How Does Travel Nurse Pay Work? (Pay Package Breakdown)
Travel nurse pay works as a package, not a single hourly rate. Your weekly compensation combines a taxable base hourly rate ($20–$35/hr) plus tax-free stipends for housing ($1,200–$2,400/month) and meals ($300–$500/month), making total packages worth $2,000–$4,500/week.
Last updated 2026-02-04
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The Three Parts of a Travel Nurse Pay Package
Every pay package has the same structure, though amounts vary. Part 1: taxable base rate — your hourly wage on your W-2, typically $20–$35/hr. Part 2: housing stipend — a tax-free weekly or monthly allowance for housing while on assignment. Part 3: meals & incidentals (M&IE) stipend — a tax-free daily allowance for food and other expenses.
CatSol shows the full pay breakdown on every listing — base rate, housing stipend, meals stipend, and overtime. No surprises.
See transparent job listings →Taxable Base Pay vs. Tax-Free Stipends
Your agency structures the same total compensation with different ratios of taxable pay to tax-free stipends. A higher stipend ratio means more take-home, but the IRS has rules: stipends must follow GSA rates for your assignment location, and you need a tax home to receive them tax-free.
| Component | Typical Range | Taxable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Hourly Rate | $20 – $35/hr | Yes | W-2 wage; affects overtime & unemployment |
| Housing Stipend | $1,200 – $2,400/mo | No* | *Tax-free with valid tax home; GSA-based |
| M&IE Stipend | $300 – $500/mo | No* | *Tax-free with valid tax home; GSA-based |
| Travel Reimbursement | $300 – $800/assignment | No | One-time per assignment |
| Completion Bonus | $500 – $2,000 | Yes | End of contract; not all agencies offer |
| Overtime | 1.5x base rate | Yes | Calculated on base hourly only |
How GSA Rates Set Your Stipends
The government publishes GSA per diem rates for every county in the US. These set the maximum tax-free stipend your agency can pay for a given location. If the GSA lodging rate for San Francisco is $257/day, your agency can pay up to that amount tax-free. Find cheaper housing and you pocket the difference.
CatSol shows the full pay breakdown on every listing — base rate, housing stipend, meals stipend, and overtime. No surprises.
See transparent job listings →Compare Pay Packages Side by Side
Search any specialty or location and see transparent pay breakdowns instantly.
Red Flags in Pay Packages
Watch for: unusually low base rates (under $18/hr) with inflated stipends — this creates tax problems. 'Blended' bill rates with no component breakdown. No clear answer about the bill rate the client pays your agency. Stipends exceeding GSA rates. Agencies that don't ask about your tax home before quoting stipends.
Questions to Ask Your Recruiter About Pay
Before accepting any offer, ask: (1) What is the base hourly rate? (2) What are the housing and M&IE stipend amounts? (3) Are stipends based on GSA rates for this location? (4) What is the bill rate the facility pays? (5) Is there a completion bonus, and is it guaranteed or conditional?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bill rate in travel nursing?
Should I take company housing or the stipend?
Why is my base rate so low compared to staff nurses?
Travel nurse pay has three parts: taxable base rate, tax-free housing stipend, and tax-free M&IE stipend. Stipends are based on GSA per diem rates and require a tax home. Always get a full breakdown and compare total value, not just hourly rate.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay
GSA-compliant calculator with tax-free stipend breakdowns