Travel Nursing · Pay Calculator
Telemetry Travel Nurses Pay Calculator — 2026
Telemetry / step-down travel nurses are the most widely available travel nursing specialty, with the largest number of open contracts nationwide. Packages typically run $1,700–$2,500/week — strong for RNs with 1–2 years of experience.
Typical weekly package
$2,008–$3,362
Taxable hourly rate
$28–$42/hr
Housing stipend
$750–$1500/wk
Demand
Very High
Your true take-home breakdown
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Telemetry Travel Nurses: Pay, Demand & What to Expect
Typical pay breakdown
Telemetry Travel Nurses travel contracts typically include a taxable hourly rate of $28–$42/hour (W-2 wages), plus tax-free housing stipends of $750–$1500/week and M&IE stipends of $250–$350/week. The total package ranges from $2,008–$3,362/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 telemetry travel nurses contracts are currently concentrated in: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Nevada. 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
Telemetry travelers who can read and interpret rhythms competently — not just watch monitors — stand out. If you're comfortable managing 4:1 or 5:1 ratios with drip management, your options and rates climb toward the top of the range. ACLS and experience with vasoactive drips are expected at most facilities.
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 telemetry travel nurses make?
Telemetry travel nurses typically earn $1,700–$2,500/week in total compensation. Taxable hourly rates are $28–$42 depending on market. California telemetry contracts pay significantly more ($2,200–$2,800/week) due to mandatory 4:1 nurse-to-patient ratios and high cost of living. Telemetry is a strong specialty for new travelers because of high contract volume.
Can a new RN become a telemetry travel nurse?
Most agencies and facilities require 1–2 years of RN experience before travel nursing. Telemetry is one of the best entry-point specialties for first-time travelers — there are more contracts, orientations are slightly longer than ICU, and the skills translate across facilities. Plan for 12–18 months of staff experience before your first telemetry travel contract.
Is telemetry pay lower than other travel specialties?
Telemetry pay is generally lower than ICU, OR, or NICU because supply is higher — more nurses have telemetry experience. That said, California telemetry contracts often match national ICU rates due to ratio mandates. As a telemetry traveler, your competitive advantage is availability of contracts, not peak pay rates.
Other travel nurse specialties
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