How much do travel CNAs make?

Travel CNAs earn $1,200-$2,000+ per week total compensation, including base hourly pay ($18-$28/hr) plus tax-free stipends for housing ($800-$1,500/wk) and meals ($200-$400/wk). This is 2-3x more than permanent staff CNA positions.

How do I become a travel CNA?

You need active CNA certification, 1+ year of experience, BLS/CPR certification, and a clean background. Apply with travel CNA agencies (Aya, MedPro, Cross Country), complete onboarding, and choose your first assignment.

Do travel CNAs get free housing?

Yes. Most agencies either provide free furnished housing near your assignment or offer a housing stipend ($800-$1,500/week) to find your own accommodation. The stipend is tax-free if you maintain a tax home.

How long are travel CNA assignments?

Typical assignments are 8-13 weeks. Some facilities offer extensions if both parties agree. You can take time off between assignments or go directly to a new location.

Travel CNA — Jobs, Pay & How to Get Started (2026)

Travel CNA guide. How to become a traveling CNA, average pay rates, top agencies, and state licensing requirements. Start your travel CNA career in 2026.

CNA - Certified Nursing AssistantMay 15, 20263 min read

💰$1,200-$2,000Weekly Pay

🏥8-13 WeeksAssignment

🏠ProvidedHousing

✈️50 StatesLocations

What is a Travel CNA?

A travel CNA (traveling Certified Nursing Assistant) works temporary assignments at healthcare facilities across the country, typically for 8-13 weeks per assignment. Travel CNAs earn significantly more than permanent staff CNAs due to higher base pay, tax-free stipends for housing and meals, and travel reimbursement.

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Why Become a Travel CNA?

Higher pay: $1,200-$2,000+ per week (vs. $500-$700 for permanent staff)
Free housing: Agencies provide furnished housing or a housing stipend
Travel opportunities: Work in different cities and states
Flexible schedule: Choose your assignments and take time off between contracts
Experience: Work in diverse healthcare settings and build your skills

Requirements

Active CNA certification in your home state
1+ year of CNA experience (most agencies require this)
BLS/CPR certification (current)
Clean background check
Willingness to relocate for 8-13 week assignments

Key Benefit: Travel CNAs receive tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals — on top of their hourly pay. This means your effective income is significantly higher than the stated hourly rate. A travel CNA earning $20/hr + $1,000/week in stipends takes home more than a staff CNA earning $25/hr.

Travel CNA Pay Rates

Travel CNA compensation has two components:

1. Taxable Hourly Rate

Average: $18-$28/hour
High-demand areas: $25-$35/hour (California, New York, Alaska)
Crisis/rapid response: $30-$50/hour (short-term, high-need situations)

2. Tax-Free Stipends (if you maintain a tax home)

Housing: $800-$1,500/week (or free furnished housing provided)
Meals & Incidentals: $200-$400/week
Travel reimbursement: $500-$1,000 per assignment for travel to/from

Total Weekly Compensation Examples

Low end: $20/hr × 36hrs ($720) + $1,000 stipend = $1,720/week
Average: $24/hr × 36hrs ($864) + $1,200 stipend = $2,064/week
High demand: $30/hr × 36hrs ($1,080) + $1,400 stipend = $2,480/week

$1,200-$2KWeekly Total

$18-$28/hrBase Rate

$800-$1.5KHousing/wk

$200-$400M&IE/wk

How to Become a Travel CNA

Get your CNA certification and work for at least 1 year to gain experience
Obtain BLS/CPR certification — required by all agencies
Research travel CNA agencies — compare pay, benefits, and reviews
Apply with 2-3 agencies — having multiple agencies gives you more assignment options
Complete onboarding — background check, drug screen, skills assessment, compliance documents
Get licensed in your target states — your agency helps with multi-state licensing (compact states help)
Choose your first assignment — start with a location you're comfortable with
Travel and work! — your agency handles housing, licensing, and logistics

Top Travel CNA Agencies

Aya Healthcare: Largest travel healthcare staffing agency. Wide assignment selection, competitive pay, good benefits.
MedPro Healthcare Staffing: Specializes in allied health. Good reputation for CNA placements.
Cross Country Healthcare: Large agency with nationwide assignments. 401k and health insurance available.
Supplemental Health Care: Known for responsive recruiters and quick onboarding.
FlexCare Medical Staffing: Transparent pay packages, strong CNA program.

Tips for Choosing an Agency

Compare pay packages from at least 3 agencies for the same location
Read reviews from current and former travelers
Ask about health insurance, 401k, and continuing education benefits
Ensure the agency handles licensing and compliance for you

✓Have active CNA certification with 1+ year experience
✓Get BLS/CPR certification current
✓Research and apply with 2-3 travel agencies
✓Complete agency onboarding (background, drug screen, skills check)
✓Gather compliance documents (immunizations, TB test, physical)
✓Discuss pay packages and compare offers
✓Choose your first assignment location
✓Let agency handle housing and licensing
✓Set up a tax home to qualify for tax-free stipends

CNA: Pros and Cons

✅Pros

+cna — cNA professionals earn competitive salaries with strong growth potential
+Multiple career paths and specializations available in the field
+High demand across industries increases job security
+Certification can boost salary by 10-25% over non-certified peers
+Remote and flexible work opportunities in many CNA roles

❌Cons

−Entry-level salaries may be lower while gaining experience
−Salary varies significantly by location and employer
−Additional certifications may be needed for top-paying roles
−Overtime or irregular hours common in some CNA positions
−Continuing education required to maintain earning potential