How accurate is this US take-home pay calculator?

This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA payroll tax rates, and estimated state income tax rates. Actual paycheck amounts may vary depending on deductions, credits, benefits, and employer-specific withholdings.

Does this paycheck calculator include Social Security and Medicare?

Yes. The calculator includes FICA payroll taxes, which consist of Social Security and Medicare contributions, to estimate your net pay accurately.

Does this calculator include 401(k) or health insurance deductions?

No. Retirement contributions, health insurance premiums, and other voluntary pre-tax benefits are not automatically included unless entered manually.

Can I compare take-home pay between different states?

Yes. Because state income taxes vary widely, this calculator allows you to compare net income estimates across different U.S. states.

Travel Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator

Calculate your net pay with tax-free stipends • Compare RN travel agencies • Blended rate optimized • Updated for 2026

💡 Quick Answer: Travel nurses earn $2,200–$3,800/week gross ($114,400–$197,600/year). After taxes and expenses, typical take-home pay ranges from $85,000–$145,000 annually, heavily dependent on tax-free stipends, housing choices, and agency package structure. Nurses with a valid tax home + GSA-qualified stipends keep 20–40% more net pay vs. taxable-only contracts. [[23]][[49]]

💰 Calculate Your Travel Nurse Take-Home Pay

Taxable Hourly Rate ($)

Assignment State

✨ Tax-Free Stipends (GSA-Qualified)

Weekly Housing Stipend ($)

Weekly Meals & Incidentals Stipend ($)

✅ I maintain a valid tax home (stipends qualify as tax-free) [[49]]

🏢 Agency & Premium Options

RN Travel Agency Type

✅ I have a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) license (saves $400–$900/state)

✅ Contract includes guaranteed overtime (qualifies for $12,500 OBBBA deduction)

✅ Contract includes completion bonus ($500–$2,000)

🏢 RN Travel Agencies: 2026 Comparison

Choosing the right travel nurse agency impacts your pay package, support, and contract flexibility. Below is a neutral comparison of major RN travel agencies based on industry reports and nurse feedback. [[23]][[42]]

Agency Type	Avg. Weekly Gross	Stipend Structure	Best For
Large Agencies (AMN, Aya, Fastaff)	$2,400–$3,600	Standardized GSA-aligned stipends; less negotiable	First-time travelers, high-volume assignments, strong compliance support
Boutique Agencies (Specialized, smaller)	$2,600–$4,000	Flexible, negotiable packages; personalized stipend optimization	Experienced travelers, niche specialties, maximizing net pay
Direct Facility Contracts	$2,800–$4,200	Higher taxable hourly; fewer/no stipends; simpler tax treatment	Nurses with complex tax situations, preferring simplicity
Local Travel Contracts (50-100mi radius)	$2,000–$3,200	Reduced stipends (no lodging); mileage reimbursement common	Nurses avoiding relocation, maintaining local tax home

🔍 Pro Tip: When evaluating rn travel agencies, ask: (1) “Are stipends GSA-qualified and tax-free?”, (2) “What’s the taxable vs. non-taxable split?”, (3) “Do you provide tax home documentation support?”. The highest gross pay isn’t always the highest net pay. [[49]]

💡 Maximize Your Travel Nurse Net Pay

✨ Tax Strategy Essentials for Travel RNs

Tax Home Requirement: To qualify for tax-free stipends, you must maintain a “tax home” (regular place of business/post) and duplicate living expenses. Without this, stipends become taxable income—reducing net pay by 20–35%. [[49]]
GSA Stipend Limits: Housing and M&IE stipends must align with U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) per diem rates for the assignment location. Excess amounts may be taxable. Check current rates at gsa.gov/perdiem.
OBBBA 2026 Overtime Deduction: Travel nurses receiving guaranteed overtime may qualify to exclude up to $12,500 of this income from federal taxable income. [[47]]
NLC License Savings: A Nurse Licensure Compact license lets you work in 40+ states without additional licensure fees ($400–$900 savings per state).
Retirement Strategy: Contribute to a Solo 401(k) or SEP-IRA as a 1099 contractor to reduce taxable income while building savings.

💰 Real Example: A travel RN with a $45/hr taxable rate + $800 housing stipend + $350 M&IE stipend working a 13-week California contract:
• Gross: ~$3,100/week ($161,200 annualized)
• Taxable portion: ~$1,950/week
• Tax-free stipends: $1,150/week
• Estimated net: ~$2,450/week ($127,400 annualized) vs. ~$1,850/week if stipends were taxable. That’s $31,200+ more net pay annually with proper tax home strategy. [[23]][[49]]

❓ Travel Nurse Pay: FAQs

How much do travel nurses take home after taxes?

Travel nurses earning $2,200–$3,800/week gross typically take home $1,650–$2,900/week net after taxes and expenses. Nurses with valid tax homes and GSA-qualified stipends keep 20–40% more net pay vs. contracts where stipends are taxed as income. [[23]][[49]]

What’s the best travel nurse agency for pay?

“Best” depends on your priorities. Large agencies (AMN, Aya) offer stability and volume; boutique agencies often negotiate higher net packages; direct contracts maximize taxable hourly. Focus on the taxable vs. non-taxable split and stipend qualification—not just gross weekly pay. [[42]]

Are travel nurse stipends really tax-free?

Yes—if you meet IRS requirements: (1) Maintain a tax home, (2) Have duplicate living expenses, and (3) Receive stipends within GSA per diem limits. If any condition fails, stipends become taxable income. Always consult a travel nurse tax specialist. [[49]]

How does the Nurse Licensure Compact affect travel nurse pay?

An NLC (multistate) license lets you work in 40+ states without paying $400–$900 per state for single-state licenses. This saves $1,200–$4,500+ annually for active travelers and speeds up contract start times. [[15]]

🔄 Compare Other Nursing Paths

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