Travel Nurse Pay in Bowling Green, Kentucky: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates

Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Bowling Green.

Last updated: February 21, 2026

Economics Verdict

Profitable: Bowling Green Travel Nursing

GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)

$686/wk

≈ $2,970.38/mo

Avg Rent (1BR)

$900/mo

Margin

+$2,070.38/mo

Stipend covers rent

Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown

Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.

Excellent: Your housing stipend matches or exceeds the GSA maximum for Kentucky ($686/week). This is the maximum tax-free amount.
Effective Tax Rate29.0%
Federal: 24%
State: 5%

Same state assignment. You'll pay 5% state tax plus 24% federal tax.

Overtime (Optional)

Blended Hourly Rate

$58.89

Based on 36 hours in KY.

Gross Weekly Pay

$2,120

Taxable Weekly Income

$720

Estimated Weekly Taxes

$209

True Net Weekly Pay

$1,911

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Assignment Projections

13-Week Assignment

$24,846

Net Pay

26-Week Assignment

$49,691

Net Pay

Annual (52 weeks)

$99,382

Net Pay

Take Home vs Taxes

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Take Home

$1,911

per week

Taxes

$209

per week

Total Gross: $2,120 per week

🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis

Your Weekly Housing Stipend

$1,000

$4,330/month

Est. 1BR Rent in Kentucky

$850

Monthly average

Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money

+$3,480

Your stipend covers rent with $3,480 left over each month.

Find apartments under $850/month in Louisville:

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Cost of Living Analysis in Kentucky

Monthly Net Income:$8,275
Average 1BR Rent:$850
True Discretionary Income:$7,425

After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses

Cost of Living Index:89.7

National average = 100. Kentucky's cost of living is lower than the national average by 10.3 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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Travel Nurse Pay in Bowling Green

Average Hourly Rate

$48/hr

Average Weekly Pay

$1,920

GSA Lodging Rate

$98/night

GSA Meal Rate

$59/day

Cost of Living in Bowling Green

Cost of Living Index

85.2 (Below National Average)

Studio

$750/mo

1 Bedroom

$900/mo

2 Bedroom

$1200/mo

Top Hospitals in Bowling Green

  • 🏥 Med Center Health
  • 🏥 TriStar Greenview
  • 🏥 Bowling Green Medical

In-Demand Specialties

Med-Surg ER ICU

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do travel nurses make in Bowling Green, Kentucky?

Travel nurses in Bowling Green typically earn between $43 and $58 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $48/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $52-67 per hour.

What are the GSA rates for Bowling Green, Kentucky?

The GSA per diem rates for Bowling Green are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).

What is the cost of living in Bowling Green?

The cost of living index in Bowling Green is 85.2, which is below the national average. Average rent ranges from $750 for a studio to $1200 for a two-bedroom apartment.

What hospitals hire travel nurses in Bowling Green?

Top hospitals in Bowling Green that frequently hire travel nurses include Med Center Health, TriStar Greenview, Bowling Green Medical, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.

What specialties are in demand in Bowling Green?

The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Bowling Green include Med-Surg, ER, ICU. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.

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Resources for Bowling Green