Travel Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Guide

One way to increase your income as a CNA is to switch from a staff position to a higher-paying travel job. Focus your job search on areas with a high demand for travel CNAs. If you prefer to work as a staff CNA, consider moving to a state with higher average CNA salaries and lower living costs. Alternatively, look for open CNA jobs with high-paying junior colleges or dental offices.

According to Vivian Health's salary data on April 29, 2023, travel CNAs earned an average of $844 per week, per Vivian Health’s salary data on April 29, 2023. However, the highest-paid travel CNAs could make up to $1,217 per week, while the lowest weekly salary was $538. Your location and experience can also impact travel pay rates.

Travel CNAs earned $844 per week on average, which works out to about $21.10 per hour for a 40-hour workweek, according to Vivian's salary data on April 29, 2023. Comparatively, the average staff CNA earned $17.18 per hour on that same date, making a travel contract more lucrative by about $4 per hour.

According to May 2022 data from the BLS, the states with the most employment opportunities for CNAs based on the highest employment levels included:

• California: 99,930

• Florida: 89,110

• Texas: 81,170

• New York: 80,100

• Pennsylvania: 66,800

Travel healthcare jobs appeal to many healthcare professionals due to the freedom and adventure it offers. When you stay in one place for several weeks or even a few months on a
travel assignment, you have time to live like a local, getting to know a city beyond the tourist sights you’d see during a short vacation. You can immerse yourself in diverse experiences and make new friends. CNA travel jobs also provide plenty of flexibility. You can accept contracts based on your schedule and when you want to take time off.

As a traveler, you’ll enjoy numerous professional benefits. With every assignment, you’re adding to a network of contacts across the country, which can be valuable when seeking
opportunities later in your career. You also gain experience in a variety of settings. A permanent job limits you to one environment, such as a hospital or home health location. As a travel CNA, you can try out various work settings without committing long-term and get a better feel for where you want to take your career.

Most travel CNAs typically receive a salary bump compared to their peers in permanent staff roles, as many facilities pay travelers more to ensure adequate coverage for their staffing shortfalls. In addition to your CNA salary, your travel contract may include health insurance, 401(k) plans and housing stipends to cover your accommodation while traveling.