients in their homes. They assess health, provide treatments, and offer education. The job blends autonomy with clinical skill. Travel nurses take assignments in different cities or states. Most contracts last 8 to 13 weeks.
These jobs are ideal for nurses who love independence and travel.
Know What “High-Paying” Means
Not all travel jobs pay equally. Pay rates depend on several factors:
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Location
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Experience
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Certifications
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Demand
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Contract length
A high-paying job typically offers $2,000 to $3,000+ per week. In crisis or rural areas, pay can reach $4,000 weekly or more.
Compare your offers using hourly pay, weekly take-home, and stipends.
Target High-Paying States
Location affects pay more than you think. Some states consistently pay more for travel RNs. Focus your search on these:
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California
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New York
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Massachusetts
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Washington
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Texas
These states often pay more due to cost of living, demand, and nurse shortages. Use nursing job boards to filter offers by state and compare packages.
Use the Right Job Boards
Specialized job boards save time and show current listings. Here are the best platforms to find high-paying travel home health RN jobs:
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TravelNurseSource.com
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NurseFly (Vivian Health)
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Aya Healthcare
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Fastaff
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Trusted Health
Set up job alerts. Use filters for salary, location, and specialty. Upload your resume and license to speed up applications.
Work with Multiple Agencies
Don’t rely on just one agency. Each agency offers different pay packages and locations. Talk to recruiters from several agencies. Compare benefits like:
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Pay rates
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Housing stipends
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Bonuses
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Travel reimbursements
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Health insurance
Ask questions. Clarify everything before signing a contract.
Build Your Resume
Higher pay comes with higher expectations. Make your resume strong and targeted. Include:
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Home health experience
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RN license and compact state status
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BLS, ACLS, and other relevant certifications
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EMR skills (Oasis, Homecare Homebase)
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Strong communication and time management
Keep it clean, up-to-date, and focused on results.
Get Certified
Specialized certifications help you stand out and earn more. Consider:
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CHPN (Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse)
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HCS-O (Home Care Clinical Specialist–OASIS)
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WCC (Wound Care Certified)
Certifications show you’re serious and skilled. They also open doors to better-paying assignments.
Be Flexible with Location and Schedule
If you’re flexible, you’ll land better jobs. Agencies pay more for:
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Rural or underserved areas
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Last-minute needs
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Holiday or weekend shifts
Say yes to unpopular locations or shifts. You’ll get higher pay and build a strong reputation.
Negotiate Your Pay Package
Never accept the first offer without asking questions. You can negotiate:
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Hourly rate
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Stipends for housing and meals
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Overtime pay
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Bonuses for extensions or referrals
Ask for a full breakdown of pay. Confirm what’s taxed and what isn’t. Don’t be afraid to walk away if it’s not fair.
Focus on High-Demand Seasons
Some months see higher demand for travel RNs. During flu season or COVID surges, pay rates rise fast. Watch these peak times:
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Winter (November–February)
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Summer (June–August)
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Post-holidays (January rush)
Apply early. High-paying contracts go quickly.
Get Licensed in Multiple States
The NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact) allows RNs to work in 40+ states with one license. If your home state is in the compact, get your multistate license.
If not, apply for individual state licenses. States like California or New York take longer, so plan ahead.
Keep Your Documents Ready
Speed matters. Have these documents ready before applying:
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RN license and certifications
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Resume
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References
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Physical and TB test
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Immunization records
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Background check clearance
Delays in paperwork can cost you the job.
Ask for Referrals
Your network can lead you to great jobs. Talk to:
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Past coworkers
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Former employers
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Fellow travel nurses
Some agencies offer bonuses if you refer others. Ask for recruiter recommendations. The best recruiters often work by word-of-mouth.
Understand Contract Terms
Read contracts carefully. Know the details about:
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Assignment length
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Floating policies
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Cancellation clauses
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Reimbursements
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Overtime
TimesHealthMag warns: what looks like high pay may come with hidden downsides. Ask before you sign.
Track Your Income and Expenses
Keep records of:
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Paychecks
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Stipends
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Taxable vs. non-taxable pay
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Travel and meal expenses
Use apps like QuickBooks Self-Employed or Everlance. Good records help you manage money and simplify taxes.
Consider 1099 Contracts
Some home health travel roles pay through 1099 (independent contractor). These often offer higher pay but less stability.
Pros:
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Higher hourly rates
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Flexibility in taxes
Cons:
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No benefits
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No employer tax contributions
If you choose 1099, set aside money for taxes. Consider working with a tax professional.
Don’t Burn Out
High-paying jobs often demand more time and energy. Stay healthy to perform well:
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Get enough sleep
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Stay organized
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Practice self-care
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Ask for help when needed
Burnout reduces your performance—and future job options.
Extend Contracts for More Pay
Agencies often pay bonuses for contract extensions. You can:
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Earn more with less relocation stress
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Build stronger patient relationships
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Show reliability to recruiters
If you like an assignment, ask for an extension.
Share Housing to Save More
Agencies offer housing stipends, but rent can eat into your profits. Save more by:
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Using travel nurse housing groups on Facebook
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Staying in nurse-friendly rentals
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Sharing a place with another traveler
The less you spend, the more you keep.
Keep Learning
Stay updated on trends and requirements. Follow travel nurse forums, podcasts, and newsletters. Great resources include:
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TimesHealthMag travel RN features
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The Gypsy Nurse community
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Travel Nursing Insider podcast
Learning helps you make smarter choices and stay ahead.
Final Thoughts
High-paying travel home health RN jobs are real—and reachable. But they require research, flexibility, and preparation. Focus on states with high demand. Work with multiple agencies. Negotiate smartly. And never stop growing.
Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Update your resume
✅ Get licensed in multiple states
✅ Choose high-paying regions
✅ Use travel nurse job boards
✅ Network with others
✅ Prepare documents in advance
✅ Stay open to last-minute or rural assignments
With these tips, you’ll land better contracts, earn more, and enjoy the freedom of travel nursing.