Travel Nursing · Pay Calculator
OR Travel Nurses Pay Calculator — 2026
Operating Room (perioperative) travel nurses are among the highest-paid in travel nursing, with typical packages of $2,400–$3,400/week. Surgical volume backlogs post-COVID and a thin pipeline of OR-trained nurses keep demand and pay elevated.
Typical weekly package
$2,662–$4,410
Taxable hourly rate
$42–$60/hr
Housing stipend
$900–$1900/wk
Demand
Very High
Your true take-home breakdown
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OR Travel Nurses: Pay, Demand & What to Expect
Typical pay breakdown
OR Travel Nurses travel contracts typically include a taxable hourly rate of $42–$60/hour (W-2 wages), plus tax-free housing stipends of $900–$1900/week and M&IE stipends of $250–$350/week. The total package ranges from $2,662–$4,410/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 or travel nurses contracts are currently concentrated in: California, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, Washington. 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
OR travelers who can scrub and circulate across multiple service lines (ortho, cardiac, neuro, general) are significantly more placeable and command higher rates than specialty-only nurses. Being able to cover call and weekend OR increases your value to facilities substantially.
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 OR travel nurses make?
OR travel nurses typically earn $2,400–$3,400/week total. Taxable hourly rates are usually $42–$60, with the top end for cardiac or neuro OR in high-cost markets. OR travelers consistently earn more than most other specialties because the pool of OR-trained travel nurses is relatively small.
Can I travel as an OR nurse if I only know one service line?
Yes, but your job options are more limited. Single-service-line OR nurses (ortho-only, for example) can find assignments but may wait longer. Facilities prefer travelers who can float across 2–3 service lines to cover call. If you're thinking about traveling, adding a second service line before your first contract opens significantly more options.
Do OR travel nurses have to take call?
Most OR travel contracts include call requirements — often 1–2 call shifts per week. The call pay is on top of your regular hourly rate and can add $200–$600/week to total compensation. Always review the call requirements and pay structure before accepting a contract, as they vary significantly by facility.
Other travel nurse specialties
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