Travel Nursing in Connecticut | Top Paying Specialties & Cities 2023
Travel Nursing in Connecticut
Connecticut, also known as the “Constitution State,” is a charming and historic destination that offers travel nurses a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and exciting career opportunities. Nestled in the northeastern region of the United States, Connecticut is well known for its picturesque landscapes, quaint coastal towns, and vibrant cities. The state is also only seventy miles long and 110 miles wide, making it one of the smallest US states.
With its thriving healthcare industry and high demand for travel nurses, Connecticut presents a great opportunity for those yearning for a change of scenery and a new career challenge. ZipRecruiter reports that travel nurses in Connecticut enjoy a median annual salary of $100,592 or $48 per hour!
If you’re seeking a travel nursing adventure in the heart of the Northeast, Connecticut should be on the top of your list for your next assignment!
Looking for travel nurse assignments in Connecticut? Speak with a recruiter today!
How Much Do Travel Nurses Make in Connecticut?
Travel pay is one of the most compelling advantages of travel nursing, so let’s start with that!
When it comes to income, Connecticut stands out as a state that offers excellent compensation for registered nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for registered nurses in Connecticut is $94,260, which equates to an impressive hourly rate of $45.32. This surpasses the national annual median nurse income of $81,220, per the BLS.
However, travel nurses in Connecticut have the potential to earn even higher salaries. According to data from Indeed.com, travel nurses in the state can expect to earn an average annual salary of $118,441 or a monthly income of $8,386!
When it comes to the most lucrative cities in Connecticut for travel nursing, West Hartford, Norwich, Sharon, New Haven, and Waterbury stand out. These cities offer enticing opportunities for travel nurses to not only thrive professionally but also enjoy the financial benefits that come with their assignments.
| City | Hourly Wage | Weekly Wage | Monthly Wage |
| West Hartford | $59.35 | $2,534 | $9,805 |
| Norwich | $56.17 | $2,398 | $9,280 |
| Sharon | $55.14 | $2,354 | $9,110 |
| New Haven | $54.76 | $2,338 | $9,047 |
| Waterbury | $53.09 | $2,267 | $8,771 |
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
Highest-Paying Specialties in Connecticut
The earning potential for Connecticut travel nurses can vary depending on several factors, which may include:
- Geographic location of the city (whether you work in an urban or rural setting)
- Specialization
- Years of experience
- The type of healthcare facility you work in
- Your level of education
It is important to know that when it comes to lucrative travel nursing opportunities in Connecticut, larger cities like New Haven or Hartford tend to pay more. These bustling urban hubs host some of the state’s biggest and most prestigious hospitals, which often present a wider range of travel assignments.
ZipRecruiter, reports that the average salary for travel nurses in Connecticut is $100,592 annually or $48 per hour. The highest-paying nursing specialties in the state include:
- NICU Nurse: $137,019 per year or $66/hr
- ICU Nurse: $112,860 per year or $54/hr
- Med/Surg Nurse: $107,063,928 per year or $51/hr
- Labor and Delivery Nurse: $93,898 per year or $45/hr
- Emergency Room Nurse: $73,885 per year or $36/hr
Top 3 Hospitals in Connecticut
Connecticut has 41 hospitals across the state. Three of those meet U.S. News and World Report’s high standard qualifications. Here are the top hospitals in Connecticut.
1. Yale New Haven Hospital
Located in New Haven, CT, Yale New Haven Hospital not only serves as a comprehensive medical and surgical facility but also operates as a renowned teaching hospital. This institution has national rankings in 9 adult and 5 pediatric specialties.
This evaluation of Yale New Haven Hospital takes into account data from multiple affiliated institutions, including Yale-New Haven Hospital-Saint Raphael Campus, Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, and Yale-New Haven Psychiatric Hospital.
- Location: New Haven, CT
- Regionally Ranked: #1 in Connecticut, #1 in New Haven, #1 in Connecticut (Children’s), #2 in New England (Children’s)
- Nationally Ranked: 9 Adult Specialties and 5 Children’s Specialties
- 32 Diabetes & Endocrinology
- 32 Ear Nose & Throat
- 45 Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- 29 Geriatrics
- 49 Neurology & Neurosurgery
- 23 Obstetrics & Gynecology
- 8 Psychiatry
- 30 Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- 47 Urology
- 42 Neonatology
- 50 Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- 48 Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrinology
- 26 Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- 24 Pediatric Urology
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions:
- Cancer
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Ovarian Cancer Surgery
- Prostate Cancer Surgery
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- Heart Attack
- Aortic Valve Surgery
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Heart Failure
- Nephrology
- Kidney Failure
- Orthopedics
- Knee Replacement
- Cancer
2. Hartford Hospital
Located in the capital city of Connecticut, Hartford Hospital stands as a highly esteemed healthcare institution. With a focus on delivering exceptional medical care, this general medical and surgical facility has been recognized for its high-performance rating in 1 adult specialty and its exceptional outcomes in 15 procedures and conditions. As a teaching hospital, Hartford Hospital plays a crucial role in training and mentoring future medical professionals.
- Location: Hartford
- Regionally Ranked: #2 in Connecticut
- Nationally Ranked: Not Ranked in Any Specialty
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions:
- Cancer
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Prostate Cancer Surgery
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Repair
- Heart Attack
- Aortic Valve Surgery
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Heart Failure
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Diabetes
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Nephrology
- Kidney Failure
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Stroke
- Orthopedics
- Hip Replacement
- Knee Replacement
- Pulmonary & Lung Surgery
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Urology
- Prostate Cancer Surgery
- Cancer
3. St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center
Serving Hartford, CT, since 1987, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center stands as an exceptional healthcare institution. Also a teaching hospital, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center plays a vital role in educating and inspiring the next generation of medical professionals.
- Location: Hartford
- Regionally Ranked: #3 in Connecticut, #2 in Hartford
- Nationally Ranked: Not Nationally Ranked in any Specialty
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions:
- Cancer
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Nephrology
- Kidney Failure
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Stroke
- Orthopedics
- Hip Replacement
- Knee Replacement
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- COPD
- Cancer
Cost of Living for Travel Nurses in Connecticut
Cost of living refers to the financial resources required to maintain a specific lifestyle within a given area. It encompasses various essential expenditures, including:
- Housing
- Food
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Education, and
- Other indispensable costs that one may encounter during their travel assignment.
According to BestPlaces.net, Connecticut has a relatively high cost of living as compared to many other states across the United States. The median home price in Connecticut stands at $262,400, slightly edging out the national median of $231,200.
BestPlaces.net also reports that Connecticut has a cost of living rate of 111.8, signifying that it is above the national median average. With a rating of 100 representing the average cost of living in the US, a higher rating indicates that living in Connecticut is pricier compared to the national average, making it essential to consider the financial implications when considering residency in the state.
A cost of living rate of 111.8 means that your dollar won’t go as far in Connecticut. But despite the high cost of living, people are drawn to the state for its excellent education and healthcare systems, beautiful natural landscapes, and proximity to major cities like New York and Boston.
In New Haven specifically, the cost of living surpasses the national average by 14%, according to Payscale. Housing expenses are also 15% higher compared to the national average, while utilities cost 34% more. On the flip side, grocery prices in Connecticut are slightly lower than the national average, coming in at 1% below.
| City | National Average | Median Home Price | Median Monthly Rent | Average Energy Bill |
| New Haven | 14% higher | $517,648 | $1,574 | $236.41 |
| Hartford | 6% higher | $443,698 | $1,349 | $222.97 |
| Stamford | 30% higher | $739,948 | $2,250 | $253.18 |
| Danbury | 8% higher | $465,449 | $1,415 | $235.35 |
Pros & Cons of Travel Nursing in Connecticut
Before embarking on a travel assignment, thoroughly evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each location, ensuring they align with your priorities as a travel nurse.
Pros of Travel Nursing in Connecticut
- Connecticut has many diverse healthcare facilities – Connecticut is home to a variety of healthcare facilities, ranging from hospitals to specialized clinics, providing travel nurses with diverse work opportunities.
- Connecticut offers competitive pay rates – Due to the high cost of living, travel nurses in Connecticut often enjoy higher pay rates compared to other locations, allowing for increased earning potential.
- The state offers top-notch healthcare – Connecticut is known for its cutting-edge medical research and technology, providing travel nurses with exposure to innovative practices and equipment that can advance their knowledge and career opportunities.
- Connecticut has close proximity to major cities – Being close to cities like New York City and Boston allows travel nurses to enjoy easy access to great shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Or maybe even make connections for your next contract.
- Connecticut has a wide range of attractions to see on days off – The state offers a rich cultural scene, with a wide variety of museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues, allowing travel nurses to explore and appreciate arts and entertainment.
Cons of Travel Nursing in Connecticut
- The state has a higher cost of living – Connecticut’s cost of living is relatively high, which can result in increased expenses for housing, groceries, and other daily necessities.
- Traffic congestion – Certain areas of Connecticut experience heavy traffic, which can impact travel times and commuting.
- Harsh winters – Connecticut’s winters can be cold and snowy, requiring travel nurses to adapt to the weather conditions.
- Competitive job market – Due to the state’s excellent healthcare facilities and prestigious institutions, the job market for travel nursing in Connecticut can be highly competitive.
- Potential limited housing options – Finding suitable and affordable housing options, especially in popular cities, may pose a challenge for travel nurses in Connecticut.
Things To Do On Your Days Off In Connecticut
Outdoor:
- Dennis Farm Preserve
- Mattabesett Blue Trail
- Yale Marsh Botanical Garden
- Scoot & Paddle
- Lakeside Watersports
Art and Music:
- College Street Music Hall
- Firehouse 12
- Mohegan Sun Arena
- Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
- Infinity Music Hall & Bistro
Theater:
- Goodspeed Opera House
- Yale Repertory Theater
- Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
- Hartford Stage
- Warner Theatre
Nightlife:
Why Connecticut?
With its exciting history, diverse landscapes, and thriving culture, Connecticut offers an array of awesome experiences for travel nurses. The state boasts world-class healthcare institutions, including renowned hospitals and research centers that provide travel nurses with exceptional nursing opportunities.
Connecticut also offers easy access to major cities like New York City and Boston, while the warm and welcoming residents in the state foster a sense of community. If exceptional healthcare opportunities, scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and convenient city access are something you are looking for, traveling nursing to Connecticut might be the next perfect opportunity for you!
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments in Connecticut!
