Rural Travel Nurse Opportunities 2026
The OBBBA's $50 billion rural health investment is creating unprecedented opportunities for travel nurses. Higher premiums, better stipends, and growing demand.
OBBBA Rural Fund
$50B
over 5 years
Annual Investment
$10B
2026-2030
Rural Pay Premium
10-25%
above urban rates
Critical Access Hospitals
1,300+
nationwide
What is the OBBBA Rural Health Fund?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed in 2025, allocates $50 billion over five years (2026-2030) to address rural healthcare infrastructure and workforce shortages.
Facility Grants
$15B for critical access hospital upgrades and new rural clinics
Workforce Incentives
$20B for loan forgiveness, housing subsidies, and travel nurse bonuses
Technology
$15B for telehealth infrastructure and rural broadband
Top States for Rural Travel Nursing
| # | State | Rural Premium | GSA Advantage | Critical Access | OBBBA $ (M) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | +25% | +$1200/mo | 16 | $250M |
| 2 | Wyoming | +20% | +$780/mo | 25 | $180M |
| 3 | Montana | +18% | +$850/mo | 48 | $420M |
| 4 | New Mexico | +16% | +$720/mo | 24 | $280M |
| 5 | North Dakota | +15% | +$720/mo | 36 | $280M |
| 6 | South Dakota | +15% | +$680/mo | 38 | $260M |
| 7 | Idaho | +14% | +$650/mo | 29 | $220M |
| 8 | Nebraska | +12% | +$620/mo | 64 | $420M |
| 9 | Kansas | +12% | +$580/mo | 83 | $480M |
| 10 | Iowa | +10% | +$540/mo | 82 | $520M |
* Rural Premium = additional pay % over comparable urban assignments. GSA Advantage = monthly stipend savings (lower rural rent vs. GSA per diem).
Rural Assignment Advantages
- $ Higher Pay Premiums
10-25% above urban rates to attract nurses
- 🏠 Better Housing Economics
Rent often 40-60% below GSA stipend—pocket the difference
- 📋 Broader Scope of Practice
More autonomy and skill-building opportunities
- 💰 Loan Forgiveness Options
NHSC and state programs for rural service
Considerations
- 📍 Remote Locations
Limited dining, shopping, and entertainment options
- 🏥 Smaller Facilities
Critical access hospitals average 25 beds or fewer
- 👥 Less Staff Support
May have fewer specialists and support staff
- 🌐 Connectivity
Some areas have limited cell/internet service
Rural Housing Economics Example
Urban Assignment (Denver, CO)
Rural Assignment (Billings, MT)
Key Insight: While urban GSA rates are higher, rural areas often have a better ratio of stipend to actual rent. Combined with the 10-25% pay premium, rural assignments can be more profitable overall.
Compare Rural vs. Urban Pay
Use our calculator to see how rural assignments compare to urban ones in your specialty.
Pay Calculator →