CRNA Travel Nurse Salary in Lexington, Kentucky
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist travel nurses heading to Lexington.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (CRNA)
$116/hr
Lexington, KY
Total Weekly Package
$5,851
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$4,507
After ~29% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: CRNA in Lexington
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$3,334/mo
$110/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 88.5
Monthly Margin
+2,334/mo
Stipend covers rent
Kentucky CRNA Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for CRNA travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$4,633
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,218
Annual Potential
$240,902
Tax estimate: 5% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your CRNA Pay in Lexington
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Lexington's GSA rates and cost of living index of 88.5.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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Same state assignment. You'll pay 5% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$70.53
Based on 36 hours in KY.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,539
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,440
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$418
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,121
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$27,578
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$55,156
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$110,313
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,121
per week
Taxes
$418
per week
Total Gross: $2,539 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Kentucky
$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 Louisville:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Kentucky
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
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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2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Lexington
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for CRNA travel nurses working in Lexington. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$110/night
$770/week
Meals & Incidentals
$64/day
$448/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,218
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 CRNA Travel Nurses in Kentucky
CRNA Certifications Required
- CRNA certification (NBCRNA)
- MSN or DNP in nurse anesthesia
- 3+ years CRNA experience preferred
- ACLS
- BLS
Kentucky Licensing
Hospitals Hiring CRNA Travel Nurses in Lexington
- UK HealthCare
- Baptist Health
- CHI Saint Joseph
Other Specialties in Lexington
ICU
~$49/hr
Very HighER
~$48/hr
Very HighOR
~$50/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$46/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$43/hr
Very HighPACU
~$47/hr
HighNICU
~$48/hr
HighPICU
~$49/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$44/hr
ModerateOther Kentucky Cities for CRNA Travel Nurses
Bowling Green
~$113/hr CRNA
COL: 85.2
Louisville
~$113/hr CRNA
COL: 89.4
Owensboro
~$95/hr CRNA
COL: 95
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CRNA travel nurses make in Lexington?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist travel nurses in Lexington earn approximately $116/hr in taxable wages ($4,633/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,218/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $5,851. Annual potential is $240,902 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Lexington?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Lexington are: Lodging $110/night, Meals $59/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,218. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Lexington affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Lexington is 88.5 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$3,334/month, leaving a surplus of $2,334/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do CRNA travel nurses need for Kentucky assignments?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist travel nurses need: CRNA certification (NBCRNA), MSN or DNP in nurse anesthesia, 3+ years CRNA experience preferred, ACLS, BLS. For Kentucky specifically: Kentucky is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Lexington without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Lexington hire CRNA travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Lexington that hire Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist travel nurses include: UK HealthCare, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph. CRNA is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Lexington actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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