Travel Nurse Tax Calculator

Non-taxable stipends (housing, meals, travel) are excluded from federal and state income tax when you meet IRS requirements: you must maintain a permanent tax home that you regularly return to, and the assignment must be temporary (typically under 1 year). Taxable wages on your W-2 are what's subject to income tax and FICA.

A permanent tax home is your main place of business or work — where you regularly live and work when not on a travel assignment. You must incur duplicated living expenses to qualify for non-taxable stipends. The IRS scrutinizes travel nurse tax situations; consider working with a CPA who specializes in travel healthcare.

Nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Travel nurses on assignment in these states pay only federal income tax and FICA — significantly boosting take-home. Note that NH taxes interest/dividends.

FICA consists of Social Security (6.2% up to the $168,600 wage base in 2024) and Medicare (1.45%, plus an additional 0.9% on wages over $200,000). FICA applies only to taxable W-2 wages, not non-taxable stipends — one reason travel nurse packages are often more favorable than equivalent staff nurse pay.

This tool provides a simplified estimate using 2024 IRS federal brackets, Tax Foundation state rates, and standard deduction — no itemized deductions, local taxes, or state-specific rules beyond the flat rate. It is for informational purposes only. Consult a tax professional (ideally one familiar with travel healthcare) for your specific situation.