PACU Travel Nurse Salary in Wisconsin
Calculate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Wisconsin. 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
$47/hr
PACU in WI
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,883
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$97,926
Working full-time
Calculate Your PACU Pay in Wisconsin
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Wisconsin. 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 7.65% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$74.53
Based on 36 hours in WI.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,683
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,584
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$501
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,182
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$28,362
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$56,723
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$113,447
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,182
per week
Taxes
$501
per week
Total Gross: $2,683 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Wisconsin
$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 Milwaukee:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Wisconsin
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Wisconsin's cost of living is lower than the national average by 3.9 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 Wisconsin
PACU travel nurses in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
PACU Certifications
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years PACU experience
Wisconsin Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Wisconsin
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring PACU Nurses in Wisconsin
- Froedtert Hospital
- UW Health
- Aurora Health Care
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PACU travel nurses make in Wisconsin?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses in Wisconsin typically earn between $42 and $59 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $47/hr. This translates to approximately $1,883 per week or $97,926 annually. PACU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a PACU travel nurse in Wisconsin?
To work as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Wisconsin, you typically need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years PACU experience. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
The GSA per diem rates for Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin a good state for PACU travel nurses?
Wisconsin 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 96.1 (below national average).
Which cities in Wisconsin have the best PACU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Wisconsin include: Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay. Major hospitals like Froedtert Hospital and UW Health frequently hire PACU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.