Travel Nurse Pay in Nashville, Tennessee: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates

Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Nashville.

Last updated: February 21, 2026

Economics Verdict

Profitable: Nashville Travel Nursing

GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)

$994/wk

≈ $4,304.02/mo

Avg Rent (1BR)

$1,400/mo

Margin

+$2,904.02/mo

Stipend covers rent

Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown

Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.

Excellent: Your housing stipend matches or exceeds the GSA maximum for Tennessee ($686/week). This is the maximum tax-free amount.
Effective Tax Rate24.0%
Federal: 24%
State: 0%

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 TN.

Gross Weekly Pay

$2,120

Taxable Weekly Income

$720

Estimated Weekly Taxes

$173

True Net Weekly Pay

$1,947

Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by travel nursing agencies.

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

Loading chart...

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 Tennessee

$1,000

Monthly average

Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money

+$3,330

Your stipend covers rent with $3,330 left over each month.

Find apartments under $1,000/month in Nashville:

We may earn a commission if you book through our link.

Cost of Living Analysis in Tennessee

Monthly Net Income:$8,431
Average 1BR Rent:$1,000
True Discretionary Income:$7,431

After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses

Cost of Living Index:89.0

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.

Resources for Your Assignment

These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Travel Nurse Pay in Nashville

Average Hourly Rate

$50/hr

Average Weekly Pay

$2,000

GSA Lodging Rate

$142/night

GSA Meal Rate

$64/day

Cost of Living in Nashville

Cost of Living Index

101.3 (Above National Average)

Studio

$1200/mo

1 Bedroom

$1400/mo

2 Bedroom

$1900/mo

Top Hospitals in Nashville

  • 🏥 Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • 🏥 TriStar Centennial Medical Center
  • 🏥 Saint Thomas Health

In-Demand Specialties

ICU ER OR

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do travel nurses make in Nashville, Tennessee?

Travel nurses in Nashville typically earn between $45 and $60 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $50/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $56-71 per hour.

What are the GSA rates for Nashville, Tennessee?

The GSA per diem rates for Nashville 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 Nashville?

The cost of living index in Nashville is 101.3, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $1200 for a studio to $1900 for a two-bedroom apartment.

What hospitals hire travel nurses in Nashville?

Top hospitals in Nashville that frequently hire travel nurses include Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TriStar Centennial Medical Center, Saint Thomas Health, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.

What specialties are in demand in Nashville?

The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Nashville include ICU, ER, OR. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.

Looking for a contract?

Get matched with top-paying recruiters in your desired state.

Resources for Nashville