Cath Lab Travel Nurse Salary in Chicago, Illinois
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Cardiac Catheterization Lab 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 (Cath Lab)
$59/hr
Chicago, IL
Total Weekly Package
$4,109
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,430
After ~28.95% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: Cath Lab 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 Cath Lab Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Cath Lab travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,345
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,764
Annual Potential
$121,926
Tax estimate: 4.95% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your Cath Lab 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
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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
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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:
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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.
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2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Chicago
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for Cath Lab 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 Cath Lab Travel Nurses in Illinois
Cath Lab Certifications Required
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years cath lab experience
- RCIS or equivalent preferred
- Sterile field competency
Illinois Licensing
Hospitals Hiring Cath Lab 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 Cath Lab Travel Nurses
Bloomington
~$54/hr Cath Lab
COL: 95
Champaign
~$54/hr Cath Lab
COL: 95
Elgin
~$59/hr Cath Lab
COL: 95.5
Normal
~$54/hr Cath Lab
COL: 95
Rockford
~$57/hr Cath Lab
COL: 82.3
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Cath Lab travel nurses make in Chicago?
Cardiac Catheterization Lab travel nurses in Chicago earn approximately $59/hr in taxable wages ($2,345/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,764/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $4,109. Annual potential is $121,926 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 Cath Lab travel nurses need for Illinois assignments?
Cardiac Catheterization Lab travel nurses need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years cath lab experience, RCIS or equivalent preferred, Sterile field competency. For Illinois specifically: A separate Illinois RN license is required. Cost: $200, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Chicago hire Cath Lab travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Chicago that hire Cardiac Catheterization Lab 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 Cath Lab positions in Chicago.
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