Travel Nurse Pay in Austin, Texas: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Austin.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Austin Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$994/wk
≈ $4,304.02/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,500/mo
Margin
+$2,804.02/mo
Stipend covers rent
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
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in TX.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$173
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,947
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$25,314
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$50,627
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$101,254
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,947
per week
Taxes
$173
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Texas
$1,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$3,230
Your stipend covers rent with $3,230 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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Travel Nurse Pay in Austin
Average Hourly Rate
$52/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$2,080
GSA Lodging Rate
$142/night
GSA Meal Rate
$64/day
Cost of Living in Austin
Cost of Living Index
119.3 (Above National Average)
Studio
$1300/mo
1 Bedroom
$1500/mo
2 Bedroom
$2000/mo
Top Hospitals in Austin
- 🏥 Dell Seton Medical Center
- 🏥 St. David's Medical Center
- 🏥 Ascension Seton
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Austin, Texas?
Travel nurses in Austin typically earn between $47 and $62 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $52/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $58-73 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Austin, Texas?
The GSA per diem rates for Austin are: Lodging: $142/night, Meals: $64/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).
What is the cost of living in Austin?
The cost of living index in Austin is 119.3, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $1300 for a studio to $2000 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Austin?
Top hospitals in Austin that frequently hire travel nurses include Dell Seton Medical Center, St. David's Medical Center, Ascension Seton, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Austin?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Austin include ICU, ER, Med-Surg. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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