Negotiation guide

Travel Nurse Contract Negotiation Tips 2026: Get the Best Pay Package

Don't accept the first offer. Travel nurse contracts are negotiable, and knowing how to negotiate can increase your pay by $5,000-15,000 per assignment. Here's how to do it.

Why Negotiation Matters

Travel nurse contracts are highly negotiable. Agencies expect you to negotiate, and those who don't leave money on the table. A 10-15% increase in pay can mean $5,000-15,000 more per 13-week assignment.

What to Negotiate

Everything in a travel nurse contract is negotiable:

1. Hourly Rate

The most important negotiation point. Even a $5/hr increase on 36 hours/week = $180/week = $2,340 per 13-week assignment.

2. Stipends

Always negotiate stipends up to GSA maximums. Tax-free stipends are worth more than taxable income.

3. Guaranteed Hours

Protect yourself from low census cancellations. Negotiate guaranteed hours (e.g., 36 hours/week guaranteed).

4. Overtime Rates

Negotiate higher OT rates (1.5x-2x regular rate) if you expect to work overtime.

5. Completion Bonuses

Ask for completion bonuses ($1,000-5,000) for finishing the full assignment.

6. Extension Bonuses

Negotiate bonuses for extending assignments ($500-2,000 per extension).

7. Licensing Reimbursement

Don't pay licensing fees out of pocket. Negotiate reimbursement into your contract.

8. Travel Reimbursement

Ask for travel reimbursement to/from assignment (mileage or flat rate).

9. Cancellation Policy

Negotiate favorable cancellation terms (e.g., 2-week notice required, no penalties).

10. Floating/Unit Assignment

Negotiate limits on floating (e.g., max 25% of shifts) or require same-unit assignments.

Negotiation Strategies

1. Do Your Research

Before negotiating, research:

• Average pay rates for your specialty in that location
• GSA rates for the assignment location
• What other agencies are offering
• Market demand (high demand = more negotiating power)

2. Start High

Ask for 10-15% more than the initial offer. You can always come down, but you can't go up.

3. Focus on Total Package

Don't just negotiate hourly rate. Consider the total package: hourly + stipends + bonuses + benefits.

4. Use Data

Reference market data, GSA rates, and competitor offers. Data is more persuasive than emotion.

5. Be Willing to Walk Away

If the agency won't negotiate, be prepared to decline. There are other opportunities.

6. Negotiate Multiple Items

Don't just ask for one thing. Negotiate hourly rate, stipends, bonuses, and other terms together.

7. Get It in Writing

Always get negotiated terms in writing. Verbal agreements don't count.

Common Negotiation Mistakes

• ❌ Accepting first offer: Always negotiate
• ❌ Negotiating only hourly rate: Consider total package
• ❌ Not researching market rates: You need data to negotiate effectively
• ❌ Being too aggressive: Be professional and respectful
• ❌ Not getting terms in writing: Verbal agreements aren't binding
• ❌ Negotiating too late: Negotiate before signing, not after

Sample Negotiation Script

Here's a sample script you can adapt:

When to Negotiate

Timing matters:

• ✅ Before signing: Negotiate before you sign the contract
• ✅ High demand periods: More negotiating power during staffing shortages
• ✅ Multiple offers: Use competing offers as leverage
• ❌ After signing: Much harder to negotiate after contract is signed
• ❌ Low demand periods: Less negotiating power when market is saturated

Resources

• Stipend Auditor
• GSA Rates by Location
• Contract Comparison Tool
• Complete Negotiation Guide

Final Takeaway

Negotiation is a skill that pays off:

1. Research market rates and GSA maximums
2. Negotiate multiple terms (not just hourly rate)
3. Start high and be willing to walk away
4. Get everything in writing
5. Use our tools to support your negotiations