Med-Surg Travel Nurse Salary in Wichita, Kansas
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Medical-Surgical travel nurses heading to Wichita.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (Med-Surg)
$41/hr
Wichita, KS
Total Weekly Package
$3,118
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,631
After ~29.7% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: Med-Surg in Wichita
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$4,304/mo
$142/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$900/mo
COL index: 85.2
Monthly Margin
+3,404/mo
Stipend covers rent
Kansas Med-Surg Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Med-Surg travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,641
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,477
Annual Potential
$85,318
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 Wichita
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Wichita's GSA rates and cost of living index of 85.2.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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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 — Wichita
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for Med-Surg travel nurses working in Wichita. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$142/night
$994/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,477
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 Wichita
- Via Christi Health
- Wesley Medical Center
- Ascension Via Christi
Other Specialties in Wichita
ICU
~$47/hr
Very HighER
~$46/hr
Very HighOR
~$48/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$44/hr
HighPACU
~$45/hr
HighNICU
~$46/hr
HighPICU
~$47/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$42/hr
ModerateOncology
~$44/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 Wichita?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses in Wichita earn approximately $41/hr in taxable wages ($1,641/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,477/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,118. Annual potential is $85,318 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Wichita?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Wichita are: Lodging $142/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,477. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Wichita affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Wichita is 85.2 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $900/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$4,304/month, leaving a surplus of $3,404/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 Wichita without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Wichita hire Med-Surg travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Wichita that hire Medical-Surgical travel nurses include: Via Christi Health, Wesley Medical Center, Ascension Via Christi. Med-Surg is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Wichita actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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