Emergency Room Anchorage, AK Very High Demand

ER Travel Nurse Salary in Anchorage, Alaska

City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Emergency Room travel nurses heading to Anchorage.

Last updated: March 11, 2026

Last Financially Reviewed:

Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist

Verified

Avg Hourly (ER)

$57/hr

Anchorage, AK

Total Weekly Package

$3,881

Taxable + stipends

Est. Weekly Net

$3,334

After ~24% tax

Housing Economics Verdict

Profitable: ER in Anchorage

GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)

$4,547/mo

$150/night × 30 days

Avg 1BR Rent

$1,500/mo

COL index: 125.3

Monthly Margin

+3,047/mo

Stipend covers rent

#5

Alaska ER Pay Ranking

Out of 50 states for ER travel nurses

Weekly Taxable Pay

$2,278

Max Weekly Stipend

$1,603

Annual Potential

$118,447

Tax estimate: No state tax + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.

Calculate Your ER Pay in Anchorage

Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Anchorage's GSA rates and cost of living index of 125.3.

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 Alaska ($1,050/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

$98.56

Based on 36 hours in AK.

Gross Weekly Pay

$3,548

Taxable Weekly Income

$1,980

Estimated Weekly Taxes

$475

True Net Weekly Pay

$3,073

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Assignment Projections

13-Week Assignment

$39,946

Net Pay

26-Week Assignment

$79,893

Net Pay

Annual (52 weeks)

$159,786

Net Pay

Take Home vs Taxes

Loading chart...

Take Home

$3,073

per week

Taxes

$475

per week

Total Gross: $3,548 per week

🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis

Your Weekly Housing Stipend

$1,050

$4,547/month

Est. 1BR Rent in Alaska

$1,200

Monthly average

Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money

+$3,347

Your stipend covers rent with $3,347 left over each month.

Find apartments under $1,200/month in Anchorage:

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Cost of Living Analysis in Alaska

Monthly Net Income:$13,305
Average 1BR Rent:$1,200
True Discretionary Income:$12,105

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

Cost of Living Index:125.8

National average = 100. Alaska's cost of living is higher than the national average by 25.8 points.

💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.

Housing Cost: High

Utilities: Very High

Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.

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2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Anchorage

These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for ER travel nurses working in Anchorage. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.

Lodging

$150/night

$1,050/week

Meals & Incidentals

$79/day

$553/week

Total Weekly Max

$1,603

Tax-free stipend ceiling

Source: U.S. General Services Administration (GSA.gov) 2026 per diem rates. City-specific rates apply when the work location is more than 50 miles from your tax home.

Requirements for ER Travel Nurses in Alaska

ER Certifications Required

  • ACLS
  • BLS
  • PALS
  • 2+ years ER experience
  • TNCC preferred

Alaska Licensing

NLC Compact State No — Separate license required
License Application Cost $350
Processing Time 4-6 weeks
State Income Tax None

Hospitals Hiring ER Travel Nurses in Anchorage

  • Providence Alaska
  • Alaska Native Medical
  • VA Alaska

Other Specialties in Anchorage

View full Anchorage pay guide →

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do ER travel nurses make in Anchorage?

Emergency Room travel nurses in Anchorage earn approximately $57/hr in taxable wages ($2,278/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,603/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,881. Annual potential is $118,447 working full-time.

What are the 2026 GSA rates for Anchorage?

The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Anchorage are: Lodging $150/night, Meals $74/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,603. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.

Is Anchorage affordable for travel nurses?

The cost of living index in Anchorage is 125.3 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,500/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$4,547/month, leaving a surplus of $3,047/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.

What certifications do ER travel nurses need for Alaska assignments?

Emergency Room travel nurses need: ACLS, BLS, PALS, 2+ years ER experience, TNCC preferred. For Alaska specifically: A separate Alaska RN license is required. Cost: $350, processing time: 4-6 weeks.

Which hospitals in Anchorage hire ER travel nurses?

Top hospitals in Anchorage that hire Emergency Room travel nurses include: Providence Alaska, Alaska Native Medical, VA Alaska. ER is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Anchorage actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.

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Resources for Anchorage