Med-Surg Travel Nurse Salary in Alabama
Calculate your take-home pay as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Alabama. Med-Surg travel nurses provide care for patients with various medical and surgical conditions, the most common travel nursing specialty.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$42/hr
Med-Surg in AL
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,680
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$87,360
Working full-time
Alabama Med-Surg Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Med-Surg travel nurse compensation
Alabama's 5% state tax is offset by a low cost of living (index: 88.1). Med-Surg travel nurses here can expect affordable housing—average rent is $900/month, leaving an estimated $891/week in stipend profit.
Est. Weekly Gross
$2,779
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$2,292
(After 29% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$891/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $58/hr — $16/hr more than Alabama. Compare →
Calculate Your Med-Surg Pay in Alabama
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Alabama. Enter your contract details to see your true discretionary income after cost of living adjustments.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 5% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$72.53
Based on 36 hours in AL.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,611
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,512
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$438
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,173
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$28,243
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$56,486
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$112,971
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,173
per week
Taxes
$438
per week
Total Gross: $2,611 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Alabama
$900
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,070
Your stipend covers rent with $2,070 left over each month.
Find apartments under $900/month in Birmingham:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Alabama
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Alabama's cost of living is lower than the national average by 11.9 points.
💡 Lower cost of living area. Your pay may go further here than in expensive cities.
Housing Cost: Low
Utilities: Low
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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GSA Rates & Tax-Free Stipends in Alabama
Med-Surg travel nurses in Alabama receive the same tax-free stipend rates as other specialties. The specialty premium is reflected in your higher taxable hourly rate.
Lodging
$98/night
Meals & Incidentals
$64/day
Weekly Stipend Max
$1,134
Requirements for Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Alabama
Med-Surg Certifications
- BLS
- 1+ years Med-Surg experience
Alabama Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Alabama
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Cities for Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Alabama
Top Hospitals Hiring Med-Surg Nurses in Alabama
- UAB Hospital
- Baptist Health System
- Huntsville Hospital
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Med-Surg travel nurses make in Alabama?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses in Alabama typically earn between $37 and $54 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $42/hr. This translates to approximately $1,680 per week or $87,360 annually. Med-Surg nurses often earn a premium due to extremely high demand.
What are the requirements to work as a Med-Surg travel nurse in Alabama?
To work as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Alabama, you typically need: BLS, 1+ years Med-Surg experience. Alabama is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so if you have a compact license, you can work here without additional state licensing.
What GSA rates apply for Med-Surg travel nurses in Alabama?
The GSA per diem rates for Alabama are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts. Med-Surg travel nurses receive the same stipend rates as other specialties—the specialty premium is reflected in the higher taxable hourly rate.
Is Alabama a good state for Med-Surg travel nurses?
Alabama is relatively tax-friendly for travel nurses. Med-Surg nurses are in extremely high demand, which often leads to better pay and more assignment options. The cost of living index is 88.1 (below national average).
Which cities in Alabama have the best Med-Surg travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Medical-Surgical travel nurse assignments in Alabama include: Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville. Major hospitals like UAB Hospital and Baptist Health System frequently hire Med-Surg travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.