As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Flight Nurse in the United States is $94,810 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Flight Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Flight Nurse's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Flight Nurse's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Flight Nurse | $92,679 |
| Intermediate Level Flight Nurse | $93,163 |
| Senior Level Flight Nurse | $95,326 |
| Specialist Level Flight Nurse | $98,218 |
| Expert Level Flight Nurse | $98,425 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Flight Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Accountability | 4.71% |
| Staff Development | 2.66% |
| CPR | 1.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Collective Bargaining
|
$100,499 |
6%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$98,602 |
4%
|
|
Accountability
|
$98,602 |
4%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$98,602 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$97,654 |
3%
|
|
Planning
|
$95,758 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Flight Nurses enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Flight Nurse with a Associate's Degree is between $91,069 and $97,134).
Flight Nurse Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.7% |
| High School | 7.7% |
| Associates | 41.0% |
| Bachelors | 41.0% |
| Masters | 10.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Flight Nurse's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a Flight Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $106,814 in 2023 to around $104,494 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Flight Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $106,814 |
| 2024 | $106,210 |
| 2025 | $104,494 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Flight Nurse and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Flight Nurses earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $86,080, a mid-range salary of $96,980, and a maximum of $108,920. This compensation reflects their specialized skills and the demanding nature of their work, often exceeding the national average in various states, including New York and California.
Travel nurse salaries are high due to their ability to negotiate contracts and select higher-paying positions. For instance, flight nurses earn between $86,080 and $108,920 annually, with a median salary of $96,980. This flexibility allows them to maximize their earnings compared to traditional staff nurses.
Flight nurses can expect a salary range between $86,080 and $108,920, with a median salary of $96,980. While some states like the District of Columbia and New York offer higher salaries, flight nurses generally earn well within this range, making it a lucrative career choice.
To become a flight nurse, it typically takes 5-12 years. This includes obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and gaining experience, often around three years. Flight nurses earn between $86,080 and $108,920 annually, with a median salary of $96,980, reflecting the specialized skills and training required for this role.
The highest paid travel nurse roles in the USA include positions like Flight Nurse, with salaries ranging from $86,080 to $108,920 annually. Other high-paying travel nursing jobs, such as Travel Registered Nurse in NICU, PACU, and Oncology, can offer salaries between $93,000 and $154,500, showcasing the lucrative opportunities in this field.
A full-time flight nurse typically works up to 10 24-hour shifts over four weeks, while part-time nurses may work three shifts monthly. Some employers also offer 12-hour shifts. Flight nurses earn between $86,080 and $108,920 annually, with a median salary of $96,980, reflecting the demanding nature of their role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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