How to compare travel nurse offers
Start with the weekly total, then check the taxable hourly rate, how many hours are guaranteed, and what happens when the facility cancels a shift. Those three decide most of the difference between two offers that look the same. The details below cover the rest.
Reviewed October 14, 2026
Pay
- Weekly total: taxable wage plus stipends, for the scheduled hours
- Taxable hourly rate, since overtime and benefits are calculated from it
- Overtime rate and when it starts: after 36 or 40 hours a week, or daily in states that require it
- Holiday, call and on-call pay
- Travel reimbursement, and whether it is paid up front or spread across the contract
Hours and cancellations
- Guaranteed hours per week, and whether low-census cancellations reduce pay
- How many shifts the facility can cancel before you are paid anyway
- Penalties for shifts you miss, and whether stipends are docked
- Float expectations: which units, and whether you can be floated outside your specialty
Contract terms
- Start date, length, shift and schedule (block scheduling, weekends)
- Time off you requested, written into the contract
- Extension pay rate: some agencies hold it, some cut it
- What happens if the facility ends the contract early
Benefits and costs
- When health insurance starts: day one, or the first of the next month
- License, certification and compliance cost reimbursement
- Payroll schedule and how you are paid for your first week
Comparing the same job
The cleanest comparison is the same job through two agencies. Many travelers keep profiles with more than one and go with whichever pays more on the assignment they want. You can do that with Bypass too: every listing shows Bypass pay next to the standard agency package.
Quick answers
What should I look for in a travel nurse contract?
Weekly pay, the taxable hourly rate, guaranteed hours, cancellation terms, overtime rules, float expectations, requested time off, insurance start date, and the extension rate.
Can I work with more than one travel agency?
Yes. Many travelers keep profiles with several agencies and compare offers on the same job. You can only be submitted to a given job by one agency.