Travel Nursing · Pay Calculator
Home Health Travel Nurses Pay Calculator — 2026
Home health travel nurses serve rural and underserved communities where in-home care is scarce. Pay structures differ from inpatient travel — often per-visit rather than hourly — with effective weekly earnings of $1,600–$2,400.
Typical weekly package
$2,030–$3,478
Taxable hourly rate
$30–$48/hr
Housing stipend
$700–$1400/wk
Demand
Moderate
Your true take-home breakdown
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Home Health Travel Nurses: Pay, Demand & What to Expect
Typical pay breakdown
Home Health Travel Nurses travel contracts typically include a taxable hourly rate of $30–$48/hour (W-2 wages), plus tax-free housing stipends of $700–$1400/week and M&IE stipends of $250–$350/week. The total package ranges from $2,030–$3,478/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 home health travel nurses contracts are currently concentrated in: Rural Midwest, Appalachian region, Rural South, Pacific Northwest, Alaska. 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
Home health travel pay is often quoted per visit or per episode, not per hour — always convert to effective hourly rate before comparing contracts. Mileage reimbursement is a significant component of home health compensation. Confirm the per-mile rate and whether it covers your actual driving distances before accepting.
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 does home health travel nurse pay work?
Home health travel pay can be structured as hourly, per-visit, or per-episode. Per-visit rates are typically $65–$120/visit. Effective weekly earnings depend on your caseload — typically 5–8 visits per day. Mileage reimbursement (usually IRS rate or slightly below) is a meaningful part of total compensation in rural markets.
Do home health travel nurses get housing stipends?
Yes, if you qualify by maintaining a bona fide tax home. The rules are identical to inpatient travel nursing — you must have a permanent residence you return to and are duplicating living expenses. Many home health agencies offer stipends comparable to inpatient travel nursing, though the total package is often somewhat lower.
Is a car required for home health travel nursing?
Yes — a reliable personal vehicle is non-negotiable for home health travel. You will drive to patient homes across a defined geographic territory, often in rural areas with limited infrastructure. Confirm that mileage reimbursement is included in your contract and understand the territory size before accepting.
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