How to maximize your Travel Nurse stipends?

​Travel nurses often receive housing and meal stipends based on the General Services Administration (GSA) per diem rates, which are allowances for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred during official travel. These rates vary by location and time of year, reflecting the cost differences across the United States.

Per Diem calculation tool by State. U.S. General Services Administration https://www.gsa.gov/

Understanding GSA Per Diem Rates:

• Lodging: The GSA sets maximum lodging allowances for specific areas, known as Non-Standard Areas (NSAs), which are frequently traveled locations. Areas not classified as NSAs fall under the standard Continental United States (CONUS) rate. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, the standard CONUS lodging rate increased from $107 to $110 per night. ​

• Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE): The M&IE rates are categorized into tiers. In FY 2025, these tiers range from $68 to $92 per day, depending on the location. The standard M&IE rate increased from $59 to $68.

  
  

Calculating Weekly Stipends:

To estimate the maximum weekly stipends for housing and meals:

1. Identify the Location's Rates: Use the GSA's per diem lookup tool to find the specific lodging and M&IE rates for your assignment location. ​Click here to find the state/city/zip code that you want to travel and the maximum stipends you can get. CALCULATE YOUR STIPENDS.

   
   

2. Calculate Weekly Amounts:

   • Lodging: Multiply the daily lodging rate by the number of lodging nights in a week (typically 7).​

   • Meals and Incidentals: Multiply the daily M&IE rate by 7.​

     
     

Example Calculation for Washington, DC in the month of May, 2025:

According to the GSA per diem rates, the lodging rate per night in Washington, DC in May of 2025 is $276. The M&IE rate is $92 per day.

• Lodging: $276/night × 7 nights = $1,932/week​

• M&IE: $92/day × 7 days = $644/week​

• Total Weekly Stipend: $1,932 (lodging) + $644(M&IE) = $2,576/week

  
  

Important Considerations:

• Variability: Per diem rates can vary within a state, especially between urban and rural areas. Always check the specific rates for your assignment location.​

• Tax Implications: Stipends are typically tax-free if they do not exceed the federal per diem rates and if you maintain a tax home. Consult with a tax professional to understand how this applies to your situation.​

• Agency Policies: Travel nursing agencies may have different policies regarding stipends. Ensure you understand how your agency calculates and distributes these allowances.​

  
  

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the GSA's per diem rates.

By utilizing the GSA's resources and understanding how per diem rates apply to your assignments, you can effectively estimate and plan for your housing and food stipends as a travel nurse.

Sources: ​U.S. General Services Administration https://www.gsa.gov/

​U.S. General Services Administration - Per Diem Rates https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates