October 11, 2024
Are you a nurse curious about the benefits and pay of travel nursing in Oklahoma? You’re not alone. Travel nurses are in high demand across the U.S., but the question many ask is, “How much do travel nurses make in Oklahoma?”
This ultimate guide will cover everything from average pay rates to bonuses and stipends, as well as the factors that influence what you earn. We’ll also provide tips to maximize your pay and outline the lifestyle advantages of working as a travel nurse in the Sooner State.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of salary, benefits, and job opportunities, and you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your travel nursing assignment in Oklahoma.
When considering travel nursing in Oklahoma, it’s essential to know the specifics of pay rates. Like many states, Oklahoma offers competitive compensation packages for travel nurses, especially when factoring in housing stipends, bonuses, and other benefits.
On average, travel nurses in Oklahoma earn between $1,600 to $2,400 per week, depending on factors such as experience, specialty, and the region where you’re assigned. This equates to a salary range of roughly $83,200 to $124,800 annually if you work 52 weeks a year, though most travel nurses take breaks between assignments.
Hourly rates: The average hourly pay for travel nurses in Oklahoma is between $45 to $65.
Weekly rates: On a weekly basis, travel nurses typically earn $1,600 to $2,400.
Annual earnings: If you work consistently, your annual earnings can range from $83,000 to over $120,000.
The exact amount you can make depends on a variety of factors, which we’ll dive into below.
Nationally, travel nurses earn between $1,800 and $2,500 per week. Oklahoma falls within this range, offering competitive pay compared to states with a similar cost of living. The difference is that Oklahoma’s relatively low cost of living allows you to stretch your earnings further.
Several factors impact how much you’ll make as a travel nurse in Oklahoma. From location to specialty, understanding these variables can help you negotiate better contracts and maximize your earnings.
Travel nurse pay can vary depending on where you work in Oklahoma. Major cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa tend to offer higher pay than smaller, rural areas due to increased demand and a higher patient load.
Oklahoma City: The largest city in the state, Oklahoma City offers the most travel nursing opportunities. Here, you can expect higher pay, especially in large hospitals or trauma centers.
Tulsa: Tulsa also has a strong healthcare infrastructure and high demand for travel nurses. Pay rates are slightly lower than Oklahoma City but still competitive.
Rural areas: In smaller towns or rural settings, travel nurse pay tends to be lower. However, these areas may offer other incentives, such as completion bonuses or lower living costs.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a higher salary, aim for assignments in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, but if you prefer a quieter environment, rural Oklahoma offers peaceful living with fewer expenses.
The demand for specific specialties significantly impacts travel nurse pay in Oklahoma. Certain specialties tend to offer higher salaries due to the level of expertise required or the urgency of care.
ICU (Intensive Care Unit): ICU nurses in Oklahoma are among the highest-paid due to the critical nature of their work. Travel nurses with ICU experience can command top rates, often earning upwards of $2,500 per week.
ER (Emergency Room): ER nurses also see high demand, with travel nurses in this specialty earning around $2,300 to $2,500 per week.
Labor and Delivery: This specialty, which focuses on maternal and newborn care, is another high-paying area, with rates ranging from $2,200 to $2,400 per week.
Operating Room (OR) Nurses: Surgical nurses are crucial in both large hospitals and smaller surgical centers. Pay rates in this field range between $2,000 and $2,400 per week.
By specializing in high-demand fields, travel nurses in Oklahoma can significantly increase their earnings.
As with most professions, experience plays a key role in determining travel nurse pay. Nurses with several years of experience, especially in high-demand specialties, can often negotiate higher rates.
Entry-level travel nurses: Those new to travel nursing in Oklahoma can expect to earn on the lower end of the pay scale, around $1,600 to $1,800 per week.
Experienced travel nurses: Nurses with 3+ years of experience can negotiate higher rates, sometimes reaching $2,400 or more per week, especially if they have expertise in critical care or ER settings.
Travel nurses with experience in specific medical procedures, such as managing ventilators or specialized patient care, are often able to command even higher pay.
In addition to base pay, travel nurses in Oklahoma often receive stipends, bonuses, and various benefits that can significantly boost their total compensation package.
Travel nurses are typically offered housing stipends to cover the cost of accommodations during their assignment. These stipends can range from $700 to $1,500 per month, depending on the location and housing market.
Agency-provided housing: Some agencies offer fully furnished housing as part of the contract. This can be a good option if you want a hassle-free living arrangement.
Stipend-based housing: If you prefer to find your own accommodation, you can use the housing stipend to cover rent or a portion of it. Oklahoma’s affordable housing market makes it easier to find budget-friendly options, especially in rural areas.
In addition to housing, many agencies provide stipends for travel expenses, such as flights or gas, which can range from $300 to $600 per assignment.
Many travel nursing agencies offer sign-on and completion bonuses to attract qualified nurses. In Oklahoma, bonuses can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the length and location of the assignment.
Sign-on bonuses: Offered to nurses who accept certain assignments, particularly in high-demand or hard-to-fill positions.
Completion bonuses: Awarded at the end of your assignment, these bonuses can significantly boost your overall earnings.
Referral bonuses: Some agencies offer bonuses if you refer other nurses to the agency, often ranging from $200 to $1,000.
In addition to competitive pay, travel nursing agencies in Oklahoma often offer comprehensive health and retirement benefits. This can significantly impact your total compensation package.
Health Insurance: Many travel nursing agencies provide health, dental, and vision insurance starting from day one of your assignment. Premiums are often lower than typical individual plans, and coverage is comparable to full-time positions.
Retirement Plans (401k): Some agencies offer 401(k) retirement plans with matching contributions. This benefit allows you to save for the future while earning an excellent salary during your assignment.
Paid Time Off (PTO): While PTO is less common for travel nurses compared to full-time staff nurses, some agencies do offer accrued PTO or bonuses for extending contracts.
Pro Tip: Be sure to compare the health and retirement benefits of different agencies, as these perks can vary widely.
One of the most attractive aspects of being a travel nurse is the availability of tax-free stipends and reimbursements that help cover costs without being subject to income tax.
Tax-Free Housing Stipends: Many agencies offer tax-free housing stipends that cover living expenses during your assignment. Oklahoma’s relatively low housing costs make these stipends go even further, allowing travel nurses to save more of their take-home pay.
Meal and Incidentals Allowance: In addition to housing, travel nurses often receive tax-free stipends for meals and incidentals. These stipends can range from $50 to $100 per day, depending on the assignment and agency.
Reimbursements: Agencies often reimburse travel nurses for out-of-pocket expenses such as licensure fees, continuing education (CEUs), and uniforms. Some may even cover travel expenses to and from your assignment location.
One of the significant advantages of working as a travel nurse in Oklahoma is the affordable cost of living. When compared to other states, Oklahoma offers one of the lowest costs of living, which allows travel nurses to maximize their earnings.
Housing Costs: In Oklahoma, housing costs are well below the national average, which means that your housing stipend or agency-provided housing will stretch further. In major cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges between $700 and $1,100, significantly lower than the national average.
Transportation Costs: Whether you’re commuting within a city or traveling to various rural locations, Oklahoma’s transportation costs are moderate. Gas prices are lower than in many other states, and public transportation options are available in the major metro areas.
Groceries and Utilities: The cost of groceries and utilities in Oklahoma is below the national average, meaning that travel nurses will find daily living expenses more manageable than in higher-cost states like California or New York.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the lower cost of living to save a substantial portion of your salary or stipend.
Oklahoma offers a unique lifestyle that combines the charm of small-town living with the amenities of larger cities. Whether you’re stationed in a bustling urban center like Oklahoma City or a quiet rural area, the state has much to offer.
Outdoor Activities: Oklahoma is home to numerous parks, hiking trails, and lakes. The state’s natural beauty includes destinations like Turner Falls, Beavers Bend State Park, and the Ouachita National Forest, perfect for travel nurses who enjoy outdoor adventures during their time off.
Cultural and Recreational Activities: Oklahoma boasts a rich cultural history, with museums, theaters, and music venues in cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City. You can explore the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, attend the annual Tulsa State Fair, or catch a live performance at the Brady Theater.
Work-Life Balance: Oklahoma’s slower pace of life compared to more densely populated states allows for a better work-life balance. Travel nurses can enjoy shorter commutes, less traffic, and a more relaxed lifestyle, contributing to better overall well-being.
Pro Tip: Use your free time to explore Oklahoma’s rich cultural history and enjoy outdoor activities that help you unwind from the demands of nursing.
Maximizing your travel nurse salary in Oklahoma requires careful consideration of the agencies and contracts you choose. Here are some key strategies to increase your earnings:
Choose Agencies with Higher Pay Rates: Not all travel nursing agencies offer the same pay packages. Research agencies that have a reputation for offering competitive salaries in Oklahoma. Look for those with experience in placing travel nurses in high-demand specialties or regions.
Negotiate Pay Packages: Always negotiate your pay and stipends before accepting an assignment. Ask for details on housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and bonus opportunities. Ensure you’re getting the best possible deal by comparing offers from multiple agencies.
Opt for High-Paying Specialties: If you specialize in areas like ICU, ER, or Labor and Delivery, you can command higher pay rates. Agencies often offer top pay for nurses with skills that are in demand in Oklahoma’s hospitals.
Take Shorter Assignments with Extension Bonuses: Consider accepting shorter assignments (8 to 13 weeks) with the option to extend. Many agencies offer extension bonuses, allowing you to boost your income if you decide to stay longer in Oklahoma.
When choosing an agency for a travel nursing assignment in Oklahoma, consider those with strong reputations for providing excellent support and competitive pay. Here are a few agencies known for placing nurses in Oklahoma:
Aureus Medical Group: Known for offering competitive pay packages and great housing options, Aureus has a strong presence in Oklahoma. They frequently place nurses in high-demand specialties like ICU and ER.
Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA): TNAA is highly rated for their benefits packages and customer service. They offer comprehensive health and retirement plans, which can enhance your overall compensation.
Medical Solutions: This agency is popular for its flexibility and personalized support for travel nurses. Medical Solutions is known for offering generous housing stipends and relocation reimbursements for assignments in Oklahoma.
Travel nurses in Oklahoma typically earn between $45 and $65 per hour, depending on their specialty, experience, and location.
Oklahoma City and Tulsa tend to offer the highest pay due to the larger hospitals and higher patient demand in these urban areas.
Yes, most travel nursing agencies offer housing stipends or agency-provided accommodations to cover the cost of living during your assignment.
Yes, many travel nurses have the option to extend their contracts, often with bonuses or increased pay rates for longer assignments.
Travel nursing in Oklahoma offers an excellent combination of competitive pay, affordable living, and unique lifestyle opportunities. Whether you’re drawn by the state’s natural beauty, cultural offerings, or the chance to maximize your earnings through high-paying specialties and bonuses, Oklahoma is a great destination for travel nurses. With the right agency and a strategic approach, you can secure a rewarding and lucrative assignment in the Sooner State.
