Med-Surg Travel Nurse Salary in Topeka, Kansas
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Medical-Surgical travel nurses heading to Topeka.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (Med-Surg)
$36/hr
Topeka, KS
Total Weekly Package
$2,565
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,140
After ~29.7% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: Med-Surg in Topeka
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
Kansas Med-Surg Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Med-Surg travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,431
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,134
Annual Potential
$74,426
Tax estimate: 5.7% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your Med-Surg Pay in Topeka
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Topeka'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 5.7% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$71.53
Based on 36 hours in KS.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,575
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,476
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$438
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,137
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$27,776
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$55,552
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$111,105
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,137
per week
Taxes
$438
per week
Total Gross: $2,575 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Kansas
$850
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,120
Your stipend covers rent with $2,120 left over each month.
Find apartments under $850/month in Wichita:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Kansas
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Kansas's cost of living is lower than the national average by 13.5 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 — Topeka
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for Med-Surg travel nurses working in Topeka. 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 Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Kansas
Med-Surg Certifications Required
- BLS
- 1+ years Med-Surg experience
Kansas Licensing
Hospitals Hiring Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Topeka
- Topeka Regional Medical
- Topeka General Hospital
- Community Health Topeka
Other Specialties in Topeka
ICU
~$41/hr
Very HighER
~$40/hr
Very HighOR
~$42/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$39/hr
HighPACU
~$40/hr
HighNICU
~$40/hr
HighPICU
~$41/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$37/hr
ModerateOncology
~$38/hr
HighOther Kansas Cities for Med-Surg Travel Nurses
View all Kansas cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Med-Surg travel nurses make in Topeka?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses in Topeka earn approximately $36/hr in taxable wages ($1,431/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,134/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $2,565. Annual potential is $74,426 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Topeka?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Topeka 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 Topeka affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Topeka 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 Med-Surg travel nurses need for Kansas assignments?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses need: BLS, 1+ years Med-Surg experience. For Kansas specifically: Kansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Topeka without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Topeka hire Med-Surg travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Topeka that hire Medical-Surgical travel nurses include: Topeka Regional Medical, Topeka General Hospital, Community Health Topeka. Med-Surg is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Topeka actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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