Travel Nursing in Indiana | Top Paying Specialties & Cities 2023
Travel Nursing in Indiana
Indiana is known for its rolling hills, small towns, and friendly Hoosier hospitality. The state is home to several bustling cities, including Indianapolis, the state capital, which has a vibrant arts, entertainment, and cultural scene. Nature lovers will find plenty of reasons to enjoy Indiana, with its numerous state parks, lakes, and hiking trails.
For nurses looking for a change of scenery or a new career challenge, Indiana offers excellent opportunities in travel nursing with high demand. ZipRecruiter.com reports that the median annual salary for travel nurses in Indiana is $105,994, or $51 per hour!
If you’re looking for a travel nursing adventure in the heart of the Midwest, consider traveling to Indiana for your next assignment.
Looking for travel nurse assignments in Indiana? Speak with a recruiter today!
How Much Do Travel Nurses Make in Indiana?
Let’s start off with one of the most significant benefits of travel nursing: income! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Indiana pays registered nurses an average of $68,890 annually, or $33.12/hr. The BLS also reports that the annual median average nurse income is $77,600 in the United States, which puts Indiana slightly lower than the national average.
However, Indeed.com says that travel nurses in Indiana earn a salary of $128,978 per year or $9,132 per month! Fort Wayne, Munster, Lafayette, Indianapolis, and Evansville are the most lucrative cities.
| City | Hourly Wage | Weekly Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Fort Wayne | $60.13 | $2,567 | $9,934 |
| Munster | $57.77 | $2,466 | $9,544 |
| Lafayette | $55.65 | $2,376 | $9,193 |
| Indianapolis | $54.43 | $2,324 | $8,992 |
| Evansville | $54.03 | $2,307 | $8,926 |
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
Highest-Paying Specialties in Indiana
The income of a travel nurse in Indiana can fluctuate significantly based on various factors, such as the urban or rural location of the city. Specialization, years of experience, type of healthcare facility, and level of education can also influence the pay scale. Additionally, some facilities may offer higher compensation to nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Indiana is an excellent state for travel nurses to find consistent nursing assignments throughout the year, regardless of their specialty. However, it’s worth noting that Indiana’s highest-paying travel nursing jobs are typically found in larger cities like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. This is because these cities are home to some of the state’s largest and most renowned hospitals, which tend to offer more travel assignments due to their size and patient demand.
According to ZipRecruiter, the highest-paying travel nursing specialties in the state include:
- ICU Nurse: $116,671 per year or $56/hr
- Med/Surg Nurse: $96,928 per year or $47/hr
- NICU Nurse: $105,791 per year or $51/hr
- Emergency Room Nurse: $99,336 per year or $48/hr
- Labor and Delivery Nurse: $015,404 per year or $51/hr
Top 5 Hospitals in Indiana
Indiana has 160 hospitals across the state. Five of those meet U.S. News and World Report’s high standard qualifications. Here are Indiana’s top five hospitals.
Top 5 Hospitals in Indiana
1. Indiana Unversity Health Medical Center
Indiana University (IU) Hospital is one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals, with national rankings across ten children’s specialties. IU Health is also known for its specialized programs in cancer treatment, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and transplant surgery. It is also a designated Level I Adult Trauma Center and a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center.
- Location: Indianapolis
- Regionally Ranked: #1 in Indiana, #1 in Indianapolis, #1 Indiana (Children’s), #3 in Midwest (Children’s)
- Nationally Ranked: 1 Adult Specialty and 10 Children’s Specialties
- 45 Ear, Nose & Throat
- 15 Neonatology
- 24 Pediatric Cancer
- 6 Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- 34 Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrinology
- 17 Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- 13 Pediatric Nephrology
- 47 Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery
- 48 Pediatric Orthopedics
- 7 Pediatric Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- 3 Pediatric Urology
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Prostate Cancer Surgery
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Diabetes
- Gastroenterology
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Geriatrics
- Nephrology
- Kidney Failure
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Stroke
- Orthopedics
- Hip Replacement
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Urology
- Prostate Cancer Surgery
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
2. Deaconess Hospital
Deaconess Hospital is a teaching hospital affiliated with the Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of Southern Indiana.
The hospital offers a wide range of services, including cancer care, heart, and vascular care, women’s health, orthopedics, and neurosciences, among others. In addition to its inpatient and outpatient services, Deaconess Hospital also operates several clinics and urgent care centers throughout the region.
- Location: Evansville
- Regionally Ranked: #2 in Indiana
- Nationally Ranked: Not Ranked in Any Specialty
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions
- Cancer
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Prostate Cancer Surgery
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Repair
- Heart Atack
- Heart Failure
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Diabetes
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Geriatrics
- Nephrology
- Kidney Failure
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Stroke
- Orthopedics
- Hip Fracture
- Pulmonary & Lung Surgery
- COPD
- Urology
- Prostate Surgery
- Cancer
3. Elkhart General Hospital
Elkhart General Hospital is a non-profit community hospital located in Elkhart, Indiana. The hospital provides a wide range of medical services to the local community, including emergency care, surgical services, cancer care, and cardiac care. In addition, Elkhart General Hospital is affiliated with the Memorial Hospital of South Bend and the Beacon Health System.
The hospital is a Level 3 Trauma Center and is highly regarded for its stroke care and orthopedic services.
- Location: Elkhart
- Regionally Ranked: #3 in Indiana
- Nationally Ranked: Not Nationally Ranked in any Specialty
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions
- Cancer
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- AAA Repair
- Aortic Valve Replacement
- Heart Failure
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
- Nephrology
- Kidney Failure
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Stroke
- Orthopedics
- Hip Replacement
- Knee Replacement
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- COPD
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Cancer
4. Ascension St. Vincent Hospital
Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, provides comprehensive healthcare services round-the-clock, featuring a level I trauma center, comprehensive stroke center, transplant center, and burn center.
The hospital also provides a full range of minimally invasive procedures, imaging, lab tests, and rehabilitation services, all conveniently located on one campus.
- Location: Indianapolis
- Regionally Ranked: #4 in Indiana, #2 in Indianapolis
- Nationally Ranked: Not Ranked in Any Specialty
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions
- Cancer
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- AAA Repair
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Diabetes
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Nephrology
- Kidney Failure
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Stroke
- Pulmonology & Lungs Surgery
- COPD
- Cancer
5. Parkview Regional Medical Center
Parkview Regional Medical Center has a comprehensive cancer center with advanced technology for radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments. They also offer a specialized heart and vascular center, which includes a cardiac catheterization lab and a hybrid operating room.
The hospital’s Level II trauma center provides immediate care for life-threatening injuries and illnesses and has a comprehensive stroke center. In addition, the hospital has a Level III NICU that provides expert care to premature and critically ill newborns.
- Location: Fort Wayne
- Regionally Ranked: #4 in Indiana (tie)
- Nationally Ranked: Not Nationally Ranked in any Specialty
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions
- Cancer
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Nephrology
- Kidney Failure
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Stroke
- Orthopedics
- Hip Fracture
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- COPD
- Cancer
Cost of Living for Travel Nurses in Indiana
The cost of living refers to the amount of money needed to sustain a certain standard of living in a particular location. It includes expenses such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education, and other necessary costs you will need during your travel assignment.
The great news is that according to BestPlaces.net, the average cost of living in Indiana is significantly cheaper than the US average, with a cost of living rate of 83.7. A rating of 100 equals the median cost of living average in the US, and ratings greater than 100 mean a particular location is more expensive than the national median average.
With a cost of living rate of 83.7, your dollar will go much farther in Indiana. Keep in mind that this average includes the entire state. Metropolitan cities, such as Indianapolis, will have a higher cost of living than the less populated areas.
Payscale reports that Indianapolis’s cost of living is 7% lower than the national average, with housing costing 17% less than the national average. Indiana’s grocery prices are 3% lower than the national average, and utilities are 7% lower than the national average.
If you take a travel assignment anywhere in Indiana, BestPlaces.net reports a lower cost of living in cities throughout the state. They’ve factored in home prices, rent, food, utilities, and healthcare costs. Some cities, such as Indianapolis, have a slightly higher cost of living for utilities, but with all factors considered, the cost of living is still well below the US average.
| City | National Average | Median Home Price | Median Monthly Rent | Average Energy Bill |
| Indianapolis | 7% lower | $373,356 | $1,135 | $190.44 |
| Fort Wayne | 11% lower | $319,246 | $970.67 | $173.64 |
| Evansville | 7% lower | $332,323 | $1,101 | $195.03 |
| South Bend | 14% lower | $376,512 | $1,145 | $173.81 |
Pros & Cons of Travel Nursing in Indiana
Prior to committing to a travel assignment, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of each location to ensure that it aligns with your priorities.
Pros of Travel Nursing in Indiana
- Indiana offers a vast range of travel assignments – This is particularly true in larger cities such as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville. However, travel assignments also come available in smaller towns that offer even more competitive rates depending on the staffing needs at the time.
- Indiana is affordable – Indiana is known for its relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking for affordable housing and lower overall expenses. If your goal is to pocket as much money as possible, Indiana may be an excellent travel assignment for you!
- The state offers a wide range of outdoor activities – Indiana has dozens of state parks and recreational areas, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. If your hobbies involve nature and adventure, you will have plenty to do on your days off.
- Indiana has vibrant cities – Indiana has several vibrant cities, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Bloomington, which offer a variety of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and diverse communities. Indianapolis hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Indy 500 race and the Indiana State Fair.
- Great sports culture – Indiana is known for its love of sports, particularly basketball. The state has a rich history in the sport, and college basketball is especially popular in Indiana. Go Hoosiers!
Cons of Travel Nursing in Indiana
- The weather is unfavorable to some – Indiana has a variable climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The state is also prone to severe weather, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and occasional blizzards.
- Environmental concerns – Indiana has faced some environmental concerns in recent years, including air and water pollution. Some areas of the state have experienced issues with contamination from industrial sites.
- Limited cultural diversity – Indiana is not as culturally diverse as some other states, with a relatively low percentage of residents who identify as racial or ethnic minorities. This can limit exposure to diverse perspectives and cultural experiences.
- Traffic congestion – While traffic congestion is not as bad as in some larger cities, traffic can still be an issue in some areas of the state, particularly during rush hour.
- Limited public transportation – While some parts of Indiana have access to public transportation, such as bus and rail systems, many areas of the state have limited public transportation options. This can make it difficult for those without access to a car to get around.
Things To Do on Your Days Off
Outdoor:
- Brown County State Park
- Turkey Run State Park
- Boating and Fishing on Lake Monroe
- Indiana Caverns
- Edge Adventures Aerial Park
Art and Music:
Theater:
Nightlife:
Why Indiana?
Indiana is a state that offers plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. Whether you’re a foodie, a concert lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, Indiana has something to offer everyone, making it a great place to take a travel assignment and explore.
The state is a hub for sports enthusiasts, with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosting the famous Indy 500 race each year and the city of Indianapolis being home to several professional sports teams. Indiana also has a burgeoning culinary scene for those interested in food and drink, with many local breweries, wineries, and farm-to-table restaurants showcasing the best of the state’s agricultural products.
All these attractions, combined with Indiana residents’ friendly and welcoming nature, make the state a great place to visit and explore on your next travel assignment!
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments in Indiana!
