Med-Surg Travel Nurse Salary in Arkansas
Calculate your take-home pay as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Arkansas. 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
$40/hr
Med-Surg in AR
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,600
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$83,200
Working full-time
Arkansas Med-Surg Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Med-Surg travel nurse compensation
Arkansas's 5.9% state tax is offset by a low cost of living (index: 86.5). Med-Surg travel nurses here can expect affordable housing—average rent is $800/month, leaving an estimated $914/week in stipend profit.
Est. Weekly Gross
$2,699
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$2,221
(After 29.9% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$914/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $58/hr — $18/hr more than Arkansas. Compare →
Calculate Your Med-Surg Pay in Arkansas
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Arkansas. 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 5.9% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$70.53
Based on 36 hours in AR.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,539
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,440
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$431
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,108
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$27,410
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$54,819
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$109,639
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,108
per week
Taxes
$431
per week
Total Gross: $2,539 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Arkansas
$800
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,170
Your stipend covers rent with $2,170 left over each month.
Find apartments under $800/month in Little Rock:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
Cost of Living Analysis in Arkansas
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Arkansas's cost of living is lower than the national average by 13.5 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.
Resources for Your Assignment
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
GSA Rates & Tax-Free Stipends in Arkansas
Med-Surg travel nurses in Arkansas 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 Arkansas
Med-Surg Certifications
- BLS
- 1+ years Med-Surg experience
Arkansas Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Arkansas
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Cities for Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Arkansas
Top Hospitals Hiring Med-Surg Nurses in Arkansas
- UAMS Medical Center
- Baptist Health
- Mercy Hospital
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Med-Surg travel nurses make in Arkansas?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses in Arkansas typically earn between $35 and $52 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $40/hr. This translates to approximately $1,600 per week or $83,200 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 Arkansas?
To work as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Arkansas, you typically need: BLS, 1+ years Med-Surg experience. Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
The GSA per diem rates for Arkansas 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 Arkansas a good state for Med-Surg travel nurses?
Arkansas has higher taxes but often offers competitive rates 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 86.5 (below national average).
Which cities in Arkansas have the best Med-Surg travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Medical-Surgical travel nurse assignments in Arkansas include: Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith. Major hospitals like UAMS Medical Center and Baptist Health frequently hire Med-Surg travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.