PACU Travel Nurse Salary in Massachusetts
Calculate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Massachusetts. 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
$60/hr
PACU in MA
Weekly Gross Pay
$2,397
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$124,634
Working full-time
Massachusetts PACU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PACU travel nurse compensation
Massachusetts offers moderate PACU travel nurse compensation at $60/hr (ranked #3 of 50 states). Demand is steady for this specialty.
Est. Weekly Gross
$3,965
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$3,270
(After 29% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$1,152/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Calculate Your PACU Pay in Massachusetts
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Massachusetts. 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
$99.56
Based on 36 hours in MA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,584
Taxable Weekly Income
$2,016
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$585
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,999
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$38,992
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$77,983
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$155,967
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,999
per week
Taxes
$585
per week
Total Gross: $3,584 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,050
≈ $4,547/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Massachusetts
$1,800
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,747
Your stipend covers rent with $2,747 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,800/month in Boston:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
Cost of Living Analysis in Massachusetts
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Massachusetts's cost of living is higher than the national average by 46.5 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: Very High
Utilities: High
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 Massachusetts
PACU travel nurses in Massachusetts receive the same tax-free stipend rates as other specialties. The specialty premium is reflected in your higher taxable hourly rate.
Lodging
$150/night
Meals & Incidentals
$79/day
Weekly Stipend Max
$1,603
Requirements for PACU Travel Nurses in Massachusetts
PACU Certifications
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years PACU experience
Massachusetts Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Massachusetts
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring PACU Nurses in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PACU travel nurses make in Massachusetts?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses in Massachusetts typically earn between $55 and $72 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $60/hr. This translates to approximately $2,397 per week or $124,634 annually. PACU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a PACU travel nurse in Massachusetts?
To work as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Massachusetts, you typically need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years PACU experience. Massachusetts is NOT part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so you'll need a separate Massachusetts nursing license ($300, takes 4-6 weeks).
What GSA rates apply for PACU travel nurses in Massachusetts?
The GSA per diem rates for Massachusetts are: Lodging: $150/night, Meals: $74/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 Massachusetts a good state for PACU travel nurses?
Massachusetts is relatively tax-friendly for travel nurses. PACU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 146.5 (above national average).
Which cities in Massachusetts have the best PACU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Massachusetts include: Boston, Worcester, Springfield. Major hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital frequently hire PACU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.