Free Travel Nurse Paycheck Calculator

The salary calculator will help you automatically calculate your annual salary, weekly salary, and also the number of hours you work per week, the frequency of payments, the taxes of the different states where you are located, in addition to showing you the salary breakdown, it will also provide you with charts to access, all you need to do is to fill out the calculator below to get your answer.

All-in-One Paycheck Calculator

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Used to calculate yearly salary if only hourly wage is given How often you receive your paycheck Used to apply state income tax (default flat rate per state) % of income contributed to retirement savings (optional) Health, dental, or other deductions

How We Ensure Your Calculations Are Accurate at HnKey

Verified Data:In order to ensure that the accuracy of our calculations is our main priority, our team frequently checks the tax information, and policies of the IRS to review our calculations in a timely manner.

Regularly Updated:It is important to note that these data, not our guesses, come from official sources such as the IRS and state tax offices.

Disclaimer: This tool is for estimation purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized financial guidance.

Understanding how a travel nurse paycheck is calculated requires insight into various components, including base pay, stipends, taxes, and deductions. This guide provides a clear explanation of these elements, focusing on tax considerations, official guidelines, and practical information to help travel nurses accurately estimate their take-home pay.

Components of a Travel Nurse Paycheck

A travel nurse’s compensation typically includes an hourly base wage, tax-free stipends for housing and meals, and potential bonuses or overtime pay. The base wage is taxable income, while stipends are generally non-taxable if the nurse meets specific IRS requirements, such as maintaining a tax home and working away from it. Bonuses, such as sign-on or completion bonuses, are usually subject to federal and state income taxes.

Federal Income Tax for Travel Nurses

Federal income tax is calculated based on the taxable portion of a travel nurse’s income, which includes the base wage and any bonuses. The IRS uses a progressive tax system, meaning tax rates increase as income rises. For 2025, federal tax brackets for single filers range from 10% for income up to $11,925 to 37% for income over $647,850, according to the IRS. Travel nurses often have fluctuating incomes due to varying assignments, so estimating annual earnings is critical for determining the applicable tax bracket.

Taxes are withheld from each paycheck based on the W-4 form submitted to the employer. Travel nurses can adjust withholdings to account for non-taxable stipends, but inaccurate settings may result in owing taxes or receiving a large refund during filing season. The IRS provides a Tax Withholding Estimator to help calculate appropriate withholdings.

State Income Tax Considerations

State income taxes depend on where the travel nurse works and resides. Some states, like Texas and Florida, have no state income tax, while others, like California, have rates up to If a nurse works in a state with income tax but lives in a state without, they may still owe taxes to the work state unless a reciprocity agreement exists. For example, a nurse working in Maryland but living in Virginia may benefit from reciprocity, as outlined by the Virginia Department of Taxation. Travel nurses should check state-specific tax rules, especially for short-term assignments, to avoid unexpected liabilities.

Tax-Free Stipends and IRS Requirements

One of the most appealing aspects of travel nursing is tax-free stipends for housing and meals. To qualify, nurses must meet IRS guidelines, which include duplicating living expenses by maintaining a permanent tax home while working temporarily away from it. The IRS defines a tax home as the general area of a person’s primary place of business or residence, per Publication 463. If a nurse does not maintain a tax home, stipends may be considered taxable income, significantly reducing take-home pay.

Stipend amounts are often based on General Services Administration (GSA) per diem rates, which vary by location. For example, the 2025 housing per diem for San Francisco is higher than for rural areas due to cost-of-living differences. Nurses can check current rates on the GSA website.

Other Deductions Impacting Pay

Beyond taxes, paychecks may include deductions for Social Security ( of taxable income up to $176,100 in 2025), Medicare ( with an additional for high earners), and optional benefits like health insurance or 401(k) contributions. These deductions reduce net pay but may offer long-term financial benefits. Nurses should review pay stubs to ensure deductions align with their elections.

Practical Tips for Estimating Take-Home Pay

To estimate take-home pay, start with the hourly base wage multiplied by hours worked per week, then add taxable bonuses. Subtract federal and state taxes based on estimated annual income and withholding settings. Add non-taxable stipends, ensuring compliance with IRS tax home rules. Finally, subtract Social Security, Medicare, and other deductions. Online calculators, like the one provided below, simplify this process by factoring in these variables.

Travel nurses should consult a tax professional familiar with their unique situation, especially if working in multiple states or receiving significant stipends. Keeping detailed records of expenses, contracts, and tax home documentation is essential for accurate filing and maximizing tax benefits.

The above information is reviewed by our team of tax experts, all of them have an average of about 10 years of experience in the U.S. tax, if you have any questions, you can submit the form to us, our experts will be within 24 hours, reply to you.

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