Med-Surg Travel Nurse Salary in Illinois
Calculate your take-home pay as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Illinois. 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
$48/hr
Med-Surg in IL
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,920
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$99,840
Working full-time
Illinois Med-Surg Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Med-Surg travel nurse compensation
Illinois's 4.95% state tax is offset by a low cost of living (index: 94.3). Med-Surg travel nurses here can expect affordable housing—average rent is $1200/month, leaving an estimated $1,011/week in stipend profit.
Est. Weekly Gross
$3,208
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$2,652
(After 28.95% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$1,011/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $58/hr — $10/hr more than Illinois. Compare →
Calculate Your Med-Surg Pay in Illinois
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Illinois. 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 4.95% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$83.78
Based on 36 hours in IL.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,016
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,728
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$500
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,516
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$32,705
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$65,409
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$130,819
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,516
per week
Taxes
$500
per week
Total Gross: $3,016 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Illinois
$1,200
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,437
Your stipend covers rent with $2,437 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,200/month in Chicago:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Illinois
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Illinois's cost of living is lower than the national average by 5.7 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
Utilities: Moderate
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 Illinois
Med-Surg travel nurses in Illinois receive the same tax-free stipend rates as other specialties. The specialty premium is reflected in your higher taxable hourly rate.
Lodging
$120/night
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
Weekly Stipend Max
$1,323
Requirements for Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Illinois
Med-Surg Certifications
- BLS
- 1+ years Med-Surg experience
Illinois Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Illinois
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Cities for Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Illinois
Top Hospitals Hiring Med-Surg Nurses in Illinois
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Rush University Medical Center
- University of Chicago Medical Center
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Med-Surg travel nurses make in Illinois?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses in Illinois typically earn between $43 and $60 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $48/hr. This translates to approximately $1,920 per week or $99,840 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 Illinois?
To work as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Illinois, you typically need: BLS, 1+ years Med-Surg experience. Illinois is NOT part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so you'll need a separate Illinois nursing license ($200, takes 4-6 weeks).
What GSA rates apply for Med-Surg travel nurses in Illinois?
The GSA per diem rates for Illinois are: Lodging: $120/night, Meals: $64/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 Illinois a good state for Med-Surg travel nurses?
Illinois 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 94.3 (below national average).
Which cities in Illinois have the best Med-Surg travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Medical-Surgical travel nurse assignments in Illinois include: Chicago, Peoria, Rockford. Major hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center frequently hire Med-Surg travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.