When you hear “New York,” you often think of New York City first, but the rest of the state has so much to offer travel nurses beyond NYC. As one of the original 13 colonies, New York State has a long and fascinating history as well as a diverse culture.
As a travel nursing destination, New York has a little bit of everything. In addition to being the most populated city in the U.S., the state borders Canada, the Atlantic Ocean, and six other states ready to explore. From skyscrapers to quaint small towns, there’s something for every nurse looking to work in New York.
Benefits of Travel Nursing in New York
Being a travel nurse is one of the more adventurous and rewarding occupations. Travel nursing gives you the flexibility to go where you want and to fully experience places as both a local and tourist. New York is a great overall travel nursing destination for that.
Travel Nursing Pay in New York
According to ZipRecruiter, as of September 2024, the average hourly pay for a travel nurse in New York is $58 an hour. This average ranks the highest in the country. Yes, New York City is famously expensive to live in, but for an assignment, you can really make a difference to your patients and there are plenty of needs outside of the city as well.
Top New York Hospitals
In addition to being the home to monuments, sports teams, and museums, New York is also home to four of the top 20 hospitals in the country according to U.S. News and World Report‘s America’s Best Hospitals 2024-25 Honor Roll. Travel nurses working in New York will have access to top-tier hospitals known for their excellence in patient care and cutting-edge technology and practices. Working in these hospitals will not only enhance your resume but also provide you with valuable experience that can help advance your nursing career.
Fall Travel in New York
Fall is the perfect time to visit New York across the state. The autumn leaves changing make a picturesque backdrop to any travel nursing assignment. In fact, you can drive across the whole state in a day, but that’s without taking in the sites.
Upstate New York is much more outdoorsy and tends to draw nature lovers. The views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Adirondack Mountains are breathtaking to experience. But, upstate isn’t the only beautiful area. Western New York borders Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Niagara Falls, so there is plenty to see and do.
The southern part of the state includes Long Island and the lower Hudson River Valley in addition to the most famous city in the world. Here’s where you can find amazing historical sites, juxtaposed with a city that never sleeps.
Top Travel Nursing Destinations
New York has so many great places to live, visit and work as a travel nurse. A few of the best locations for travel nursing assignments are:
- Albany: Albany is the capital of New York. This beautiful city boasts a rich history and scenic views. The downtown area has a huge Empire State Plaza with reflecting pools, an art-filled underground shopping concourse, and The Egg, a striking performing arts center.
- Buffalo: Buffalo is the second largest city in New York and a perfect hub for sightseeing. The city itself is home to the oldest urban parks systems in the United States as well as several annual festivals. It is also the perfect launching point to visit Niagara Falls for a day.
- Rochester: Rochester is one of America’s first boomtowns. It was also recently ranked #5 Most Neighborly City in the US. This vacation spot is a perfect place to live and work. Rochester is a unique mix of museums, historic landmarks, and spectacular natural scenery.
- Syracuse: Syracuse is the gateway to the Finger Lakes region and is centrally located in the heart of New York State. You can enjoy exploring charming outdoor parks, a fantastic food scene as well as Broadway hits and concerts in the opulent 1920s Landmark Theatre.
- Poughkeepsie: Poughkeepsie is known as “The Queen City of the Hudson.” It sits midway between the core of the New York metropolitan area and the state capital of Albany. Poughkeepsie is a bustling college town filled with beautiful historic architecture and excellent fine dining restaurants.
- Ithaca: Ithaca is the perfect place to take a walk in nature. This beautiful location is home to 100+ waterfalls, boating on Cayuga Lake, and Ithaca’s Discovery Trail. It’s a great location for outdoor enthusiasts but doesn’t neglect the fine culture seekers with its galleries, theaters, and fine dining restaurants.
- New York City: What is there to say about NYC? A city so famous you have to include “State” when you are talking about the larger surrounding area. From Broadway shows to museums to famous monuments, this city never sleeps. There is plenty to discover in the 5 boroughs.
Travel Nursing Jobs in NY
Autumn is here and it’s time to head outside for some beautiful scenery. New York state has a little bit of everything for a Working Tourist as far as travel nursing jobs. Come enjoy the fall foliage or the bustling cities, or both! We are ready to get started when you are.
search content