Overtime Maximization: Add $30K/Year with Smart OT Strategies

Overtime can be the difference between a good travel nursing income and an exceptional one. Strategic OT can add $20,000-40,000 to your annual earnings.

Here’s how to maximize overtime without sacrificing your sanity.

The OT Math

Basic Calculation

At $50/hr base rate:

• Regular hours: $50/hr
• Time-and-a-half: $75/hr
• Double-time: $100/hr

Annual Impact

8 hours of weekly OT adds nearly $2,000/month to your take-home.

Choosing OT-Friendly Contracts

Questions to Ask Before Accepting

1. “Is overtime regularly available?”
2. “What’s the typical OT per week?”
3. “Is OT guaranteed or just available?”
4. “What’s the OT rate?” (verify it’s 1.5x)
5. “Any restrictions on OT hours?”

Green Flags

• Facility with ongoing staffing shortage
• Unit known for high census
• Contract mentions “OT available”
• Recruiter mentions past travelers worked OT
• Crisis or rapid-response contract

Red Flags

• “Hours may fluctuate”
• Strict budget environment
• Recent layoffs or census issues
• “36 hours guaranteed, no more”
• Facility trying to reduce spending

Strategic OT Selection

When to Work OT

Best times:

• End of pay period (maximize current check)
• During high census
• Holiday periods (often double-time)
• When you’re well-rested
• When weather/traffic is good

Worst times:

• When exhausted
• During tough patient assignments
• If it affects license renewal deadlines
• When you need recovery time

Shift Selection

Best OT shifts:

• Weekend day shifts (often premium + OT)
• Holiday shifts (double-time potential)
• Short-notice shifts (sometimes bonus)
• Shifts you’re already awake for

Avoid:

• Back-to-back night-to-day transitions
• OT that ruins your days off
• Shifts that affect your health

The Sustainability Factor

The Burnout Equation

Sustainable OT varies by person:

• Some thrive at 48 hrs/week
• Others burn out beyond 40
• Know your limits

Warning Signs

• Dreading every shift
• Making more errors
• Physical symptoms (back pain, headaches)
• Relationship strain
• No energy outside work

Sustainable Strategies

1. Rotating intensity: One heavy OT contract, one light
2. Breaks between contracts: Take 2-4 weeks off between
3. 12-hour shifts only: Don’t extend 12s to 16s
4. Cap your hours: Set a personal max (e.g., 48/week)

Tax Considerations

OBBBA Deduction

Starting 2026, you can deduct overtime premium:

• Up to $12,500 deductible
• At 24% bracket = $3,000 savings
• See our OBBBA Calculator

Blended Tax Impact

More OT can push you into higher brackets. But the math still works:

• $75/hr at 24% = $57 after federal tax
• Better than $0 for not working

Facility Politics

Building OT Relationships

• Develop rapport with staffing coordinator
• Be reliable when you accept shifts
• Don’t constantly ask for specific shifts
• Be flexible when possible

Getting First Choice

• Float pool skills get more offers
• Charge experience is valuable
• Night shift willingness helps
• Holiday availability is gold

Sample OT Plan

The Moderate Approach

During 13-week contract:

• Weeks 1-4: No OT (orient, assess)
• Weeks 5-12: 4-8 hours/week
• Week 13: No OT (wind down)

Extra earnings: ~$4,800

The Aggressive Approach

During 13-week contract:

• Weeks 1-2: No OT (orient)
• Weeks 3-12: 12 hours/week
• Week 13: No OT

Extra earnings: ~$9,000

The Balance Approach

Alternating contracts:

• Contract 1: 8 hrs OT/week ($7,800 extra)
• Contract 2: No OT (recovery)
• Repeat

Annual extra: ~$23,400 with sustainability

Key Takeaways

• 8 hours weekly OT = $23,400/year extra
• Choose contracts with OT availability
• Know your sustainable limits
• Use OBBBA deduction to keep more
• Build relationships for first choice at shifts
• Balance intensity between contracts