Travel Nursing · Pay Calculator
ER Travel Nurses Pay Calculator — 2026
Emergency Room travel nurses are among the most in-demand specialties nationwide. Fast-paced environments, high census, and a chronic shortage of experienced ED nurses drive strong packages — typically $2,000–$3,000/week total.
Typical weekly package
$2,360–$3,922
Taxable hourly rate
$35–$52/hr
Housing stipend
$850–$1700/wk
Demand
Very High
Your true take-home breakdown
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ER Travel Nurses: Pay, Demand & What to Expect
Typical pay breakdown
ER Travel Nurses travel contracts typically include a taxable hourly rate of $35–$52/hour (W-2 wages), plus tax-free housing stipends of $850–$1700/week and M&IE stipends of $250–$350/week. The total package ranges from $2,360–$3,922/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 er travel nurses contracts are currently concentrated in: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Arizona. 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
ER travelers who float comfortably between high-acuity Level I and Level II trauma centers have the widest contract options. If you've only worked community EDs, completing a trauma bay rotation before traveling opens significantly higher-paying contracts.
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 ER travel nurses make?
ER travel nurses typically earn $2,000–$3,000/week total (taxable hourly rate plus tax-free stipends). Taxable rates are usually $35–$52/hour depending on market and experience. California ED travelers frequently see packages of $3,000–$3,500/week due to high cost of living and mandatory nurse-to-patient ratio requirements.
Do ER travel nurses need trauma certification?
TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) is required at Level I and Level II trauma centers and strongly preferred elsewhere. It's a 2-day course available through the Emergency Nurses Association. ACLS and PALS are universally required. CEN certification is preferred but not always mandatory.
Is ER a good specialty for travel nursing?
Yes — ER is one of the most portable and in-demand travel nursing specialties. ED skills transfer well across facilities, demand is consistently high, and the specialty is rarely subject to the 'float to med-surg' pressure that some travelers experience. The tradeoff is higher stress and unpredictable patient loads.
Other travel nurse specialties
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