PACU Travel Nurse Salary in Texas
Calculate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Texas. 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
$49/hr
PACU in TX
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,969
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$102,378
Working full-time
Texas PACU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PACU travel nurse compensation
Texas 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 $845.
Est. Weekly Gross
$3,068
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$2,595
(After 24% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$845/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $62/hr — $13/hr more than Texas. Compare →
Calculate Your PACU Pay in Texas
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Texas. 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
$76.53
Based on 36 hours in TX.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,755
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,656
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$397
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,358
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$30,648
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$61,297
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$122,593
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,358
per week
Taxes
$397
per week
Total Gross: $2,755 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Texas
$1,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$1,870
Your stipend covers rent with $1,870 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,100/month in Houston:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Texas
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Texas's cost of living is lower than the national average by 7.3 points.
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 Texas
PACU travel nurses in Texas 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 Texas
PACU Certifications
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years PACU experience
Texas Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Texas
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring PACU Nurses in Texas
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Texas Medical Center
- Baylor Scott & White Health
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PACU travel nurses make in Texas?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses in Texas typically earn between $44 and $61 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $49/hr. This translates to approximately $1,969 per week or $102,378 annually. PACU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a PACU travel nurse in Texas?
To work as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Texas, you typically need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years PACU experience. Texas 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 Texas?
The GSA per diem rates for Texas 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 Texas a good state for PACU travel nurses?
Texas is relatively tax-friendly for travel nurses. PACU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 92.7 (below national average).
Which cities in Texas have the best PACU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Texas include: Houston, Dallas, Austin. Major hospitals like MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Medical Center frequently hire PACU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.