Best States for Travel Healthcare Jobs in 2025
Looking for your next travel healthcare gig? Whether you’re a nurse, respiratory therapist, or radiology tech, location can boost your income by $20,000+ annually while giving you the lifestyle you want.
Top Paying States by Specialty
Travel Nurses
Washington - $114,542/year ($55/hour)
DC - $114,282/year ($55/hour)
New York - $110,642/year ($53/hour)
California - $90,766/year ($44/hour)
Specialty premiums: ICU nurses can earn up to $180k, NICU nurses up to $196k, NPs up to $200k
Respiratory Therapist
California- $95,000 - $110,000/year
New York - $85,000 - $100,000/year
Massachusetts - $82,000 - $98,000/year
Hot Tip: Critical care RTs earn 10-15% more. ACCS certification adds $3-$8/hour
Radiology Technologists
California - $88,000 - $105,000/year
Massachusetts - $82,000 - $95,000/year
DC - $80,000 - $93,000/year
Specialty Boost: MRI techs earn $8-$12/hour more. IR specialists add $10-$15/hour
Best Value States (High Pay & Low Cost)
Big numbers look great, but what about purchasing power?
Michigan: The Hidden Gem
3rd cheapest state with competitive rates and world-class hospitals (U of M, Henry Ford).
Texas: No Income Tax
Zero state income tax means more take-home pay. High demand in Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
Oklahoma
5th cheapest state with solid facilities and competitive rates.
Where the Jobs Are (2025 Demand)
Critical shortage states:
Idaho: 38% nursing shortage
North Carolina: 15% shortage, growing to 22% by 2037
Georgia, California, Washington: Shortages across all roles
Fastest growing markets:
Maine: wages up 8.9% year over year
Idaho & Tennessee: 2.5%+ pay increases
Quality of Life Winners
Utah: Stunning outdoors, ski resorts, growing healthcare
New Hampshire: No sales tax, fall foliage, outdoor activities
Minnesota: Mayo Clinic, excellent work-life balance
Massachusetts: World-class hospitals, rich culture
Match Your Goals
Maximize money? Focus on high-pay states with favorable housing ratios.
Build skills? Target major teaching hospitals and Level I trauma centers.
Quality of life? Choose climates and activities you love.
Career growth? Find specialty-specific opportunities.
Travel healthcare pays 20-40% more than staff positions. At Geaux Care Staffing, we place travel nurses, respiratory therapists, radiology techs, and allied health professionals nationwide. We help you:
decode complex pay packages
maximize your tax-free stipends
find high-demand positions
navigate licensing
match YOUR priorities