Top 10 US Cities Hiring Travel RNs in May 2026

May 2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest hiring months for travel RNs we’ve seen in eighteen months. Demand is spiking in predictable seasonal markets and a few surprise cities where staffing shortages have reached critical levels. If you’re weighing your next contract or thinking about taking the leap into travel nursing, this is your moment.

But not all hot markets are created equal. A high bill rate in one city might look great on paper until you realize the housing stipend barely covers a studio apartment. That’s why we’ve ranked the best travel nursing locations this month by more than just pay — we’re looking at specialty demand, real housing costs, and what your take-home will actually look like after rent.

Here are the ten cities where travel RNs are in highest demand right now, with the transparency you need to make a smart decision.

How We Ranked the Top Travel Nurse Cities for May 2026

This isn’t a feel-good listicle. We pulled real data from active contracts, cross-referenced IRS housing stipend guidelines with current market rent, and talked to our recruiting team about where demand is outpacing supply. Each city was evaluated on four factors:

• Bill rate range: What facilities are paying agencies per hour for RN labor right now
• Specialty demand: Which units are desperately short-staffed and offering premium rates
• Housing stipend vs. reality: IRS maximum non-taxed stipend compared to actual one-bedroom rent
• License portability: Whether the state participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and how quickly you can start

Let’s break down where to travel nurse this month.

The Top 10 Travel RN Demand Cities This May

1. Anchorage, Alaska

Bill rate range: $95-$115/hour
Hot specialties: ICU, Med-Surg, ER
Housing stipend: $3,900/month (IRS max) vs. $1,800-$2,400 market rent
NLC state: No (Alaska standalone license required)

Alaska is always a summer favorite, but May contracts are especially lucrative because facilities are scrambling to staff up before the tourism season floods ERs with hiking injuries and cruise ship emergencies. The housing stipend here is generous relative to actual rent, meaning more money stays in your pocket. Anchorage also offers 13-week contracts with potential extensions into fall.

2. San Antonio, Texas

Bill rate range: $68-$82/hour
Hot specialties: L&D, NICU, Telemetry
Housing stipend: $2,520/month vs. $1,200-$1,600 market rent
NLC state: Yes

Texas remains one of the best travel nursing locations for compact license holders. San Antonio’s large military and civilian hospital systems are hiring aggressively in women’s health and cardiac units. The cost of living is low, the stipend covers rent with room to spare, and you can start within days if you already hold an NLC license.

3. Portland, Oregon

Bill rate range: $85-$98/hour
Hot specialties: Behavioral Health, ER, ICU
Housing stipend: $3,360/month vs. $1,800-$2,500 market rent
NLC state: No

Portland’s mental health crisis has created sustained demand for behavioral health RNs, and the city’s Level I trauma centers need ER and ICU coverage. Housing is tight and expensive, but the stipend is workable if you’re willing to live a bit outside the downtown core or share housing. Oregon requires a state license, so plan for a 4-6 week processing window.

4. Phoenix, Arizona

Bill rate range: $72-$88/hour
Hot specialties: Med-Surg, Oncology, Step-Down
Housing stipend: $2,730/month vs. $1,400-$1,900 market rent
NLC state: Yes

Phoenix is a sleeper hit this May. Snowbirds have left, but facilities are still running at high census with an aging year-round population. Oncology and step-down units are especially short-staffed. The desert heat is just starting to ramp up, so if you can handle summer in Arizona, this is a solid financial play with affordable housing and compact license convenience.

5. Charleston, South Carolina

Bill rate range: $70-$84/hour
Hot specialties: CVICU, Cath Lab, ER
Housing stipend: $2,310/month vs. $1,500-$2,000 market rent
NLC state: Yes

Coastal South Carolina is ramping up for tourist season, and Charleston’s cardiac programs need experienced travelers. The city is charming, the food scene is incredible, and the housing stipend mostly keeps pace with rent if you avoid the historic downtown. Compact license holders can start quickly, and many contracts offer weekend-only or night-shift premiums on top of base rates.

6. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Bill rate range: $75-$89/hour
Hot specialties: NICU, Pediatrics, OR
Housing stipend: $2,730/month vs. $1,400-$1,800 market rent
NLC state: Yes

Minnesota’s academic medical centers are hiring for specialty pediatric and surgical roles. If you have NICU or OR experience, you’ll find premium contracts here. Spring in Minneapolis is beautiful, housing is affordable compared to coastal cities, and the NLC makes onboarding seamless. Just know that contracts may taper off by late summer.

7. Las Vegas, Nevada

Bill rate range: $78-$92/hour
Hot specialties: ER, Trauma, Med-Surg
Housing stipend: $2,730/month vs. $1,300-$1,700 market rent
NLC state: Yes

Vegas is always busy, but May brings convention season and a spike in ER admissions. Trauma and emergency departments are offering rapid-start contracts with strong rates. No state income tax means your paycheck stretches further, and housing is surprisingly affordable if you stay off the Strip. Compact license accepted.

8. Boise, Idaho

Bill rate range: $70-$82/hour
Hot specialties: L&D, ICU, Med-Surg
Housing stipend: $2,100/month vs. $1,200-$1,600 market rent
NLC state: Yes

Boise’s population boom has outpaced hospital staffing, creating consistent demand for travel RNs across the board. The city offers outdoor recreation, a low cost of living, and housing stipends that actually cover rent. It’s one of the best travel nursing locations for work-life balance, and compact license portability makes it easy to land here fast.

9. Honolulu, Hawaii

Bill rate range: $88-$105/hour
Hot specialties: ICU, ER, OR
Housing stipend: $4,200/month vs. $2,200-$3,200 market rent
NLC state: No

Hawaii remains a bucket-list destination, and May contracts are opening up before summer premiums kick in. The housing stipend is high, but so is rent — expect to spend most of your stipend on a modest one-bedroom. Bill rates are strong, and if you’re willing to trade some take-home pay for living in paradise, this is your window. Hawaii requires a state license with a 6-8 week turnaround.

10. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Bill rate range: $68-$80/hour
Hot specialties: Oncology, ICU, Step-Down
Housing stipend: $2,310/month vs. $1,300-$1,700 market rent
NLC state: Yes

The Research Triangle is home to major academic medical centers with ongoing need for specialty travelers. Oncology and critical care units are especially active this month. The area offers great food, culture, and outdoor access, with housing costs that won’t eat your entire stipend. Compact license makes this an easy yes for RNs looking for a blend of professional growth and quality of life.

What to Watch: Housing Stipends vs. Market Reality

One of the biggest mistakes new travel nurses make is assuming the housing stipend will cover rent and leave extra cash. The IRS sets maximum non-taxed stipend amounts by metro area, but those numbers don’t always reflect real-time rental markets — especially in cities experiencing rapid growth or seasonal tourism spikes.

Before you sign a contract, search current rental listings in the city. Factor in utilities, parking, and pet fees if applicable. If the stipend falls short, you’ll need to cover the gap out of your taxable hourly pay, which can significantly impact your take-home.

Some travelers choose to share housing, live in extended-stay hotels with kitchenettes, or even RV camp near their assignment to maximize stipend value. The key is knowing the math before you commit.

Compact License States: Your Fast Pass to More Contracts

Seven of the ten cities on this list are in NLC states, where your compact RN license lets you practice immediately without waiting for state-by-state endorsement. If you’re not yet compact-eligible, consider making your primary residence in an NLC state — it opens up significantly more where to travel nurse options and shortens your time between contracts.

For non-compact states like Alaska, Oregon, and Hawaii, apply for your state license as soon as you start exploring contracts. Processing times vary, and waiting can cost you a high-paying assignment.

Ready to Explore Your Next Travel RN Contract?

May 2026 is delivering strong demand, competitive rates, and opportunities across the country. Whether you’re chasing the highest bill rate, the best housing value, or a city you’ve always wanted to explore, this is a smart time to make a move.

If you want help matching your specialty and preferences to the right market — or if you have questions about housing stipends, compact licenses, or contract negotiation — the Intuites Recruiting Team is here. Reach out anytime at contact@intuites.healthcare or visit intuites.healthcare. We’re real people who understand travel nursing, and we’re happy to talk through your options with zero pressure. 🤍

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