Travel Nursing vs Locum Tenens: Key Differences Explained

Travel Nursing vs Locum Tenens: Travel nursing assignments typically last 13 weeks with housing/tax-free stipends included. Locum tenens (for nurses, physicians, allied health) offers variable assignment lengths (2 weeks–12 months) with compensation paid directly as wages (1099 or W2). Both offer flexibility and higher compensation than permanent roles. Travel nursing is RN-specific and highly structured. Locum tenens encompasses all healthcare disciplines with more customizable arrangement terms. Choose based on assignment length preference, discipline, and compensation structure alignment.