Travel Nurse Pay in Albany, New York: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates

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

Last updated: February 21, 2026

Economics Verdict

Profitable: Albany Travel Nursing

GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)

$924/wk

≈ $4,000.92/mo

Avg Rent (1BR)

$1,150/mo

Margin

+$2,850.92/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 New York ($1,050/week). This is the maximum tax-free amount.
Effective Tax Rate34.9%
Federal: 24%
State: 10.9%

Same state assignment. You'll pay 10.9% state tax plus 24% federal tax.

Overtime (Optional)

Blended Hourly Rate

$58.89

Based on 36 hours in NY.

Gross Weekly Pay

$2,120

Taxable Weekly Income

$720

Estimated Weekly Taxes

$251

True Net Weekly Pay

$1,869

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Assignment Projections

13-Week Assignment

$24,293

Net Pay

26-Week Assignment

$48,587

Net Pay

Annual (52 weeks)

$97,173

Net Pay

Take Home vs Taxes

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Take Home

$1,869

per week

Taxes

$251

per week

Total Gross: $2,120 per week

🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis

Your Weekly Housing Stipend

$1,000

$4,330/month

Est. 1BR Rent in New York

$2,000

Monthly average

Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money

+$2,330

Your stipend covers rent with $2,330 left over each month.

Find apartments under $2,000/month in New York City:

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Cost of Living Analysis in New York

Monthly Net Income:$8,092
Average 1BR Rent:$2,000
True Discretionary Income:$6,092

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

Cost of Living Index:139.1

National average = 100. New York's cost of living is higher than the national average by 39.1 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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Travel Nurse Pay in Albany

Average Hourly Rate

$54/hr

Average Weekly Pay

$2,160

GSA Lodging Rate

$132/night

GSA Meal Rate

$64/day

Cost of Living in Albany

Cost of Living Index

100.2 (Above National Average)

Studio

$950/mo

1 Bedroom

$1150/mo

2 Bedroom

$1500/mo

Top Hospitals in Albany

  • 🏥 Albany Medical Center
  • 🏥 St. Peter's Health Partners
  • 🏥 Ellis Hospital

In-Demand Specialties

Med-Surg ER ICU

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do travel nurses make in Albany, New York?

Travel nurses in Albany typically earn between $49 and $64 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $54/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $59-74 per hour.

What are the GSA rates for Albany, New York?

The GSA per diem rates for Albany are: Lodging: $132/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 Albany?

The cost of living index in Albany is 100.2, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $950 for a studio to $1500 for a two-bedroom apartment.

What hospitals hire travel nurses in Albany?

Top hospitals in Albany that frequently hire travel nurses include Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Health Partners, Ellis Hospital, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.

What specialties are in demand in Albany?

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

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Resources for Albany