Travel Nurse vs. Staff Nurse Comp

True apples-to-apples comparison of travel nursing vs. permanent staff. Stacks tax-free stipends (housing + M&IE per diem) against agency fee structure, travel costs, gap weeks, and benefits delta.

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Staff Position (Baseline)

Typical RN 3×12 = 36 hrs/wk
Health, 401k match, PTO, education

Travel Assignment

Tax-free stipend eligibility: IRS requires you maintain a "tax home" (permanent residence) in another location to receive housing and M&IE stipends tax-free. GSA per diem rates vary by location; model uses your input values. Taxable base rate must be at or above applicable minimum wage. Source: IRS Rev. Rul. 59-58; IRC §162(a)(2); GSA M&IE tables.
The taxable "wage" portion of travel pay
Meals & incidentals. GSA 2025 average: $68/day
Flights, gas, moving costs
If stipend doesn't cover full housing cost
Staff Nurse
Travel Nurse
Annual Delta
Travel minus staff (net)
Effective Travel Rate
All-in hourly equivalent
Stipend Tax Savings
Value of tax-free status
Annual Gap Cost
Lost income during contract gaps

Detailed Breakdown

ComponentStaff ($)Travel ($)Notes