Nurse Pay Schedule 2026

Nurses working in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings across the United States are predominantly paid on a biweekly schedule in 2026. This means registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) typically receive a paycheck every two weeks on a Friday. Biweekly pay results in 26 paychecks per year, and the pay period usually runs from Sunday through Saturday for the preceding two-week block. Some healthcare employers, particularly outpatient clinics and physician offices, may use semi-monthly or monthly pay schedules instead.

One of the unique aspects of nurse compensation is the inclusion of shift differentials. Because hospitals operate around the clock, nurses who work evening shifts (typically 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM), night shifts (11:00 PM to 7:00 AM), or weekend shifts earn additional hourly premiums on top of their base pay rate. Evening differentials commonly range from $2 to $5 per hour, while night differentials can range from $4 to $8 per hour. Weekend differentials vary widely by facility but often add $3 to $6 per hour. These premiums are calculated based on the qualifying hours worked during each pay period and are included in the regular biweekly paycheck as a separate line item on the pay stub.

Overtime pay is another critical component of nurse compensation. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt nurses are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked beyond 40 in a standard workweek. However, some states, including California, require overtime after 8 hours in a single day or after 12 hours for nurses working alternative workweek schedules. Hospitals that use 12-hour shifts often schedule nurses for three shifts per week, totaling 36 hours, which falls below the federal overtime threshold. Overtime pay is processed in the same pay cycle as the hours were worked and appears on the corresponding paycheck.

Travel nurses, who accept temporary assignments at facilities around the country through staffing agencies, have a distinctly different pay structure. Their compensation typically includes a taxable hourly base rate plus tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and incidental expenses. These stipends are tax-free only if the nurse maintains a permanent tax home and is working away from it. Travel nurses are most commonly paid weekly by their staffing agency, although some agencies use biweekly pay cycles. Pay packages are negotiated per assignment and may include additional bonuses for completing the full contract term.

For nurses on a standard biweekly Friday pay schedule in 2026, typical pay dates include January 9, January 23, February 6, February 20, March 6, March 20, April 3, April 17, May 1, May 15, May 29, June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21, September 4, September 18, October 2, October 16, October 30, November 13, November 27, December 11, and December 25 (likely adjusted to December 24 for the holiday). Per diem nurses and agency nurses may follow different schedules, so it is advisable to confirm your exact pay dates with your employer or staffing agency at the beginning of each year.

Holiday pay is an important consideration for nurses, as healthcare facilities never close. Most hospitals offer premium pay of 1.5 to 2 times the base rate for working on major holidays including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some facilities rotate holiday assignments so that nurses work roughly half the major holidays each year. Holiday premium pay is included in the regular paycheck for the pay period that contains the holiday shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do nurses get paid?

The vast majority of nurses in the United States are paid on a biweekly basis, meaning they receive a paycheck every two weeks, typically on a Friday. This results in 26 paychecks per year. Some healthcare employers, particularly smaller clinics and private practices, may use a semi-monthly pay schedule with paychecks on the 1st and 15th of each month, resulting in 24 paychecks per year. A small number of facilities pay weekly. Travel nurses working through staffing agencies may also be paid weekly. Check with your employer's payroll department to confirm your exact pay cycle and dates.

Are shift differentials included in regular paychecks?

Yes, shift differentials are typically included in your regular paycheck for the pay period in which the shifts were worked. Shift differentials are additional hourly premiums paid for working less desirable hours, such as evening shifts, overnight or night shifts, and weekend shifts. The differential amount varies by employer but commonly ranges from $2 to $8 per hour on top of the base hourly rate. These premiums are calculated based on the hours worked during qualifying shifts and added to your gross pay before taxes and deductions. They will appear as a separate line item on your pay stub so you can verify the correct amount was applied.

How does travel nurse pay work?

Travel nurse pay is structured differently from staff nurse compensation. Travel nurses receive a taxable hourly base rate plus tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals, provided they maintain a tax home and are working away from it. The tax-free stipends can make up a significant portion of total compensation, sometimes 40 to 60 percent of the total pay package. Travel nurses are typically paid weekly by their staffing agency, although some agencies pay biweekly. The pay package is negotiated per assignment and may also include travel reimbursement, license reimbursement, and completion bonuses. It is important to work with a tax professional familiar with travel nursing to ensure proper reporting of taxable and non-taxable income.

Do nurses get paid extra for working holidays?

Most hospitals and healthcare facilities offer holiday pay premiums for nurses who work on designated holidays. The premium is typically time-and-a-half (1.5 times the base hourly rate), though some employers offer double-time (2 times the base rate) for major holidays like Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day. The specific holidays that qualify for premium pay and the exact rate vary by employer and are usually outlined in the employee handbook or union contract. Nurses who are not scheduled to work on a holiday may receive a regular paid day off instead. Holiday pay premiums are included in the paycheck for the pay period in which the holiday was worked, and they appear as a separate line item on your pay stub.

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