Med-Surg Travel Nurse Salary in Boston, Massachusetts
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Medical-Surgical travel nurses heading to Boston.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (Med-Surg)
$52/hr
Boston, MA
Total Weekly Package
$4,496
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,888
After ~29% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: Med-Surg in Boston
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$7,850/mo
$259/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$2,400/mo
COL index: 162.4
Monthly Margin
+5,450/mo
Stipend covers rent
Massachusetts Med-Surg Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Med-Surg travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,095
Max Weekly Stipend
$2,401
Annual Potential
$108,916
Tax estimate: 5% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your Med-Surg Pay in Boston
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Boston's GSA rates and cost of living index of 162.4.
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
$99.56
Based on 36 hours in MA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,584
Taxable Weekly Income
$2,016
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$585
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,999
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$38,992
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$77,983
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$155,967
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,999
per week
Taxes
$585
per week
Total Gross: $3,584 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,050
≈ $4,547/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Massachusetts
$1,800
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,747
Your stipend covers rent with $2,747 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,800/month in Boston:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Massachusetts
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Massachusetts's cost of living is higher than the national average by 46.5 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: Very High
Utilities: High
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 — Boston
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for Med-Surg travel nurses working in Boston. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$259/night
$1,813/week
Meals & Incidentals
$84/day
$588/week
Total Weekly Max
$2,401
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 Massachusetts
Med-Surg Certifications Required
- BLS
- 1+ years Med-Surg experience
Massachusetts Licensing
Hospitals Hiring Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Boston
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Beth Israel Deaconess
Other Specialties in Boston
ICU
~$60/hr
Very HighER
~$59/hr
Very HighOR
~$61/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$57/hr
HighPACU
~$58/hr
HighNICU
~$59/hr
HighPICU
~$60/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$53/hr
ModerateOncology
~$56/hr
HighOther Massachusetts Cities for Med-Surg Travel Nurses
Brockton
~$49/hr Med-Surg
COL: 95
New Bedford
~$49/hr Med-Surg
COL: 95
Springfield
~$49/hr Med-Surg
COL: 102.5
Worcester
~$50/hr Med-Surg
COL: 108.5
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Med-Surg travel nurses make in Boston?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses in Boston earn approximately $52/hr in taxable wages ($2,095/week). Including GSA stipends up to $2,401/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $4,496. Annual potential is $108,916 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Boston?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Boston are: Lodging $259/night, Meals $79/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $2,401. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Boston affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Boston is 162.4 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,400/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$7,850/month, leaving a surplus of $5,450/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do Med-Surg travel nurses need for Massachusetts assignments?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses need: BLS, 1+ years Med-Surg experience. For Massachusetts specifically: A separate Massachusetts RN license is required. Cost: $300, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Boston hire Med-Surg travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Boston that hire Medical-Surgical travel nurses include: Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess. Med-Surg is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Boston actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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