OR Travel Nurse Salary in Anchorage, Alaska
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Operating Room travel nurses heading to Anchorage.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (OR)
$59/hr
Anchorage, AK
Total Weekly Package
$3,965
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,398
After ~24% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: OR 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
Alaska OR Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for OR travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,362
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,603
Annual Potential
$122,833
Tax estimate: No state tax + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your OR 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.
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
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
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
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 OR 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 OR Travel Nurses in Alaska
OR Certifications Required
- BLS
- 2+ years OR experience
- CNOR preferred
Alaska Licensing
Hospitals Hiring OR Travel Nurses in Anchorage
- Providence Alaska
- Alaska Native Medical
- VA Alaska
Other Specialties in Anchorage
ICU
~$58/hr
Very HighER
~$57/hr
Very HighLabor & Delivery
~$55/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$51/hr
Very HighPACU
~$56/hr
HighNICU
~$57/hr
HighPICU
~$58/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$52/hr
ModerateOncology
~$54/hr
HighRelated Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do OR travel nurses make in Anchorage?
Operating Room travel nurses in Anchorage earn approximately $59/hr in taxable wages ($2,362/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,603/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,965. Annual potential is $122,833 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 OR travel nurses need for Alaska assignments?
Operating Room travel nurses need: BLS, 2+ years OR experience, CNOR preferred. For Alaska specifically: A separate Alaska RN license is required. Cost: $350, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Anchorage hire OR travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Anchorage that hire Operating Room travel nurses include: Providence Alaska, Alaska Native Medical, VA Alaska. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open OR positions in Anchorage.
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