Travel Nurse Blended Rate Calculator
Convert your pay package (taxable wages + stipends) into a single hourly rate. Compare contracts easily by converting everything to one number.
Why this matters: A $50/hr + $1,500/week stipend contract might look worse than a $60/hr + $800/week stipend contract—until you calculate the blended rate. This tool shows you which contract actually pays more.
Calculate Your Blended Rate
Enter your pay package details to see your blended hourly rate.
Contract A
Blended Rate Results
Taxable Weekly Pay
$1,620
$45/hr × 36 hrs
Total Stipends (Tax-Free)
$1,600/wk
Housing: $1,200 + Meals: $400
Total Weekly Pay
$3,220/wk
Blended Hourly Rate
$89.44/hr
$3,220 ÷ 36 hrs
⚠️ Important: Blended rate shows total compensation but doesn't account for taxes. Your taxable wages are taxed, but stipends are tax-free. For true take-home pay, use our full pay calculator.
How Blended Rate Works
What is a Blended Rate?
A blended rate is your total weekly compensation (taxable wages + tax-free stipends) divided by your weekly hours. It's a single number that represents your "true" hourly rate.
Example Calculation
Contract A:
- Taxable Rate: $45/hr × 36 hrs = $1,620/week
- Housing Stipend: $1,200/week (tax-free)
- Meal Stipend: $400/week (tax-free)
- Total Weekly Pay: $3,220
- Blended Rate: $3,220 ÷ 36 hrs = $89.44/hr
Why Compare Blended Rates?
Different contracts structure pay differently. One might offer high hourly + low stipends, while another offers low hourly + high stipends. The blended rate shows you which one actually pays more total compensation.
Important Note
⚠️ Remember: Blended rate doesn't account for taxes. Your taxable wages are taxed, but stipends are tax-free. Use our full pay calculator to see your true take-home pay after taxes.
Real-World Example: Which Contract Pays More?
Contract A
- Hourly: $50/hr × 36 hrs = $1,800
- Housing: $1,500/week
- Meals: $500/week
- Blended Rate: $105.56/hr
Contract B
- Hourly: $60/hr × 36 hrs = $2,160
- Housing: $800/week
- Meals: $300/week
- Blended Rate: $90.56/hr
Winner: Contract A pays $15/hr more in blended rate, even though Contract B has a higher hourly rate. The blended rate calculator reveals the true winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blended rate for travel nurses?
A blended rate is your total weekly compensation (taxable hourly wages + tax-free stipends) divided by your weekly hours worked. It converts your entire pay package into a single hourly rate for easy contract comparison.
How do I calculate my travel nurse blended rate?
Formula: (Hourly Rate × Hours) + Housing Stipend + Meal Stipend) ÷ Hours = Blended Rate. Example: ($45 × 36) + $1,200 + $400 = $3,220 ÷ 36 = $89.44/hr blended.
Is blended rate the same as take-home pay?
No. Blended rate is your gross hourly equivalent before taxes. Your taxable wages are still subject to federal and state income tax. Use our full pay calculator to see actual take-home pay.
What is a good blended rate for travel nurses in 2026?
It varies by specialty and location. Typical 2026 ranges: ICU $70-$95/hr, ER $65-$90/hr, Med-Surg $55-$75/hr. California pays highest; Southeast states pay lower but have lower living costs.
Why do agencies quote blended rates?
Travel nurse pay includes taxable wages, housing stipends, and meal per diems. Blended rate combines these into one number, making it easier to compare contracts with different pay structures.
Calculate Your Full Pay Package
Blended rate is just one piece. Use our full Travel Nurse Pay Calculator to see taxable wages, taxes, stipends, and true net pay.
Go to Full Calculator →