Travel Nursing · Pay Calculator
Oncology Travel Nurses Pay Calculator — 2026
Oncology travel nurses (inpatient BMT, hematology/oncology units, and infusion) are in steady demand at cancer centers and academic medical centers. Packages typically run $1,800–$2,600/week.
Typical weekly package
$2,130–$3,506
Taxable hourly rate
$30–$46/hr
Housing stipend
$800–$1500/wk
Demand
Moderate
Your true take-home breakdown
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Oncology Travel Nurses: Pay, Demand & What to Expect
Typical pay breakdown
Oncology Travel Nurses travel contracts typically include a taxable hourly rate of $30–$46/hour (W-2 wages), plus tax-free housing stipends of $800–$1500/week and M&IE stipends of $250–$350/week. The total package ranges from $2,130–$3,506/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 oncology travel nurses contracts are currently concentrated in: Texas (MD Anderson), New York (MSK), Tennessee (Vanderbilt), Minnesota (Mayo), Pennsylvania. 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
Bone marrow transplant (BMT) / stem cell transplant experience commands the highest oncology rates — often $5–$10/hour more than standard hematology/oncology. Chemotherapy certification (OCN or BMTCN) significantly increases your contract options and base rate. Many facilities require chemotherapy administration competency before travel orientation.
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 oncology travel nurses make?
Oncology travel nurses typically earn $1,800–$2,600/week in total compensation. BMT-specialized travelers command higher rates — $2,200–$2,800/week — due to the subspecialty complexity. Major cancer centers (MD Anderson, MSK, Mayo, Vanderbilt) often have strong packages and long assignment durations.
Do oncology travel nurses need chemo certification?
Most inpatient oncology travel contracts require chemotherapy administration certification. The ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Certificate is the most widely recognized credential. Some facilities will allow new-to-chemo travelers but expect them to complete the certification before or immediately after orientation.
Are oncology travel contracts available year-round?
Yes — cancer is not seasonal. Inpatient oncology and BMT units have consistent year-round demand. Large cancer centers often prefer longer travel assignments (16–26 weeks) to minimize orientation costs for the specialized unit environment.
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