Travel Nurse Pay in Kearney, Nebraska: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Kearney.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Kearney Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$686/wk
≈ $2,970.38/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,000/mo
Margin
+$1,970.38/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 6.84% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in NE.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$222
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,898
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,673
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$49,347
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$98,694
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,898
per week
Taxes
$222
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Nebraska
$900
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$3,430
Your stipend covers rent with $3,430 left over each month.
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Cost of Living Analysis in Nebraska
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Nebraska's cost of living is lower than the national average by 10.9 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 Kearney
Average Hourly Rate
$41/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$1,640
GSA Lodging Rate
$98/night
GSA Meal Rate
$59/day
Cost of Living in Kearney
Cost of Living Index
95 (Below National Average)
Studio
$800/mo
1 Bedroom
$1000/mo
2 Bedroom
$1300/mo
Top Hospitals in Kearney
- 🏥 Kearney Regional Medical
- 🏥 Kearney General Hospital
- 🏥 Community Health Kearney
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Kearney, Nebraska?
Travel nurses in Kearney typically earn between $36 and $51 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $41/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $45-60 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Kearney, Nebraska?
The GSA per diem rates for Kearney 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 Kearney?
The cost of living index in Kearney is 95, which is below the national average. Average rent ranges from $800 for a studio to $1300 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Kearney?
Top hospitals in Kearney that frequently hire travel nurses include Kearney Regional Medical, Kearney General Hospital, Community Health Kearney, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Kearney?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Kearney include Med-Surg, ER, ICU. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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