Travel Dialysis Nurse Salary Guide

A dialysis nurse oversees dialysis treatments in patients with advanced kidney disease. These treatments remove excess fluid and waste from the body, relieving swelling and other symptoms of serious kidney problems. Dialysis nurses inspect and maintain equipment, place vascular access catheters, maintain patient records and educate patients about what to expect during treatment.

How do you become a dialysis nurse?

You must become a registered nurse before you can oversee dialysis treatments. To become an RN, follow these steps:

  • Enroll in a two-year or four-year nursing degree program

  • Complete all required coursework and clinical training requirements

  • Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses, also known as the NCLEX-RN

  • Obtain a license to practice through the state board of nursing

Nurse licensure requirements vary by state, so check with your licensing body for more details.

What credentials/licensing does a dialysis nurse require?

You don't need a national certification to work as a dialysis nurse, but it's helpful to seek additional credentials to increase your earnings and help qualify for promotions. Dialysis nurses can seek Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN), Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) and Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse (CPDN) credentials to enhance their careers.

The CDN, offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission, is for registered nurses with at least 2,000 hours of experience caring for patients who need dialysis. Before submitting your application, you must complete at least 20 nephrology nursing continuing education hours.

The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing & Technology or BONENT offers the CHN and CPDN credentials. To obtain the CHN, you must pass an exam covering dialysis and related issues, supervision/administration, environmental control and professional development. The CPDN exam covers education, administration, professional development and the nursing process.

Average Travel Dialysis Nurse Salary

$2,127/week

The average salary for a Travel Dialysis Nurse is $2,127 per week. This is 1% higher than the nursing US average of $2,114.

Last updated on March 13, 2025. Based on 1,092 active jobs on Vivian.com in the last 7 days.

Salaries for Travel Dialysis Nurse compared to Registered Nurse National Averages

$2,127/week

1% higher than the nursing US average.

$2,114/week

United States

Where do Travel Dialysis Nurses get paid the most?
StateAverage Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
California$2,756$3,129
North Dakota$2,506$2,766
Washington$2,478$2,520
Vermont$2,432$3,063
New York$2,337$4,361
Massachusetts$2,305$2,861
Wyoming$2,273$2,706
Minnesota$2,255$2,497
New Jersey$2,248$2,503
Oregon$2,223$2,487
Illinois$2,173$2,507
Arizona$2,154$2,504
Alabama$2,146$2,400
What cities pay the most for Travel Dialysis Nurses?
CityAverage Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
Oakland, California$2,782$3,129
Quincy, Massachusetts$2,469$2,469
Burlington, Vermont$2,443$3,063
Albany, New York$2,405$2,721
Suffolk, Virginia$2,390$2,462
Rochester, New York$2,367$3,226
Laramie, Wyoming$2,366$2,706
New York, New York$2,300$2,300
Winona, Minnesota$2,296$2,497
Salem, Virginia$2,289$2,289
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Travel Dialysis Nurse jobs?
Average Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
HonorVet Technologies$3,420$3,420
Kahu Malama Nurses$3,300$3,300
Millbrook Support Services$3,032$3,032
NURSE's Etc. Staffing$2,924$2,924
Talent4Health$2,795$3,644
LanceSoft$2,712$3,428
Summit Medical Staffing Nursing$2,667$2,667
GHR Healthcare - Travel Division$2,597$2,597
SGS Consulting$2,591$2,591
Adecco$2,584$2,584

Last updated on March 13, 2025. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

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Travel Dialysis Nurse Career Guide

Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.

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How can you increase your pay as a travel dialysis nurse?

If you have the flexibility, consider taking travel assignments to increase your earnings. As noted above, the average rate for a travel dialysis nurse is 30.5% higher than the rate for a staff dialysis nurse. Accepting travel assignments allows you to earn more money without taking additional classes or switching specialties.

How much does a dialysis nurse make?

According to Vivian Health's salary data for the week ending April 29, 2023, travel dialysis RNs earned an average of $2,184 per week, which works out to $28,392 for a 13-week contract or $56,784 for a 26-week contract.

Do travel dialysis nurses get paid more than staff dialysis nurses?

Many factors influence your pay as a nurse, but travel dialysis nurses generally get paid more than staff dialysis nurses. Per Vivian Health's salary data on April 29, 2023, staff dialysis nurses had an average hourly rate of $41.81. In a 40-hour workweek, that's just under $1,673. The average weekly salary for travel dialysis nurses was $2,184 on that same date, about 30.5% higher than the staff rate.

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Travel Dialysis Nurse FAQs

What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Dialysis RN?

Earning your Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) often increases your salary potential as a dialysis nurse or makes you eligible for another position with greater responsibilities, which also might include a bump in wages.

Can having a Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) boost my salary as a Dialysis RN?

Yes, having a Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a dialysis nurse.

Where can I learn more about working as a Travel Dialysis Nurse?

Take a look at Vivian's Travel Dialysis Nurse Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.