PACU Travel Nurse Salary in Illinois
Calculate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Illinois. 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
$51/hr
PACU in IL
Weekly Gross Pay
$2,054
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$106,829
Working full-time
Illinois PACU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PACU travel nurse compensation
Illinois's 4.95% state tax is offset by a low cost of living (index: 94.3). PACU travel nurses here can expect affordable housing—average rent is $1200/month, leaving an estimated $1,011/week in stipend profit.
Est. Weekly Gross
$3,342
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$2,747
(After 28.95% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$1,011/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $62/hr — $11/hr more than Illinois. Compare →
Calculate Your PACU Pay in Illinois
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit 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
PACU 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 PACU Travel Nurses in Illinois
PACU Certifications
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years PACU experience
Illinois Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Illinois
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring PACU Nurses in Illinois
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Rush University Medical Center
- University of Chicago Medical Center
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PACU travel nurses make in Illinois?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses in Illinois typically earn between $46 and $63 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $51/hr. This translates to approximately $2,054 per week or $106,829 annually. PACU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a PACU travel nurse in Illinois?
To work as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Illinois, you typically need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years PACU 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 PACU 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. PACU 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 PACU travel nurses?
Illinois is relatively tax-friendly for travel nurses. PACU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 94.3 (below national average).
Which cities in Illinois have the best PACU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Illinois include: Chicago, Peoria, Rockford. Major hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center frequently hire PACU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.