Travel Nursing · Pay Calculator
Cath Lab Travel Nurses Pay Calculator — 2026
Cardiac catheterization lab travel nurses are among the highest earners in travel nursing, with packages often reaching $2,800–$4,000/week. Interventional cardiology requires rare skills — and the pay reflects that scarcity.
Typical weekly package
$2,820–$4,690
Taxable hourly rate
$45–$65/hr
Housing stipend
$950–$2000/wk
Demand
High
Your true take-home breakdown
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Cath Lab Travel Nurses: Pay, Demand & What to Expect
Typical pay breakdown
Cath Lab Travel Nurses travel contracts typically include a taxable hourly rate of $45–$65/hour (W-2 wages), plus tax-free housing stipends of $950–$2000/week and M&IE stipends of $250–$350/week. The total package ranges from $2,820–$4,690/week before taxes.
The tax-free stipends are the key to travel nursing's earning power. Because housing and M&IE stipends are not subject to federal income tax or FICA (when IRS and GSA rules are met), your effective take-home pay is significantly higher than a staff nurse earning a similar gross salary. The calculator above shows your exact after-tax take-home based on your specific contract details.
Hot markets
The highest-paying cath lab travel nurses contracts are currently concentrated in: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Massachusetts. Pay varies significantly by state — California contracts are often 20–40% higher than the national average due to mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios and high cost of living.
Strategy tip
Cath lab travelers with both diagnostic and interventional experience (PCI, TAVR, EP lab) have the widest contract options and highest rates. If you can also manage hemodynamic monitoring and IABP, you're at the top of the demand curve. Call requirements are common — factor them into your total compensation calculation.
Tax-free stipend eligibility
To receive housing and M&IE stipends tax-free, you must maintain a bona fide tax home — a permanent residence you return to and have ongoing costs for (rent, mortgage, utilities). The IRS considers whether you are duplicating living expenses away from home. Working in your home metro for more than 12 months may disqualify your stipends. The calculator's GSA compliance and tax-home risk sections flag these scenarios automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cath lab travel nurses make?
Cath lab travel nurses consistently earn $2,800–$4,000/week in total compensation — among the highest of any travel nursing specialty. Taxable hourly rates are typically $45–$65, with the top end for TAVR/structural heart or EP lab experience. Call pay can add $300–$700/week on top of base compensation.
Do cath lab travel nurses take call?
Yes — almost universally. Most cath labs operate on a 24/7 STEMI call schedule, and travel cath lab nurses participate in the call rotation. Call pay is typically $4–$8/hour on standby plus full hourly rate if called in. Always review the call schedule and pay structure before accepting a cath lab contract.
Can a cath lab RN with only diagnostic experience get travel contracts?
Yes, but your options are more limited. Facilities prefer travelers who can scrub both diagnostic and interventional cases. If you have diagnostic-only experience, look for facilities that pair travelers with interventional-experienced staff. Adding interventional experience before traveling opens significantly more contracts.
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