PACU Travel Nurse Salary in Arkansas
Calculate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Arkansas. PACU travel nurses care for patients recovering from anesthesia and surgery, monitoring vital signs and managing post-operative care.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$43/hr
PACU in AR
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,712
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$89,024
Working full-time
Calculate Your PACU Pay in Arkansas
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit 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
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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:
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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.
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GSA Rates & Tax-Free Stipends in Arkansas
PACU 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 PACU Travel Nurses in Arkansas
PACU Certifications
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years PACU experience
Arkansas Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Arkansas
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring PACU Nurses in Arkansas
- UAMS Medical Center
- Baptist Health
- Mercy Hospital
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PACU travel nurses make in Arkansas?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses in Arkansas typically earn between $38 and $55 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $43/hr. This translates to approximately $1,712 per week or $89,024 annually. PACU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a PACU travel nurse in Arkansas?
To work as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Arkansas, you typically need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years PACU 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 PACU 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. PACU 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 PACU travel nurses?
Arkansas has higher taxes but often offers competitive rates for travel nurses. PACU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 86.5 (below national average).
Which cities in Arkansas have the best PACU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Arkansas include: Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith. Major hospitals like UAMS Medical Center and Baptist Health frequently hire PACU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.