travel pay in texas

Travel Pay for the Traveling Employee in Texas

Working a job that regularly involves traveling is tough work. The very nature of the traveling requires you to disconnect from home and family. It’s an especially difficult for those with families. It’s not just the long hours, it’s the frequent, complete disconnect from your home. In addition to the struggles of traveling, there is also the challenge of figuring out the appropriate pay structure. That can be true whether you routinely travel long distances, within north Texas, or occasionally to a conference or meeting. Today’s post will deal with the wage and overtime issues surrounding traveling work. If you believe you have an issue with unpaid wages or overtime pay as a result of work travel then you should talk to a Texas employment lawyer right away.

Table of Contents

Salaried or Commissioned Employees Who Travel in Texas

Many employees who regularly travel out of Texas receive pay by salaries or commissions rather than an hourly basis. If you are correctly paid on a salaried or commissioned basis then you are paid your flat salaried amount or commissioned earnings regardless of hours worked.

The only real issue is whether you receive correct classification as a salaried or commissioned employee. That conversation is its own tangent; but you can read more about whether your classification is appropriate here. If you have a job with regular travel then the rules around travel pay discussed below apply to you.

General FLSA Travel Pay Rules

Generally an employee who is paid hourly and is not exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Texas Payday Act must be paid at least minimum wage for each hour of work performed for the employer and must be paid one and a half times his or her regular rate of pay as overtime pay for each hour worked in the workweek over forty hours. The conflict over travel pay is what part of that time is work that entitles you to pay.

For most employees, spending time away from home for any purpose related to your employment seems like work. Employers tend to think work is when you are at the work site performing your regular job functions. Neither is entirely true. The FLSA and its administrative regulations set out rules broader than what employers would like. Unfortunately, the regulations around travel pay are less than clear. Combined with eighty years of litigation we are still trying to get this right. As of now, these are the general rules as they apply for non-exempt, hourly employees.

Home to Work Travel Rule

Generally when you travel to your normal work site or return home from work in the course of your normal workday, this time is not compensable. Your employer does not owe you money for traveling to your normal job. For employees who might be dispatched to work different days at different work sites within the same general area, the employer is not required to pay you for your travel time from home to work or work to home even when it takes you longer to travel between home and work for more distant work sites. If you travel by some method that allows you to do work while traveling, such as answering emails while riding a train, then you must receive compensation for the time you spent answering the emails. However, this is the  general travel rule and there are some incoming exceptions.

Special One Day Assignment Rule

Now if you normally work out of the same work site and your employer instructs you to work at a location that is in a different city than your normal work location and you travel to the alternative site and return home in the same day then your employer owes you pay for the travel time to the alternative site and back home less the normal length of time it takes you to travel to your normal work site and back home. Included in compensable travel time is all time spent driving or as a passenger in transit as well as time spent waiting for transit, such as waiting at an airport or rental car facility to be able to travel.

“All in a Day’s Work” Rule

Now if you work a job in which you travel between work sites during your work day then your travel is considered “all in a day’s work” and no different from any other work you perform for your employer so you must be paid for all of this travel time. One way employers commonly violate the FLSA is by ignoring this rule for employees who must travel to a company location to pick up tools and/or a company vehicle before going to the work location where that employee starts performing his or her regular job duties.

When the employee arrives at the company location, he or she has begun working and the subsequent travel time to the next work location must be included as wages, along with the travel back to the company location for the employee to drop off the employer’s property. This rule typically applies to traveling repair/installation technicians and construction workers but may apply to people in other positions.

Travel Away from Home Rule

This is the rule that applies to hourly employees who travel long distance either on a regular basis or infrequently for work purposes. If your work-related travel requires you to travel and stay away from the home community overnight then this rule will apply to the travel time. If your travel is a day trip, even if it results in a workday longer than your normal work day, then the Special One Day Assignment Rule applies to your travel time. You must receive pay for your travel time even if it cuts into days your hours that you normally would not work (such as weekends).

Under this rule, the Department of Labor will not enforce the rule for time spent as a passenger in a transportation vehicle unless you also spent that time performing other work tasks. However, if you are driving a car or waiting for your transportation then that time is compensable. This rule may not make complete sense, particularly when compared to the Special One Day Assignment Rule but it is a compromising rule for the employer and employee.

Common Employer Violations of these Travel Pay Rules in Texas

1. misclassify employees as salaried to avoid travel pay.

Just because your employer pays you on a salaried basis does not mean you are properly classified as exempt. You are not properly classified as an exempt employee merely because you travel or generally work independently. Although many traveling employees are commission or exempt under the FLSA that does not mean all employees fall into either classification.

2. Leave out time in the “all in a day’s work” rule

As discussed in the “all in a day’s work” rules explanation, employers who require employees to pick up company vehicles or equipment before performing other job responsibilities often only pay employees for work performed once they arrive at the location where the employee will perform the bulk of their job duties. That can leave the employee shortchanged pay each week for time transporting company equipment between work sites.

3. Refuse to pay travel time to conferences, meetings, etc.

Another common violation of travel pay rules occurs with employees who infrequently travel out of town. Unless you are exempt, your employer must pay travel time in conformity with the FLSA travel rules. A common excuse from employers is the travel is outside of work hours so they don’t pay for it. It does not matter when you travel. If you are traveling for work purposes then the FLSA travel rules apply, not whatever your employer feels like paying.

4. Refuse to pay overtime for travel time

If travel time is paid time under FLSA rules then that time is subject to minimum wage and overtime rules. If travel time pushes your work hours above forty then you receive overtime for each hour over forty.

Talk to a Texas unpaid wages lawyer

Paid time rules are complex and within these rules are many exceptions and specifics. If you travel for work and believe your employer may not pay you what you are entitled, then you should talk to a Texas unpaid wages lawyer right away. If your employer does not pay you all the time due, then you may have a claim for wage theft. That would allow you to recover the unpaid wages plus additional amounts. An experienced employment attorney can assess your case and determine how best to proceed.

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Travel Time

Time spent traveling during normal work hours is considered compensable work time. Time spent in home-to-work travel by an employee in an employer-provided vehicle, or in activities performed by an employee that are incidental to the use of the vehicle for commuting, generally is not "hours worked" and, therefore, does not have to be paid. This provision applies only if the travel is within the normal commuting area for the employer's business and the use of the vehicle is subject to an agreement between the employer and the employee or the employee's representative.

Webpages on this Topic

Handy Reference Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act - Answers many questions about the FLSA and gives information about certain occupations that are exempt from the Act.

Coverage Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Fact Sheet - General information about who is covered by the FLSA.

Wage and Hour Division: District Office Locations - Addresses and phone numbers for Department of Labor district Wage and Hour Division offices.

State Labor Offices/State Laws - Links to state departments of labor contacts. Individual states' laws and regulations may vary greatly. Please consult your state department of labor for this information.

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Travel Time Pay for Hourly Employees: A Guide for Small Business Owners

By Homebase Team

If you run a small business where your workers are paid by the hour but also have to travel for work, it’s important to understand what your obligations are and what your employees are legally entitled to regarding hourly employee travel time. This includes understanding federal and state laws, as travel time pay for hourly employees can be governed by both.

Exempt employees don’t have to worry about this issue as much. This is because they get a fixed amount of money in every paycheck, regardless of their travel time. However, the government sets rules for non-exempt employees that say employers must ensure travel time pay and mileage reimbursement.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about travel pay for hourly employees so your business stays compliant.

What is travel pay?

Travel pay is money that an employer reimburses to an employee when traveling for work. It covers the cost of travel and related expenses, such as airfare, gas, train fare, mileage, and meals. Travel pay doesn’t cover an employee’s regular commute to and from work.

However, what about in some emergency situations, or when the employer asks the employee to do work-related tasks outside of their normal hours? In those cases, time spent commuting from home may be considered as paid time and eligible for travel pay.

How does travel pay work?

Travel pay works by providing eligible employees with reimbursement for expenses during work travel. It can sometimes look like this:

• A company creates a travel policy that details travel time pay for hourly employees and salaried team members. The document should outline how employees should get approval for travel and include an in-depth list of reimbursable travel expenses.
• An employee travels offsite for a two-day course. Anytime they incur a business-related expense, they save the receipt. 
• After the trip, the employee fills out an expense report and submits the receipts and any supporting documents outlined in the company travel policy.
• The expense report is reviewed by the HR or finance department, sent for approval, and the employee is reimbursed.

What’s the difference? Travel pay vs. break pay vs. mealtime pay.

It’s important to note that travel time is different from break or meal time . According to the US Department of Labor , any break less than 20 minutes or longer breaks where the employee still has work duties must be paid.

If an employee is asked by their employer to travel during a full break or lunch period, that travel time is considered work-related. In this situation, following the Department of Labor, travel time pay is required. 

To avoid any confusion, it’s a good idea to have a separate policy in place that explains how lunch breaks and rest periods are handled in terms of pay.

Who is entitled to receive travel time pay?

Only certain employees, known as non-exempt employees, have the right to be paid for the time they spend traveling for work. This includes both hourly and salaried employees who fall into the non-exempt category.

On the other hand, there are exempt employees who are not entitled to payment for work-related travel. Hourly employee travel pay does not apply to exempt employees.

In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) identifies different types of exempt employees, like executives, administrative staff, professionals, computer workers, and outside salespeople.

These exempt employees don’t get paid specifically for their travel time since they receive a fixed salary regardless of their travel obligations.

Do you have to pay hourly employees for travel time? Here’s when.

So is travel time considered work time? It depends on the travel. Here are three common situations regarding travel pay for hourly employees. It’s important to note that these are general guidelines. Specific rules may vary depending on the location and applicable laws. 

You should familiarize yourself with your jurisdiction’s regulations to ensure compliance with travel time payment requirements.

Local travel.

If an employee’s job requires them to travel within their regular work hours, they must be paid for that time. This includes situations where they are engaged in work or waiting while traveling, even if it’s outside their normal work hours. 

However, employees who are on breaks or have enough time to do personal things are not eligible for payment during those periods.

Local travel example.

Employee A is a personal assistant who drives Client B, around town to run errands. If this travel is part of Employee A’s job duties and occurs during their work hours, Employee A must be paid for that time.

Special one-day assignment to another city.

Paying hourly employees for out of town travel can occur if an individual has to make a one-day trip to another city for work-related activities like conferences, classes, meetings, or similar events. 

You must pay them for the travel time to and from that city. However, you can deduct the time they would normally spend on their regular commute. Some businesses choose to pay for the entire commuting time, but it’s not mandatory.

Special one-day assignment to another city example.

Let’s say your employee works in your office and you send them to a conference. They travels from their home to the conference location and return on the same day. The roundtrip takes them two and a half hours, while their regular daily commute is only 30 minutes.

In this case, you can deduct the 30-minute commute and pay them for two hours of travel time.

Overnight travel.

Is a non-exempt employee traveling away from home and staying overnight? Then you must count the hours they work on regular working days, as well as work hours on non-working days (like weekends or holidays). 

However, hourly employees traveling for work don’t need to be paid for travel time that falls outside their regular work hours. The exception is if they are working during that travel time (e.g., answering work emails or doing research on a work trip).

Travel time pay rate law by state.

There are various laws regarding travel for work. In some states, travel time pay rates must be the same as the rates for regular working hours, or they need to meet the minimum wage requirements at least. 

However, in other cases, business travel compensation rates might be calculated as a percentage of the employee’s normal pay rate.

In California , any travel time that exceeds an employee’s regular daily commute is considered compensable and must be paid at the agreed regular or overtime rates. Employers can set different rates for travel time, but they cannot be lower than the minimum wage.

In New York , the minimum wage regulations cover work-related travel. Employees must be paid for travel time if it is part of their job duties.

Oregon has different classifications for work travel time: portal-to-portal travel, travel between worksites, travel on special one-day assignments, and overnight travel. Generally, travel time pay is required for all types except portal-to-portal travel (home-to-work and work-to-home).

In New Jersey, the Wage and Hour Laws ensure fair payment for travel time. When employees are required to travel between job locations as part of their work, they must be paid at the same rate as regular working hours.

In Maryland, a 2022 court ruling has indicated that travel time may need to be paid if workers are required to report to a shuttle that takes them to and from a work site. 

While laws addressing travel time have not yet been explicitly changed, small business owners in Maryland should stay aware of ongoing developments which may affect their payment obligations..

Nevada law states that any travel time considered as work should be paid at least at minimum wage rates. Additionally, any training requested by the employer must also be paid as it is considered work time.

Remember, these are general explanations, and specific regulations may vary. It’s essential for employers and employees to familiarize themselves with the specific laws in their state to ensure compliance with travel time pay requirements.

To make sure your business is following the rules, it’s important for you to understand the specific regulations about travel time pay in your area. Likewise, employees should be aware of their rights regarding travel time pay. They need to ensure they receive fair compensation for the time they spend traveling for work.

How to calculate work travel time.

One of the big challenges for business owners? Figuring out how to pay hourly employees for travel time accurately and ensure that employees’ paychecks are fair and calculated correctly.

Paying travel time for hourly employees involves considering various factors, such as the specific laws in your jurisdiction and your company’s policies. Here are some common practices:

Calculate actual hours.

One approach is to track and pay hourly employees for the actual time spent traveling. This includes the time spent commuting between job sites or client locations. Employees should be compensated at their regular hourly rate for these travel hours.

Paying at overtime rates.

If the travel time causes hourly employees to exceed their regular working hours or if it falls under overtime criteria based on applicable laws, it should be compensated at the appropriate overtime rate.

Set flat rates.

Some employers choose to establish fixed flat rates for travel time. This means paying a predetermined amount for each trip or assignment, regardless of the actual hours traveled.

How Homebase can help calculate work travel time.

Now you know that to calculate work travel time, you should find a way to track your employees’ hours spent traveling. You can manually log employee travel times, including start time, end time, destination, expenses, and so forth in a document. One warning: manual tracking can result in costly errors. This is why many business owners use online timesheets to manage work travel.

For example, Homebase is a time-tracking tool that makes managing travel pay and employee hours much more straightforward. The tool automatically tracks employees’ hours and locations while they’re on the move using GPS. This means you can keep track of how much time your employees spend traveling for work.

Homebase also has features to streamline time tracking and invoicing. You can set different pay rates for travel hours and regular work hours, helping you streamline payroll. It also helps you handle overtime pay and helps you plan employee routes and schedules to optimize travel time.

Sign up to Homebase today to manage travel time pay for hourly employees with ease. Free trial for 14 days.

Optimize your schedule and keep your team in sync with Homebase.

Travel Time Pay FAQs

How do you pay travel time for employees.

The method of paying travel time for employees depends on various factors, including the applicable laws and company policies. Here are a few common approaches:

Paying at regular or overtime rates

In many cases, travel time is paid at the same rate as regular working hours. However, if employees exceed their normal work hours or if the travel time falls under overtime criteria, it should be compensated at the appropriate overtime rate.

Different rates for travel time

Some employers choose to set specific rates for travel time, separate from regular working hours. These rates may be negotiated or agreed upon before the start of job execution, but they should not be lower than the minimum wage rates.

Lump sum or flat rate

In certain situations, employers may opt to provide a fixed amount as a lump sum or flat rate to cover travel time. This can simplify calculations and ensure consistent payments.

How do you pay non-exempt employees for travel time?

Paying non-exempt employees for travel time requires careful consideration of legal requirements and company policies. Here are some common practices:

Compensate actual travel hours

One approach is to track and pay non-exempt employees for the actual time they spend traveling. This includes the time spent commuting between job sites, client locations, or other work-related destinations. Employees should be compensated at their regular hourly rate for these travel hours.

Apply overtime rates

If the travel time causes non-exempt employees to exceed their regular working hours or qualify for overtime based on applicable laws, it should be compensated at the appropriate overtime rate.

Establish flat rates or lump sum payments

Employers may choose to establish fixed flat rates or provide lump sum payments for travel time. This involves paying a predetermined amount for each trip or assignment, regardless of the actual hours traveled. However, it’s important to ensure that these rates comply with legal requirements, such as meeting or exceeding minimum wage rates.

Do employers have to pay hourly employees for travel time?

The requirement to pay hourly employees for travel time depends on various factors, including the specific laws in your jurisdiction and the nature of the travel. Here are some general guidelines:

Regular commute

In most cases, employers are not obligated to pay hourly employees for their regular commute from home to the workplace and vice versa. This is considered ordinary home-to-work travel and is typically not considered compensable travel time.

Work-related travel

However, when hourly employees are required to travel for work-related purposes, such as going to client locations or job sites, the travel time may need to be compensated. If the travel time exceeds the employee’s regular commute or falls under specific criteria outlined in labor laws, employers may be required to pay hourly employees for that travel time.

It’s important to note that travel time pay regulations can vary by jurisdiction, so it is advisable to consult the labor laws in your specific location and seek legal advice to ensure compliance.

Additionally, establishing clear travel time policies and communicating them effectively to employees can help avoid confusion and promote fair compensation practices.

Does flight time count as hours worked?

If the purpose of your flight is to travel from one destination to another for work purposes during regular work hours, this is considered hours worked. So, flight time counts as paid travel time. However, this rule doesn’t apply in some circumstances, so it’s always best to check local laws and company policy.

Do hourly employees get paid while traveling?

Travel time during an employee’s regular work hours is considered hours worked and, therefore, eligible for compensation. For example, if your work hours are 9am-5pm, and you travel between 11am-4pm, you are eligible for travel time pay.

What is compensation time for travel?

Sometimes known as “comp time,” this refers to the time employees are compensated for when they travel for work. For example, paying travel time or providing time off in lieu of pay.

Remember:  This is not legal advice. If you have questions about your particular situation, please consult a lawyer, CPA, or other appropriate professional advisor or agency.

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Rules for determining travel pay, employer questions about travel pay, recommended training for handling travel pay, find other travel pay training courses.

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Under the FLSA, when must nonexempt employees be paid for travel time?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations require employers to pay for travel time in some circumstances. Generally, time spent traveling is compensable, unless it is normal home-to-work commute time, or when travel requires an overnight stay and the time spent traveling as a passenger falls outside of the employee's normal work hours.

When pay is required, the time spent traveling is considered hours worked and must be included when determining overtime pay obligations. 

Home-to-work travel. Normal commuting time to an employee's regular worksite is not treated as hours worked under the FLSA.

Home to work on a special one-day assignment in another city . When an employee must travel out of town for work but returns home the same day, all the time spent traveling during the day is compensable, regardless of the employee's regular work hours. However, an employer may deduct the time the employee would have spent commuting to his or her regular work location.

Travel that is all in a day's work. Time spent traveling to and from different worksites during the day is work time and must be paid.

Travel away from home. When travel requires an overnight stay, any time traveling as a passenger that falls within the employee's normal work hours is compensable, regardless of what day of the week the travel takes place. Time spent traveling to an airport terminal or train station is considered commute time and is not treated as hours worked, but the time spent waiting at the terminal until arrival at the destination is compensable when it falls during normal work hours.

For example, if Meg normally works Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and she is required to travel by plane on a Sunday for business in another state, her travel time on Sunday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. is compensable.

So, if Meg arrives at the airport on Sunday at 3 p.m. and at her destination at 8 p.m., the employer is required to pay her only from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the hours that correspond with her normally scheduled work hours.

Alternatively, if Meg drives herself or others at the direction of the employer rather than traveling as a passenger, all the time spent driving is compensable work time, regardless of Meg's normal work hours.

Driving at the direction of the employer . When employees are required to drive themselves or others, all driving time is compensable. However, when an employee is traveling to an overnight stay and has the option to use public transportation (i.e., airplane, train, bus, etc.) but chooses to drive his or her own vehicle instead, the employer can either choose to pay for all time spent traveling or pay only the travel time that occurs during normal work hours, regardless of what day of the week the employee travels (CFR 785.40). If an employee volunteers to drive others in his or her own vehicle to the overnight stay, an employee's time could be unpaid for those travel hours outside the normal work hours.

Worked performed while traveling. An employee must be paid for any time he or she is performing work. This includes time spent working during travel as a passenger that would otherwise be non-compensable.

For example, Meg normally works Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. She arrives at the airport on Sunday at 3 p.m. and at her destination at 8 p.m. Generally, the employer is required to pay her only from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; however, if Meg works on a presentation during her flight until 6:30 p.m., her employer would need to pay her from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Some states have travel-time laws that are more generous than the federal FLSA.  

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Texas Travel Time Lawyer

There are a variety of laws and regulations, both federal and state, regarding how employers must compensate employees for workplace travel time. However, the basic thing to remember is that any travel on company business within a normal workday is compensable. Texas and federal laws protect employees travel wages so if you have any questions about these regulations and how they apply to your specific case, reach out to a qualified Texas travel time lawyer.

What the Law Says About Travel Time

The U.S. Department of Labor  (DOL) has regulations that make it mandatory for an employer to pay an employee for travel time that cuts across a normal workday, regardless of whether the travel occurs on a day the employee is usually scheduled to work. This regulation hinges on the question of whether or not the travel is considered working time.

Your normal daily commute to and from work is not considered work time travel. However, home to work travel outside of your regular commute hours may be compensable if your employer called you back to work on an emergency basis. Whether or not this is the case in your situation will depend since the courts decide what constitutes work time travel on case-by-case basis.

Compensable travel time also includes travel between worksites during a workday, travel to a temporary assignment in another city, and worked performed while traveling (i.e. from a plane or taxi). Deciding whether overnight travel time counts as compensable time can be tricky, but an Austin employment law attorney at Ross • Scalise Employment Lawyers can help. If an employee travels outside of normal working hours, even to perform a work-related duty, the time isn’t compensable.

Is Travel Time Considered Overtime?

Travel time within your normal workday or for emergency visits to work outside of normal hours is not classified as overtime. However, if travel time results in overtime hours, it may result in overtime pay depending on your employment agreement. The DOL states that travel time must be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay unless the employer and employee have an agreement stating otherwise. For example, many employers pay employees at a lower rate than their standard pay for travel time.

Overtime calculations concerning travel time can be complex, and it might be in your best interest to hire an overtime lawyer with experience in travel time wage laws to determine if your employer is upholding your rights.

What If My Employer Doesn’t Pay Me for Travel Time?

If your travel time qualifies as paid, yet your employer fails to pay you for the time you spend traveling, you may have a case for wage theft . Employers frequently fail to pay employees for compensable travel time as defined by Texas and federal laws. In these situations, the employee can file a claim for unpaid wages and pursue lost wages in court.

If the courts find an employer guilty of wage theft, employees may be eligible to receive financial compensation for damages. Compensation can include back wages, lost wages, attorney’s fees, court costs, and other compensatory damages.

Consult a Knowledgeable Texas Travel Time Attorney

For skilled, reliable assistance with travel time and other wage dispute cases, trust the wage and hour attorneys at Ross • Scalise Employment Lawyers in Texas. Paid travel time laws can be complex, leaving you unsure of your rights as a traveling employee. For more information about travel time laws and to discuss your individual case, contact us online or by phone at 512-474-7677.

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• Per Diem Lookup

FY 2025 per diem rates now available

Please note! The FY 2025 rates are NOT the default rates until October 1, 2024.

You must follow these instructions to view the FY 2025 rates. Select FY 2025 from the drop-down box above the “Search By City, State, or ZIP Code” or “Search by State” map. Otherwise, the search box returns current FY 2024 rates.

GSA establishes the rates that federal agencies use to reimburse their employees for lodging and meals and incidental expenses incurred while on official travel within the continental United States (CONUS). A standard rate applies to most of CONUS. Individual rates apply to about 300 non-standard areas (NSAs). Most NSAs are a key city/primary destination and the surrounding county. Rates for the coming federal government fiscal year are typically announced in mid-August. Search the rates below or refer to the flat files , API , or trip calculator .

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PER DIEM LOOK-UP

1 choose a location.

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Rates are available between 10/1/2022 and 09/30/2025.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

Welcome to BTSSS!

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Thank you for using the Veteran Portal to submit your travel claim to the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS).

In order to access the BTSSS interface you must log in using:

If you are a JAWS user, please refer to the JAWS Job Aid before using BTSSS.

Announcements

Claims approved for payment within this system are designed to use electronic funds transfer (EFT) to your checking/savings account or VA debit card. If your EFT information is not on file with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Financial Management System (FMS) your approved payment may be delayed until the information is provided to process your claim or adjustments are made to allow for temporary payment by check. If you currently receive other benefit payments by EFT from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) your EFT information is not on file with our system unless you have provided it previously to your local VA Medical Center. You can confirm if your EFT information is on file by reviewing your Veteran profile screen. If it is missing please contact your local BT office to update it. They will provide you with the necessary signature forms to have it added.

Facility for Payment

When entering claims, please identify the facility responsible for payment as the facility that provided your care or approved your care for care in the community. For example, if you submit a claim for care or services approved at a non-VA facility, you identify the care VA facility that authorized it as facility responsible for payment. In most situations this will be your preferred or home facility. If you receive care at a VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) this location will be available for selection as an associated facility of its larger parent VA Medical Center. You will see it when you select the location of your appointment.  

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 requires VA to notify you that this information collection is in accordance with the clearance requirements of Section 3507 of this Act. We anticipate the time  expended by Individuals who must complete this form will average 10 minutes. This includes the time it will take to read instructions, gather the necessary facts and fill out the form. No person will be penalized for failing to furnish this information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. This information is collected under 38 CFR 70 and is intended to fulfill the need for Veterans and beneficiaries to claim Beneficiary Travel benefits and for VA to determine the individual’s eligibility for the benefit.

Privacy Act Information: VA is asking you to provide the information on this form under 38 U.S.C. Sections 111 to determine your eligibility for Beneficiary Travel benefits and will be used for that purpose. Information you supply may be verified through a computer-matching program. VA may disclose the information that you put on the form as permitted by law; possible disclosures include those described in the “routine use” identified in the VA systems of records 24VA19 Patient Medical Record-VA, published in the Federal Register in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974. Providing the requested information is voluntary, but if any or all of the requested information is not provided, it may delay or result in denial of your request for benefits. Failure to furnish the information will not have any effect on any other benefits to which you may be entitled. If you provide VA your Social Security Number, VA will use it to administer your VA benefits. VA may also use this information to identify Veterans and persons claiming or receiving VA benefits and their records, and for other purposes authorized or required by law.

Texas Travel Nurse Jobs

Find travel nursing jobs in texas.

They say everything’s bigger and better in Texas — and that saying definitely holds true when it comes to travel nurse and travel allied healthcare jobs! The Lone Star State conjures images of everything from prairies to ranches to beaches, from charming small towns to major urban hubs.

Texas contains all of these multitudes and much more! If you want your career in care to take you to Texas, read on to learn more about this great state and explore travel nursing job opportunities there.

Texas Travel Nursing by Specialty

The most popular nursing specialties with positions available in Texas include:

Cardiac Cath Lab Cardio ICU Cardio OR Case Management Emergency Room

Intensive Care Unit Labor & Delivery LTC/SNF Medical Surgical NICU

Operating Room PACU Stepdown Telemetry

Texas Travel Nursing by City

Abilene Amarillo Arlington Austin Brownsville Cedar Park Conroe Corpus Christi Dallas Denton

El Paso Fort Worth Grapevine Harlingen Houston Irving Lewisville Longview Lubbock Mansfield

McKinney Midland Pasadena Pearland Plano Richardson Round Rock San Antonio Temple Webster

All about Texas Travel Nursing

Due in part to its size and abundance of healthcare facilities, Texas consistently offers a steady stream of quality job opportunities for travel nurses and travel allied health professionals. Plus, it’s a really fun place to explore on your days off.

Best Hospitals in Texas

U.S. News & World Report ’s 2020/2021 Best Hospitals list evaluated 566 hospitals in Texas, including #1-ranked Houston Methodist Hospital, #2-ranked UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, and #3-ranked Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston.

Texas has more hospitals than any other state in the nation, so there are tons of other hospitals and non-hospital healthcare facilities throughout the state as well. U.S. News & World Report ’s 2021 Best States list ranked Texas at #31 overall, #9 for economy, and #10 for fiscal stability. Texas is wonderful location to live, work, play, and make great pay!  

Texas Nurse Licensure

Texas is currently in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) , which allows nurses to practice in other NLC states without having to get additional state licenses. New states are frequently joining so keep an eye on the latest NLC map . Our team is always happy to help you with any Texas state licensing questions.  

Texas Travel Nurse Salaries

Registered Nurse pay offered in Texas varies based on several factors. The average salary (hourly rate) for RN positions in TX is $37.58/hr (approximately $71,000/yr) . With that being said, the average hourly wage doesn’t provide much insight for a prospective travel nurse. Factor in the average overtime pay of $11,981 for a better idea of the average annual RN salary. However, this is still not that useful for most nurses.

Highest Paying RN Specialties in TX

The highest demand RN specialties are often in highest paying. The most in demand RN specialties are ICU, OR, ER, L&D, and NICU. MedSurg, Telemetry, and LTAC nurses are also in high demand. Becoming certified and gaining experience in a higher demand unit will help you earn a higher salary as a registered nurse in Texas.

Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in TX

Location is also a huge factor for RN pay. Cost of living factors in to what hospitals are willing to offer, and cost of living is higher in highly populated urban centers. While this is mostly always true, travel nursing opportunities can often pay more in rural areas due to the difficulties in attracting quality candidates. Nurse salaries in Texas vary widely and depend on demand in addition to population density.

The highest paying RN jobs in TX are in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Arlington, San Antonio, McAllen, Killeen, Austin, and Brownsville.

Experience Matters

New grad nurses will be disappointed to learn that experience is one of the biggest factors in calculating salaries. This is doubly true when considering that RNs often have a higher earning potential with travel nursing. Registered nurses must have at least 2 years of experience in order to travel. This is a standard requirement that originates from the facility. However, some hospitals that are in dire straits may be willing to work with a nurse with only 1 year experience. This is the exception, not the rule.

New nurses should focus on acquiring skills, becoming certified, and getting the requisite 2 years of experience before considering traveling.

Job Title & Specialty Matter Too

Nursing jobs in Texas are like any other state, your job title and specialty matter. Nurse Practitioners are often in less demand when it comes to travel nursing. So you may find that the pay difference between perm positions and travel is not that much.

Similarly, case management and nurse manager jobs are often not in as high demand as other RN specialties. Positions like CRNAs (Nurse Anesthetist) are high paying positions no matter where you are. But because demand is lower from a travel perspective you may not receive an offer that knocks your socks off.

The most high demand specialties are those that will see the biggest pay bump from perm positions. These include Medical Surgical, Telemetry, Stepdown, ICU, ER, OR, and L&D.

Earning More As A Travel Nurse

Earning potential for travel nurses is quite different than staff nurses. As a travel nurse you will have an opportunity to earn stipends, have paid housing, receive signing bonuses, and loyalty bonuses . These can, and should, factor into your earning potential calculations.

To Do and See in Texas

Good news for travelers who want to mess with Texas: The Lone Star State offers a ton of variety, activities, history, and natural beauty for you to explore.

Popular attractions and destinations include the San Antonio Riverwalk, The Alamo, Space Center Houston, Padre Island National Seashore, Big Bend National Park, Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, Houston’s Museum District, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Cadillac Ranch.

You can also explore beautiful beaches, hike, bike, kayak, golf, stargaze, go boating, go shopping, attend a rodeo, and explore incredible arts, culture, and history statewide. Sports fans will have a blast in the state that made “Friday Night Lights” iconic, so be sure to take in a game with the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, or another of the state’s many pro and collegiate teams.

Speaking of college sports, Texas loves college football. Most folks are allied with one team or another. Whether it’s the University of Texas Longhorns, the TCU Horned Frogs, or any one of the 20+ division 1 NCAA programs you’re bound to have a good time and develop some rivalries.

When the chuckwagon comes a rollin’ ’round in Texas, taste buds are bound to be delighted. Everybody knows about the Lone Star State’s world-famous barbecue. Local Texans will tell you that it’s known for a lot more than just bbq.

Several iconic local favorites include kolaches, breakfast tacos, Gulf shrimp and oysters, Blue Bell ice cream, Frito pie, fried and pickled okra, Texas caviar, Wash it all down with an ice-cold sweet tea or frozen margarita and you’ll be living like a true Texan!

If city living and the nightlife is your jam Austin might be a good place to visit. Austin, Texas has been dubbed the live music capitol of the world and for good reason. If you enjoy going to concerts or music festivals, and you’re traveling in Texas, Austin is a “must visit” city.

Most Charming Towns in Texas

Texas is home to many charming towns that offer visitors a taste of small-town Texas hospitality and charm. Here are a few of them:

Fredericksburg: Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is a picturesque town known for its German heritage, wineries, and charming Main Street lined with unique shops and restaurants.

Wimberley: Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Wimberley is known for its natural beauty, quaint shops, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, swimming, and fishing.

Georgetown: This charming town located just north of Austin offers visitors a mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities. With its beautiful town square, unique shops, and historic homes, Georgetown is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the best of Texas.

Grapevine: Known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine is a charming town located between Dallas and Fort Worth. With its historic downtown, wineries, and proximity to DFW International Airport, Grapevine is a popular destination for visitors from around the world.

Boerne: Located just northwest of San Antonio, Boerne is a quaint town known for its historic architecture, charming Main Street, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Salado: This small town, located between Austin and Waco, is known for its charming downtown area, historic buildings, and beautiful natural surroundings. With its many art galleries, unique shops, and award-winning restaurants, Salado is a popular destination for visitors looking for a taste of small-town Texas charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about texas travel nursing jobs with medical solutions and travel nursing in general..