NP Locum Tenens vs Travel Nurse: Pay & Lifestyle Compared

Should you pursue NP locum tenens or continue travel nursing? Both offer flexibility and good pay, but the differences matter. Here’s a detailed comparison.

Pay Comparison

Travel Nurse (RN)

Typical ICU Travel Nurse:

• Taxable hourly: $35-45/hr
• Tax-free stipends: $1,400-2,000/week
• Weekly gross: $2,800-3,500
• Annual (40 weeks): $112,000-140,000

NP Locum Tenens

Typical Family NP Locum:

• Hourly rate: $70-100/hr
• Tax-free stipends: $1,500-2,500/week (if eligible)
• Weekly gross: $3,500-5,500
• Annual (40 weeks): $140,000-220,000

Side-by-Side

Education Investment

To Become NP

From RN to NP:

• MSN program: 2-3 years
• Tuition: $40,000-100,000
• Lost wages during school: Variable
• Clinical hours: 500-1,500

Total investment: $60,000-150,000 + time

ROI Calculation

Extra earnings as NP locum:

• Difference: $40,000-80,000/year more than travel RN
• Break-even: 2-4 years

Over a 20-year career, the additional lifetime earnings of NP locum vs travel RN can exceed $1 million.

Lifestyle Comparison

Work Environment

Travel RN:

• 12-hour shifts typical
• High acuity (ICU, ER, OR)
• Physical demands
• Night shifts common

NP Locum:

• 8-12 hour shifts (varies by setting)
• Clinic or hospital
• More cognitive than physical
• Day shifts more common

Flexibility

Travel RN:

• 13-week contracts
• Contract-bound schedule
• More location variety
• Easier to find assignments

NP Locum:

• Variable contract lengths (days to months)
• More schedule flexibility
• Fewer locations available
• More competitive market

Autonomy

Travel RN:

• Protocol-driven care
• Physician oversight
• Limited prescriptive authority
• Execute care plans

NP Locum:

• Diagnose and treat independently (varies by state)
• Prescriptive authority
• More decision-making
• Create care plans

Assignment Availability

Travel RN Market

• Thousands of openings
• All 50 states
• Multiple specialties
• Crisis opportunities
• Easier to stay consistently employed

NP Locum Market

• Growing but smaller
• Concentrated in certain areas
• Primary care most common
• Rural/urgent care opportunities
• May have gaps between assignments

Specialty Considerations

NP Specialties and Pay

Highest-Paying NP Locum

Psychiatric NP locums command premium rates due to shortage:

• $100-150/hour in some markets
• Remote/telehealth options
• Strong demand

Career Trajectory

Travel RN Path

1. Years 1-2: Build experience, explore
2. Years 3-5: Specialize, maximize earnings
3. Years 5+: Crisis assignments, charge experience
4. Eventually: Staff position, NP school, or continue

NP Locum Path

1. Years 1-2: Staff NP to build experience
2. Years 2-5: Begin locum work
3. Years 5+: Premium assignments, consulting
4. Eventually: Private practice, administration, or continue

Hybrid Strategies

Travel RN While Getting NP

Many travel nurses pursue NP part-time:

• Online NP programs
• Work contracts, study between
• 3-4 year timeline
• Transition gradually

Both Simultaneously

Some maintain dual roles:

• Travel RN for income stability
• NP locum for variety
• Best assignments from both
• Maximum flexibility

Decision Framework

Choose to Continue Travel RN If:

• Happy with current income
• Don’t want more school
• Prefer bedside care
• Like 12-hour shifts
• Value abundant opportunities

Consider NP School If:

• Want higher income ceiling
• Interested in diagnosing/treating
• Prefer outpatient settings
• Want more autonomy
• Willing to invest 2-3 years

Choose NP Locum If Already NP:

• Want flexibility like travel nursing
• Higher earning potential
• Willing to pursue opportunities
• Comfortable with market dynamics
• Can manage own benefits

Key Takeaways

• NP locum pays 30-60% more than travel RN
• Education investment: $60K-150K + 2-3 years
• Break-even typically 2-4 years
• NP locum market is smaller but growing
• Psych NP commands highest rates
• Both offer flexibility and good pay
• Hybrid approaches work for some
• Decision depends on career goals and lifestyle preferences