There are both pros and cons to the fact that healthcare will always remain in demand. On the one hand, understaffed facilities put extra pressure on their employees to pick up the slack. This, of course, can lead to anything from burnout to high turnover rates. On the flip side, medical professionals can find a job just about anywhere, which means they have a lot of freedom in choosing where to live or visit. Travel nursing, with its temporary assignments, gives you the opportunity to take locales for a test run. Here are a few cities that have the benefit of a higher salary and tons of fun attractions:
1. San Francisco, California
The American Nurses Association listed San Francisco in the No. 1 spot in its salary-based ranking of the top 50 metro areas for nurses. Those in this career path earned a median salary of $131,800 in 2013, which is well above the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2015 median annual income for registered nurses was $67,490.
This locale is also a great option for those who enjoy sunny days year-round. According to U.S. Climate Data, December brings an average high of 57 degrees. Even during winter, you can explore nature by visiting San Francisco's many parks and beaches or take in the view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Additionally, many of the surrounding cities also yielded high salaries for nurses. For example, the ANA listed the 2013 median nurse salary in San Jose, California, at $130,100. Meanwhile, these medical professionals earned a median yearly income of $108,500 in Los Angeles, California. So even if you jump between cities in The Golden State, you could still see a substantial paycheck while still living that exciting California lifestyle.
2. Boston, Massachusetts
Of course, the west coast isn't the only place that has high earning potential for nurses. Opportunity also awaits on the eastern side of the country in Boston, Massachusetts. In fact, this city made the No. 6 spot on the ANA's list, with a median 2013 salary of $84,400.
This move may be especially attractive to young travel nurses, as the city is packed with tons of millennials. In fact, according to the Boston Globe, this locale is has the largest proportion of young adults compared to any other major metropolis. Plus, Boston is on the cusp of tons of medical innovations. According to Boston magazine, Boston Children's Hospital may be close to finding a permanent remedy for Type 1 diabetes, and a University of Massachusetts team of researchers actually cured a baby with HIV.
3. Houston, Texas
Houston, we do not have a problem with getting more nurses into Texas! Not only did Houston land the No 12. spot on the ANA's list of top-earning cities for nurses, but the state itself is a high-demand area for those in this medical profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 198,650 nursing jobs in Texas, making it the state with the second-highest employment level for those in this occupation – right behind California. While nurses in Houston earned a median salary of $75,800 in 2013, the median salary for Texas nurses was $69,890 in 2015.
Not only do job openings await those in travel nursing in Houston, but it's also just a great place to live. In fact, Business Insider listed this locale as the "best city in America," citing the metropolis's enormous medical facility, Texas Medical Center, abundance of job opportunities and low cost of living. Plus, Houston is also home to a very diverse population, exposing you to new cultures, exciting cuisine and plenty of company!
What are you waiting for? If you want to work in a place that truly needs your help and has higher earning potential, you can find those opportunities with travel nursing. See all this beautiful country has to offer, experience new adventures and live your life to the fullest!