PACU Travel Nurse Salary in Tennessee
Calculate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Tennessee. 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
$44/hr
PACU in TN
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,755
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$91,250
Working full-time
Tennessee PACU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PACU travel nurse compensation
Tennessee is one of the best states for PACU travel nurses seeking maximum take-home pay: zero state income tax combined with below-average cost of living means you keep more of every dollar earned. Your estimated weekly stipend profit is $868.
Est. Weekly Gross
$2,854
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$2,433
(After 24% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$868/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $62/hr — $18/hr more than Tennessee. Compare →
Calculate Your PACU Pay in Tennessee
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Tennessee. 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 no state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$71.53
Based on 36 hours in TN.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,575
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,476
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$354
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,221
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$28,870
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$57,740
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$115,480
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,221
per week
Taxes
$354
per week
Total Gross: $2,575 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Tennessee
$1,000
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$1,970
Your stipend covers rent with $1,970 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,000/month in Nashville:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Tennessee
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Tennessee's cost of living is lower than the national average by 11.0 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 Tennessee
PACU travel nurses in Tennessee 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 Tennessee
PACU Certifications
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years PACU experience
Tennessee Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Tennessee
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring PACU Nurses in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
- University of Tennessee Medical Center
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PACU travel nurses make in Tennessee?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses in Tennessee typically earn between $39 and $56 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $44/hr. This translates to approximately $1,755 per week or $91,250 annually. PACU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a PACU travel nurse in Tennessee?
To work as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Tennessee, you typically need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years PACU experience. Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The GSA per diem rates for Tennessee 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 Tennessee a good state for PACU travel nurses?
Tennessee is relatively tax-friendly for travel nurses. PACU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 89 (below national average).
Which cities in Tennessee have the best PACU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Tennessee include: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville. Major hospitals like Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare frequently hire PACU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.