How Much Do Travel CNAs Make? Salary, Stipends, and What to Expect

Money & Taxes

Travel CNAs earn significantly more than their permanent counterparts — on average 1.6x the hourly rate. Here’s a breakdown of what travel CNAs actually make, which states pay the most, what factors drive pay up or down, and how to maximize your earnings per contract.

What travel CNAs do

Certified nursing assistants provide hands-on care to patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities — checking vital signs, bathing, grooming, and documenting patient progress. Travel CNAs do the same work but take short-term assignments at facilities across the country, typically lasting a few weeks to a few months, rather than working permanently for one employer.

Facilities hire travel CNAs for two main reasons: to fill staffing shortages so patients are properly cared for, and to reduce costs — it’s typically less expensive to bring in a travel CNA for a short assignment than to hire and benefit a full-time employee.

What affects travel CNA pay

• 1
  Location

  The single biggest driver of pay. Underserved areas with CNA shortages offer higher rates to attract candidates. High cost-of-living states like California, Colorado, and Washington consistently pay more.

• 2
  Experience

  The more hands-on clinical experience you have, the higher your hourly rate. Experienced CNAs can negotiate better rates, especially in high-demand specialties.

• 3
  Education level

  Holding an associate or bachelor’s degree instead of a certificate or diploma typically unlocks higher pay. Passing the NNAAP exam also helps — only 42% of states require it, so having it sets you apart in states that don’t mandate it.

• 4
  Facility type

  General medical and surgical hospitals typically pay more than home health care services or skilled nursing facilities. The acuity and setting of the role influences the rate.

• 5
  Contract terms

  Guaranteed hours, sign-on bonuses, housing stipends, and travel reimbursements all affect your total compensation. Two contracts with identical hourly rates can have very different net earnings depending on stipend structure.

Highest-paying states for travel CNAs

Average hourly and annual earnings

Travel CNAs earn an average of $37.43/hour across the US. Because travel assignments are short-term, your annual earnings depend entirely on how many hours you work — not a fixed salary calculation.

Keep in mind that gaps between contracts reduce annual earnings. Many travel CNAs fill gaps with per diem work to keep income flowing without committing to permanent employment.

Travel vs. permanent CNA: pay comparison

Benefits of working as a travel CNA

Beyond pay, travel CNA assignments offer things that permanent positions can’t:

• ✓
  Schedule flexibility

  You decide when to take contracts and when to take breaks. Between assignments you’re not obligated to anyone — take time off, travel, or pick up per diem work on your terms.

• ✓
  Explore new places

  13-week assignments give you enough time to actually experience a city — find your favorite spots, make local connections, and explore the surrounding area on your days off.

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  Professional network growth

  Working across multiple facilities exposes you to experienced CNAs, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals — connections that can open doors throughout your career.

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  Clinical breadth

  Exposure to different units, policies, and patient populations across multiple facilities builds a more versatile and resilient skill set than staying in one environment.

Tips for maximizing earnings as a travel CNA

• 1
  Target high-paying states

  California, Colorado, and Washington consistently offer the highest rates. If you have flexibility on location, prioritize these states — especially for your first few contracts when you’re building a track record.

• 2
  Look for sign-on bonuses

  Many contracts include sign-on bonuses for completing the full assignment. This is effectively additional income without extra work — always ask your recruiter what bonuses are available before signing.

• 3
  Negotiate housing and travel stipends

  Ask your recruiter about housing stipends, furnished apartment arrangements, and travel reimbursements. These reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and increase your effective net earnings per contract.

• 4
  Fill gaps with per diem work

  Between travel contracts, per diem shifts keep income flowing without requiring a full-time commitment. This prevents the earnings gaps that can make annual income look lower than it actually is on a per-hour basis.

• 5
  Earn the NNAAP certification

  Only 42% of states require the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program certification. Having it in states that don’t require it sets you apart from other candidates and supports a higher rate.

• 6
  Work with a tax professional

  Travel CNA pay packages include tax-free stipends that significantly increase take-home pay — but only if your tax home is properly maintained. A tax professional who specializes in travel healthcare can help you maximize these benefits legally.