Oncology Travel Nurse Salary in Waterloo, Iowa
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Oncology 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 (Oncology)
$37/hr
Waterloo, IA
Total Weekly Package
$2,618
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,135
After ~32.53% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: Oncology 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 Oncology Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Oncology travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,484
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,134
Annual Potential
$77,149
Tax estimate: 8.53% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your Oncology 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 Oncology 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 Oncology Travel Nurses in Iowa
Oncology Certifications Required
- BLS
- 2+ years oncology experience
- OCN preferred
Iowa Licensing
Hospitals Hiring Oncology 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 Oncology Travel Nurses
View all Iowa cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Oncology travel nurses make in Waterloo?
Oncology travel nurses in Waterloo earn approximately $37/hr in taxable wages ($1,484/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,134/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $2,618. Annual potential is $77,149 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 Oncology travel nurses need for Iowa assignments?
Oncology travel nurses need: BLS, 2+ years oncology experience, OCN preferred. 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 Oncology travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Waterloo that hire Oncology travel nurses include: Waterloo Regional Medical, Waterloo General Hospital, Community Health Waterloo. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open Oncology positions in Waterloo.
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