Cath Lab Travel Nurse Salary in Waterloo, Iowa
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Cardiac Catheterization Lab travel nurses heading to Waterloo.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (Cath Lab)
$45/hr
Waterloo, IA
Total Weekly Package
$2,938
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,351
After ~32.53% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: Cath Lab in Waterloo
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$2,970/mo
$98/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 95
Monthly Margin
+1,970/mo
Stipend covers rent
Iowa Cath Lab Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Cath Lab travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,804
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,134
Annual Potential
$93,789
Tax estimate: 8.53% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your Cath Lab Pay in Waterloo
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Waterloo's GSA rates and cost of living index of 95.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 8.53% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$70.53
Based on 36 hours in IA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,539
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,440
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$468
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,071
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$26,917
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$53,835
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$107,670
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,071
per week
Taxes
$468
per week
Total Gross: $2,539 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Iowa
$800
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,170
Your stipend covers rent with $2,170 left over each month.
Find apartments under $800/month in Des Moines:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Iowa
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Iowa's cost of living is lower than the national average by 10.9 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.
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2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Waterloo
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for Cath Lab travel nurses working in Waterloo. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$98/night
$686/week
Meals & Incidentals
$64/day
$448/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,134
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 Cath Lab Travel Nurses in Iowa
Cath Lab Certifications Required
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years cath lab experience
- RCIS or equivalent preferred
- Sterile field competency
Iowa Licensing
Hospitals Hiring Cath Lab Travel Nurses in Waterloo
- Waterloo Regional Medical
- Waterloo General Hospital
- Community Health Waterloo
Other Specialties in Waterloo
ICU
~$40/hr
Very HighER
~$39/hr
Very HighOR
~$41/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$38/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$35/hr
Very HighPACU
~$39/hr
HighNICU
~$39/hr
HighPICU
~$40/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$36/hr
ModerateOther Iowa Cities for Cath Lab Travel Nurses
View all Iowa cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Cath Lab travel nurses make in Waterloo?
Cardiac Catheterization Lab travel nurses in Waterloo earn approximately $45/hr in taxable wages ($1,804/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,134/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $2,938. Annual potential is $93,789 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Waterloo?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Waterloo are: Lodging $98/night, Meals $59/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,134. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Waterloo affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Waterloo is 95 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$2,970/month, leaving a surplus of $1,970/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do Cath Lab travel nurses need for Iowa assignments?
Cardiac Catheterization Lab travel nurses need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years cath lab experience, RCIS or equivalent preferred, Sterile field competency. For Iowa specifically: Iowa is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Waterloo without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Waterloo hire Cath Lab travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Waterloo that hire Cardiac Catheterization Lab travel nurses include: Waterloo Regional Medical, Waterloo General Hospital, Community Health Waterloo. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open Cath Lab positions in Waterloo.
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