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Browse thousands of travel nurse positions and compare pay packages from top staffing agencies.
Understanding Your Pay Package
Travel nurse compensation splits into two buckets: taxable wages and tax-free stipends. Agencies legally pay a lower taxable hourly rate supplemented by tax-free stipends — which is why two offers with the same headline rate can have very different take-home pay.
Tax-Free Stipend Eligibility
The IRS allows tax-free housing and meal stipends when you're working away from your tax home. To qualify you generally must maintain a permanent residence you return to, work far enough from home to require an overnight stay, and not work in your tax home state more than ~50% of the time.
⚠️ If you don't maintain a qualifying tax home, all stipends become taxable. Work with a travel nurse-savvy CPA.
Typical Stipend Ranges (2025–2026)
| Stipend | Typical Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,000 – $2,000 | Weekly |
| Meals & Incidentals | $150 – $500 | Weekly |
| Travel Reimbursement | $300 – $750 | Per contract |
Why Effective Hourly Rate Matters
A $28/hr contract with $1,750/week in stipends can easily out-earn a $38/hr contract with minimal stipends — especially in a no-income-tax state. Always compare total take-home ÷ hours worked, not just the headline rate.
Top Staffing Agencies
For the same facility, rates can vary $5–$15/hour between agencies. Always get offers from 2–3 agencies before signing. Major agencies include Vivian Health (marketplace), AMN Healthcare, Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA), and Aya Healthcare.
How the Calculator Works
Enter your hourly or weekly taxable rate, contract length, and stipend amounts from your offer letter. Select your assignment state for a state income tax estimate and your federal bracket. The calculator outputs total contract value, estimated take-home pay, and effective hourly rate — with tax-free stipends excluded from the taxable income calculation.