Cardiac Travel Nurse Salary in Chicago, Illinois
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Cardiac travel nurses heading to Chicago.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (Cardiac)
$51/hr
Chicago, IL
Total Weekly Package
$3,806
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,215
After ~28.95% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: Cardiac in Chicago
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$5,547/mo
$183/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,700/mo
COL index: 106.9
Monthly Margin
+3,847/mo
Stipend covers rent
Illinois Cardiac Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Cardiac travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,042
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,764
Annual Potential
$106,193
Tax estimate: 4.95% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your Cardiac Pay in Chicago
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Chicago's GSA rates and cost of living index of 106.9.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 4.95% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$83.78
Based on 36 hours in IL.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,016
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,728
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$500
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,516
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$32,705
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$65,409
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$130,819
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,516
per week
Taxes
$500
per week
Total Gross: $3,016 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Illinois
$1,200
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,437
Your stipend covers rent with $2,437 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,200/month in Chicago:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
Cost of Living Analysis in Illinois
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Illinois's cost of living is lower than the national average by 5.7 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
Utilities: Moderate
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
Resources for Your Assignment
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Chicago
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for Cardiac travel nurses working in Chicago. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$183/night
$1,281/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,764
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 Cardiac Travel Nurses in Illinois
Cardiac Certifications Required
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years cardiac experience
Illinois Licensing
Hospitals Hiring Cardiac Travel Nurses in Chicago
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Rush University Medical Center
- University of Chicago Medical Center
Other Specialties in Chicago
ICU
~$52/hr
Very HighER
~$51/hr
Very HighOR
~$53/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$49/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$45/hr
Very HighPACU
~$50/hr
HighNICU
~$51/hr
HighPICU
~$52/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$46/hr
ModerateOther Illinois Cities for Cardiac Travel Nurses
Bloomington
~$47/hr Cardiac
COL: 95
Champaign
~$47/hr Cardiac
COL: 95
Elgin
~$51/hr Cardiac
COL: 95.5
Normal
~$47/hr Cardiac
COL: 95
Rockford
~$50/hr Cardiac
COL: 82.3
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Cardiac travel nurses make in Chicago?
Cardiac travel nurses in Chicago earn approximately $51/hr in taxable wages ($2,042/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,764/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,806. Annual potential is $106,193 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Chicago?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Chicago are: Lodging $183/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,764. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Chicago affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Chicago is 106.9 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,700/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$5,547/month, leaving a surplus of $3,847/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do Cardiac travel nurses need for Illinois assignments?
Cardiac travel nurses need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years cardiac experience. For Illinois specifically: A separate Illinois RN license is required. Cost: $200, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Chicago hire Cardiac travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Chicago that hire Cardiac travel nurses include: Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medical Center. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open Cardiac positions in Chicago.
Looking for a contract?
Get matched with top-paying recruiters in your desired state.