Nursing Shortages Drive High Pay for Travel Nurses in North Carolina

Photo byShutterstock // Gorodenkoff

The past decade, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, has seen a significant increase in demand for nurses, making it one of the highest-paying professions.

Registered nurses (RNs) across the U.S. now earn more than $45 per hour on average—roughly $14 more than the average wage across all occupations.

However, traveling nurses with similar qualifications can earn an additional $16 per hour compared to their stationary counterparts.

In North Carolina, travel nurses are particularly well-compensated, earning about $2,292 per week, which equates to $57.30 per hour based on a 40-hour workweek.

This figure is $17.60 more per hour than the average pay for all RNs in the state, aligning with national trends where travel nurses consistently out-earn staff nurses.

The heightened demand for travel nurses stems from the ongoing nursing shortages exacerbated by the pandemic. Although COVID-19-related demand has waned, the need for temporary nursing staff remains critical, especially in states like North Carolina.

The flexibility and higher wages offered by travel nurse contracts make them an attractive option for RNs, despite the challenges of frequent relocations and the lack of long-term job stability.

While the Midwest offers the highest pay premiums for travel nurses due to its lower cost of living and greater need for medical staff, the pay gap is narrower in states like Hawai'i and along the West Coast, where strong nursing unions and high living costs already secure better pay for local nurses.

Despite the high costs associated with hiring travel nurses, particularly during the height of the pandemic, they remain an essential part of the healthcare system. As the U.S. faces an aging population and persistent nursing shortages, travel nurses will likely continue to play a crucial role in providing flexible and responsive healthcare solutions.