Travel Nurse Pay in Louisville, Kentucky: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Louisville.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Louisville Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$994/wk
≈ $4,304.02/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,100/mo
Margin
+$3,204.02/mo
Stipend covers rent
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
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
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
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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Travel Nurse Pay in Louisville
Average Hourly Rate
$48/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$1,920
GSA Lodging Rate
$142/night
GSA Meal Rate
$64/day
Cost of Living in Louisville
Cost of Living Index
89.4 (Below National Average)
Studio
$900/mo
1 Bedroom
$1100/mo
2 Bedroom
$1500/mo
Top Hospitals in Louisville
- 🏥 Norton Healthcare
- 🏥 Baptist Health
- 🏥 UofL Health
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Louisville, Kentucky?
Travel nurses in Louisville 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 $54-69 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Louisville, Kentucky?
The GSA per diem rates for Louisville are: Lodging: $142/night, Meals: $64/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 Louisville?
The cost of living index in Louisville is 89.4, which is below the national average. Average rent ranges from $900 for a studio to $1500 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Louisville?
Top hospitals in Louisville that frequently hire travel nurses include Norton Healthcare, Baptist Health, UofL Health, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Louisville?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Louisville include ICU, ER, Med-Surg. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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