Arizona’s breathtaking desert landscapes and vibrant cities make it an ideal destination for travel nurses looking for new adventures. The state’s rapidly growing healthcare industry is expanding, creating a high demand for skilled professionals like you. Whether you’re seeking the peaceful serenity of the desert or the excitement of urban living, Arizona offers a perfect blend of opportunities and experiences for travel nurses.
Why choose Arizona as your next travel nursing job destination?
Immerse yourself in nature:
Arizona is a paradise for nature lovers, offering an extraordinary blend of desert landscapes, mountains, and canyons. Explore the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, or hike through scenic desert trails in Sedona and Tucson. Whether you’re into hiking, rock climbing, or simply soaking up the sun by a peaceful oasis, Arizona’s natural beauty provides a perfect backdrop for adventure and relaxation.
Experience vibrant cities:
Arizona’s cities are a mix of modern vibrancy and rich cultural heritage. Phoenix, the state capital, is a thriving metropolis with a growing arts scene, fantastic dining, and entertainment. Scottsdale is known for its luxury shopping and resort-style living. Tucson brings a more laid-back vibe with a focus on arts, history, and Southwestern cuisine. Arizona offers diverse urban experiences that perfectly blend urban convenience with desert charm.
Enjoy a high quality of life:
Arizona is known for its relaxed, outdoor lifestyle, with year-round sunny weather that encourages active living. Its communities promote fitness and well-being, with endless outdoor activities available. Residents take full advantage of the beautiful weather, and the state’s low cost of living in comparison to other major metro areas makes it an ideal destination for both work and play. Arizona consistently ranks highly for overall well-being, making it an excellent choice for a fulfilling work-life balance.
How much does a travel nurse make in Arizona?
Travel nurse salaries in Arizona are competitive, driven by the state’s growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals. While earnings can vary depending on factors like experience, specialty, and location, you can expect an attractive compensation package. Arizona offers a rewarding environment for travel nurses, with opportunities in both urban and rural areas. According to industry reports, the average travel nurse salary in the U.S. for 2025 was $114,200.
Understanding the Variations
While the average salary is around $144,200 annually, your specific earnings may vary depending on several key factors:
- Experience: More experienced travel nurses generally earn higher weekly rates. For example, a seasoned travel nurse with specialized skills in critical care or ICU might earn closer to $2,400 to $2,500 per week, while a nurse just starting out might begin at around $2,000 per week. The greater your experience and expertise, the higher the compensation you can command.
- Nursing Specialty: Certain nursing specialties tend to have higher earning potential due to their high demand. Critical care, ICU, ER, and labor and delivery nurses are often compensated at a higher rate compared to general nursing roles. Nurses with expertise in these high-demand specialties can often expect to earn more, sometimes reaching the higher end of weekly pay rates. Websites like Travel Nurse Source can give you a better idea of salary ranges for specific specialties.
- Location: The location of your assignment within Arizona can significantly affect your salary. While larger cities like Phoenix, Tuba City, and Scottsdale generally offer higher pay due to the higher demand for healthcare professionals, rural areas or smaller towns may offer different compensation structures. Arizona’s diverse geography offers plenty of options for both city and outdoor-loving nurses.
- Travel Nurse Agency:
Different agencies have varying pay structures and benefits packages. Some travel nursing agencies may offer higher base pay, while others may include additional benefits. It’s important to compare the full compensation package offered by different agencies to ensure you’re getting the best overall deal for your assignment.What are the top 10 highest-paying cities for travel nurse jobs in Arizona?
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly wages for travel nurses in the top 10 highest-paying cities in Arizona (Source: ZipRecruiter, Salary.com):
City Estimated Annual Salary Estimated Monthly Pay Estimated Weekly Pay Estimated Hourly Wage Tuba City $113,635 $9,469 $2,185 $54.63 Fort Defiance $104,282 $8,690 $2,005 $50.14 Scottsdale $101,888 $8,490 $1,959 $48.98 Arizona City $101,828 $8,485 $1,958 $48.96 Paradise Valley $101,791 $8,482 $1,957 $48.94 Queen Creek $101,210 $8,434 $1,946 $48.66 Flagstaff $101,176 $8,431 $1,945 $48.64 Gilbert $100,834 $8,402 $1,939 $48.48 Glendale $100,568 $8,380 $1,934 $48.35 Phoenix $100,415 $8,367 $1,931 $48.28 What are the top 5 best paying travel nurse jobs in Arizona?
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly wages for the top 5 best-paying travel nurse specialties in Arizona (Source: ZipRecruiter, Salary.com):
Job Title Estimated Annual Salary Estimated Monthly Pay Estimated Weekly Pay Estimated Hourly Wage ICU RN $118,714 $9,892 $2,282 $57.07 L&D RN $94,244 $7,853 $1,812 $45.31 NICU RN $87,855 $7,321 $1,689 $42.24 OR RN $82,901 $6,908 $1,594 $39.86 PACU RN $57,597 $4,799 $1,107 $27.69 *All pay information has been compiled from multiple sources to provide an estimated overview.
Finding Your Perfect Match:
Looking to match your skills & experience to the most in-demand positions in Arizona? Check out our current openings here!