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RN Pay by City: Real Per-Diem Rates, September 2026
Live posted rates from RN shifts bookable in the AllShifts app today.
Updated September 21, 2026 · live AllShifts shift data
Why average RN salary numbers mislead you
The RN salary figures that dominate search results are annual averages built from survey data that is a year old before it is published, and they mix staff, travel, and agency pay into one blended number. None of that tells you what a shift near you pays this weekend. Every rate below is pulled from shifts posted right now in the AllShifts app across 56 city markets in 17 states, and it refreshes daily.
Posted per-diem RN rates currently run from $25.60/hr to $83.43/hr. The same license can earn a very different hourly rate one market over, and per-diem rates move faster than staff wages because they reprice with local demand. Unlike a travel contract, per-diem lets you capture a hot market's rate without a 13-week commitment or a housing stipend calculation.
Highest-paying RN markets right now
| City | Posted rate | Open slots |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzards Bay, MA | $51.63-$83.43/hr | 31 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $48.30-$74.52/hr | 50 |
| Sunnyside, WA | $72.00/hr | 1 |
| Northborough, MA | $53.69-$57.84/hr | 4 |
| Camden, NJ | $55.00/hr | 1 |
| Huntington, NY | $53.60-$54.94/hr | 7 |
| Londonderry, NH | $53.71/hr | 1 |
| Lynn, MA | $53.69/hr | 4 |
| Lexington, MA | $53.69/hr | 2 |
| Quincy, MA | $53.69/hr | 1 |
| Farwell, MI | $51.00-$52.70/hr | 4 |
| North Falmouth, MA | $48.88-$52.65/hr | 10 |
| Lenox, MA | $48.88-$52.65/hr | 9 |
| North Adams, MA | $48.88-$52.65/hr | 3 |
| Gloucester, MA | $48.81-$52.49/hr | 21 |
If you hold a multistate license under the Nurse Licensure Compact, many of these markets are open to you without applying for a new license. Click any city to see its live market page and current openings.
Most open RN shifts right now
Pay is only half the picture. These markets have the most open slots over the next 30 days, which means the most schedule flexibility:
| City | Posted rate | Open slots |
|---|---|---|
| Gettysburg, PA | $48.30-$74.52/hr | 50 |
| Buzzards Bay, MA | $51.63-$83.43/hr | 31 |
| Camden, ME | $48.30-$49.68/hr | 28 |
| Waupaca, WI | $48.30-$49.68/hr | 24 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $33.28/hr | 23 |
| Gloucester, MA | $48.81-$52.49/hr | 21 |
| North Andover, MA | $51.64/hr | 16 |
| Hollidaysburg, PA | $48.30-$49.68/hr | 15 |
| Decorah, IA | $33.28/hr | 13 |
| Lamberton, MN | $45.00-$46.50/hr | 12 |
How per-diem RN pay actually works on AllShifts
- The rate you see is the rate you get. Every shift in the app shows its hourly rate up front, so you never have to call a recruiter to find out what a shift pays.
- Instant pay, 7 days a week. After your shift is verified, 100% of your net pay is sent to your account via direct deposit or Zelle, weekends and holidays included, with no fees.
- Holiday rates are boosted. Working July 4th or Thanksgiving pays above the posted base rate.
- W-2 or 1099, your choice. Instant pay works either way, and W-2 means taxes are withheld for you.
Common questions
Are these rates real?
Yes. Every number on this page comes from shifts posted in the AllShifts app as of the update date above. Rates change daily as new shifts are posted; click any city to see its live market page.
Per-diem vs travel: which pays better?
It depends on the market and the moment. Travel contracts lock a rate for 13 weeks; per-diem reprices continuously, so in high-demand markets the posted per-diem rate can beat the equivalent travel hourly once you account for taxed versus untaxed pay. Per-diem also means no contract, no floating clause, and no penalty for turning down a shift.
Why do rates differ so much between cities?
Local supply and demand. Markets with fewer available RNs and more open shifts post higher rates. A market 90 minutes away can pay several dollars more per hour, which is worth knowing before you book.
How do I start picking up shifts?
Download the AllShifts app (iPhone / Android), create a free profile, and upload your credentials. The app walks you through the 10-point credential check, and most RNs can book their first shift within days of applying.
Does AllShifts charge fees on instant pay?
No. Instant pay sends 100% of your net pay with no fee, every day of the week.
Pay figures on this page come from shifts currently posted in the AllShifts app and change daily. AllShifts is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.