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Travel Nursing in Idaho
Idaho is a rapidly growing state with a healthcare market that is working to keep pace with surging population growth along the Treasure Valley corridor. St. Luke's Health System and Saint Alphonsus Health System are the two dominant providers in the Boise metro area, while Kootenai Health serves the rapidly growing Coeur d'Alene region in the north. The state's rural communities face significant nursing shortages that create steady travel nurse demand beyond the metro areas.
Idaho's appeal for travel nurses extends well beyond the paycheck. The Gem State offers world-class outdoor recreation including skiing at Sun Valley, whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains, and access to Yellowstone National Park. Idaho is a compact license state with a very low cost of living, no major traffic congestion, and a friendly community atmosphere. For nurses seeking a balance of solid pay, affordable living, and outdoor adventure, Idaho is an increasingly popular choice.
Quick Stats
Agencies
25+
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,000-$3,000/wk
Compact License
Yes
Idaho is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in Idaho immediately.
Top Cities
BoiseNampaMeridianIdaho FallsCoeur d'Alene
Top Agencies for Idaho
These agencies are known for strong Idaho assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
Idaho participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Travel nurses with a multistate compact license from another compact state can practice in Idaho without additional licensing. If your home state is not a compact member, you must apply for an Idaho RN license through the Idaho Board of Nursing. Applications are submitted online and require license verification, proof of education, and a criminal background check.
Processing Time: Endorsement applications typically take 2 to 4 weeks. Idaho is known for relatively fast processing.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Idaho's compact license acceptance makes it easy for nurses from other compact states to start immediately.
- Non-compact nurses should apply at least 6 weeks before their desired start date.
- Idaho requires a criminal background check through the Idaho State Police.
- The Idaho Board of Nursing website offers clear online application instructions.
Popular Cities in Idaho
Boise
Boise is Idaho's healthcare hub, with St. Luke's Boise Medical Center and Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center as the primary employers. The city's rapid population growth drives strong healthcare demand. Boise offers a vibrant downtown, easy mountain access, and a growing food and craft beer scene.
Nampa
Nampa is part of the growing Treasure Valley and home to Saint Alphonsus Medical Center Nampa. The city offers lower housing costs than Boise while maintaining easy access to the metro area's amenities and outdoor recreation.
Meridian
Meridian is one of Idaho's fastest-growing cities and home to St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center. The suburban location offers family-friendly amenities with new housing developments and quick access to downtown Boise.
Idaho Falls
Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls serves a large rural catchment area and provides a gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Travel nurses here enjoy smaller-city living with exceptional outdoor recreation access.
Coeur d'Alene
Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene serves Northern Idaho's rapidly growing population. The lakeside city is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with skiing, boating, and hiking readily accessible. Assignment availability has grown as the region's population expands.
Popular Specialties in Idaho
ER
Idaho's outdoor recreation lifestyle generates steady ER volumes from trauma, skiing injuries, and outdoor accidents, particularly at Boise-area hospitals.
Med Surg
Idaho's growing population and aging demographics drive consistent demand for med surg travel nurses across both metro and rural hospitals.
ICU
St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus maintain busy ICUs that rely on travel nurses, especially during winter respiratory illness surges.
OR
Orthopedic surgical volumes are particularly strong in Idaho due to the state's active outdoor lifestyle and ski injury season.
Housing Notes
Idaho housing costs have risen with population growth but remain affordable compared to neighboring states. A one-bedroom apartment in Boise averages $1,100 to $1,500 per month. Nampa and Meridian are slightly less. Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls range from $900 to $1,300. Agency housing stipends of $1,300 to $1,800 per week typically cover costs with room to save. Furnished apartments and extended-stay hotels are available in the Boise metro area.
Nursing Schools in Idaho
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in Idaho, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $2,400-$3,200/wk |
| ER | $2,200-$3,000/wk |
| OR | $2,300-$3,100/wk |
| Med Surg | $1,800-$2,600/wk |
| Telemetry | $2,000-$2,800/wk |
| L&D | $2,200-$2,900/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Idaho is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If your primary state of residence is another compact state, your multistate license is valid in Idaho.
Idaho offers a low cost of living compared to most states, particularly neighboring Washington and Oregon. Housing, groceries, and transportation are all below the national average. Agency stipends typically exceed actual living expenses.
Idaho offers world-class skiing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and access to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. The state is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Yes. Idaho has a flat state income tax of 5.8%. While this is a consideration, the very low cost of living more than compensates for the tax burden.
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