Looking for a unique career opportunity in healthcare? If so, working as a healthcare traveler on the West Coast might be right up your alley. Taking an assignment in this region will expose you to thrilling coastal locations that boast some of America’s most vibrant cultures and stunning outdoor spaces! Here’s a guide to the benefits of taking a travel job on the West Coast!
Average travel pay on the West Coast
Curious about what you can expect to make as a healthcare traveler on the West Coast? Specific travel pay details will depend on demand, seasonality, specialty, and setting, but here’s an idea for what you can anticipate for an average weekly salary as a travel nurse or travel allied health professional.
Average travel nurse salary
| Alaska | $1,915/week |
| California | $1,776/week |
| Hawaii | $2,010/week |
Average allied health salary
| Alaska | $1,399/week |
| California | $1,220/week |
| Hawaii | $1,480/week |
West Coast cost of living
The cost of living on the West Coast is notoriously high, and it’s one of the most expensive regions to live in within the United States.
Rent can also be steep for those looking to live in cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, where rents can range from $1,500-$2,500 per month depending on location. On top of that, groceries are more expensive than elsewhere in America due to higher taxes and production costs.
However, if these places are on your travel bucket list, it’s still worth it to visit. Especially since you’re not committing to living there permanently, just as long as your travel contract!
Cost of living in Alaska
Alaska is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and remarkable wildlife, making it an attractive place to live. Despite being an appealing destination, the difficulty of transporting goods (and getting there to start with) means the cost of living in Alaska can be steep.
On average, rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs around $954 statewide and $927 in Anchorage specifically. It's important to factor this into your budget if you're planning on taking an assignment in the state.
Depending on your needs and preferences, there are some more affordable cities in Alaska that offer great quality of life such as Juneau, North Pole, and Palmer. Researching each location can help determine which area is best suited for you.
Cost of living in California
Living in California can be expensive, with the average rent for a one-bedroom priced at $1,568. In Los Angeles specifically, the average rent is slightly higher at $1,587.
That being said, there are a few more affordable cities to consider in California such as Bakersfield, Stockton, and Fresno. Surprisingly enough, health care costs in Los Angeles come out 10% lower than the national average when taking into consideration the standard daily rate for hospital room, cost of doctor’s visit, and cost of dental checkup!
Cost of living in Hawaii
Hawaii is a beautiful destination, but it comes at a high cost of living. According to recent statistics, the average rent in Hawaii for a one-bedroom is $1,609 and it’s $1,705 in Honolulu.
In comparison to other desirable areas on the West Coast, you will find Hawaii to be the most expensive overall. However, there are still some affordable cities such as Hilo, Wailuku and Kailua that offer more reasonable rents for those looking for more affordability when relocating to the tropical island state.
Things to do on the West Coast
The West Coast is one of the most beautiful and diverse areas in the world. From towering redwood forests to sandy beaches, there's something for everyone on the West Coast.
You can explore national parks full of majestic wildlife and stunning scenery, take a drive down scenic coastal highways, go surfing at some of the best beaches in North America, or visit bustling cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles with their eclectic cultures and cuisines. There’s a reason why this region is popular with healthcare travelers!
Outdoor activities in Alaska
- Explore the picturesque and rugged terrain of Alaska with a hike through Denali National Park.
- Kayak through Glacier Bay National Park surrounded by 3.3 million acres of stunning glaciers and wildlife.
- Camp under the stars in the Chugach Mountains, where you can view a dramatic skyline in Anchorage.
- Ice climb up Matanuska Glacier, a valley glacier with flowing streams that lead into the Matanuska River.
- Whitewater raft on the Susitna River, widely recognized as one of the greatest whitewater challenges in North America.
Outdoor activities in California
- Experience the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park by camping in its incredible wilderness of over 1,200 miles of trails, breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls, and meadows.
- Catch some waves at San Onofre State Beach, one of California’s most popular beaches.
- Hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), an iconic trail that passes through some of the West Coast’s most stunning landscapes, including dense forests and rugged mountain peaks.
- Journey through the Redwood Forest, home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world.
- Take a scenic road trip down Highway 1 with dramatic coastal cliffs, pristine beaches, lush forests, and rolling hills of California’s magnificent Big Sur Coastline.
Outdoor activities in Hawaii
- Trek the Koko Crater Trail, or Koko Head Stairs, a trail of old railroad ties mounted to the hillside leading to a beautiful panoramic view of Oahu.
- Wander through Waimea Valley and its unique native plants and animals.
- Enjoy a range of watersports at Sandy Beach such as surfing, boogie boarding, or kayaking.
- Swim with sea turtles at Laniakea Beach, also known as Turtle Beach for the many Hawaiian green sea turtles that call the beach home.
- Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to observe two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Things to do in Anchorage, Alaska
- Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to explore the wide variety of native wildlife, including bears, wolves, moose, and eagles.
- Venture to the Anchorage Museum and get a close look at stunning art and Smithsonian collections of artifacts from Alaska natives.
- Take part in activities like ice fishing for salmon, eagle viewing, or guided boat tours at Homer Spit.
- Dive into history at Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park with artifacts from World War II.
- See the sights at Kachemak Bay State Park, including snow-covered mountains, deep blue ocean waters, and miles of trails.
Things to do in Los Angeles, California
- Spend a day in Downtown LA where you can see amazing street art, shop at unique stores, and enjoy delicious food from all around the world.
- Stop by the Griffith Observatory, an iconic and historic observatory with stunning views of Los Angeles and beyond, as well as educational exhibits about astronomy and space-related topics.
- Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame where you can take pictures with your favorite celebrities' stars.
- Tour Warner Bros. Studios for a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite movies and TV shows are made on this guided tour of the world's largest production facility.
- Get an amazing view of the LA skyline from the Hollywood Bowl, a famous outdoor concert venue where you can enjoy a show or two.
Things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii
- Learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S.’ subsequent entry into World War II at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
- Discover a side of Hawaii that many visitors never experience as you wander through streets lined with markets, restaurants, and art galleries in Chinatown.
- Travel back in time as you tour this restored royal palace built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, the last monarch of Hawaii's kingdom era at Iolani Palace.
- Relax, unwind, and take in the sunset views from this downtown park with plenty of green space to enjoy at Kakaako Waterfront Park.
- Shop at any of Honolulu’s lively local markets for unique souvenirs and locally made goods.
The West Coast has a lot to offer healthcare travelers! Not only do you have the chance to make more money on average than in other regions, but you also get to experience some of the best cuisine, weather, and scenery in the country. So, what are you waiting for? Start browsing healthcare travel jobs on the West Coast today!
Curious about other regions that are great for healthcare travelers? Check out our guide to Benefits of Being a Healthcare Traveler in the Pacific Northwest.
Salary information was sourced from ZipRecruiter.
