Med-Surg Travel Nurse Salary in Elgin, Illinois
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Medical-Surgical travel nurses heading to Elgin.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (Med-Surg)
$45/hr
Elgin, IL
Total Weekly Package
$3,222
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,697
After ~28.95% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: Med-Surg in Elgin
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$4,001/mo
$132/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,150/mo
COL index: 95.5
Monthly Margin
+2,851/mo
Stipend covers rent
Illinois Med-Surg Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Med-Surg travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,815
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,407
Annual Potential
$94,394
Tax estimate: 4.95% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your Med-Surg Pay in Elgin
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Elgin's GSA rates and cost of living index of 95.5.
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
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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 — Elgin
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for Med-Surg travel nurses working in Elgin. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$132/night
$924/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,407
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 Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Illinois
Med-Surg Certifications Required
- BLS
- 1+ years Med-Surg experience
Illinois Licensing
Hospitals Hiring Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Elgin
- Advocate Sherman Hospital
- Northwestern Medicine
- AMITA Health
Other Specialties in Elgin
ICU
~$52/hr
Very HighER
~$51/hr
Very HighOR
~$53/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$49/hr
HighPACU
~$50/hr
HighNICU
~$51/hr
HighPICU
~$52/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$46/hr
ModerateOncology
~$48/hr
HighOther Illinois Cities for Med-Surg Travel Nurses
Bloomington
~$42/hr Med-Surg
COL: 95
Champaign
~$42/hr Med-Surg
COL: 95
Chicago
~$45/hr Med-Surg
COL: 106.9
Normal
~$42/hr Med-Surg
COL: 95
Rockford
~$45/hr Med-Surg
COL: 82.3
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Med-Surg travel nurses make in Elgin?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses in Elgin earn approximately $45/hr in taxable wages ($1,815/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,407/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,222. Annual potential is $94,394 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Elgin?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Elgin are: Lodging $132/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,407. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Elgin affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Elgin is 95.5 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,150/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$4,001/month, leaving a surplus of $2,851/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do Med-Surg travel nurses need for Illinois assignments?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses need: BLS, 1+ years Med-Surg experience. For Illinois specifically: A separate Illinois RN license is required. Cost: $200, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Elgin hire Med-Surg travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Elgin that hire Medical-Surgical travel nurses include: Advocate Sherman Hospital, Northwestern Medicine, AMITA Health. Med-Surg is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Elgin actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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