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.

Learn more in our guide on bank of missouri. Learn more in our guide on registered nurse salary by state.

For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our cna practice test pdf resource.

For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our point link care cna resource.

For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our cna written exam practice test resource.

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

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

How to Become a Travel CNA

1. Get your CNA certification and work for at least 1 year to gain experience
2. Obtain BLS/CPR certification — required by all agencies
3. Research travel CNA agencies — compare pay, benefits, and reviews
4. Apply with 2-3 agencies — having multiple agencies gives you more assignment options
5. Complete onboarding — background check, drug screen, skills assessment, compliance documents
6. Get licensed in your target states — your agency helps with multi-state licensing (compact states help)
7. Choose your first assignment — start with a location you're comfortable with
8. 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