Med-Surg Travel Nurse Salary in Buffalo, New York
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Medical-Surgical travel nurses heading to Buffalo.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (Med-Surg)
$47/hr
Buffalo, NY
Total Weekly Package
$3,292
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,634
After ~34.9% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: Med-Surg in Buffalo
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$4,001/mo
$132/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$950/mo
COL index: 88.1
Monthly Margin
+3,051/mo
Stipend covers rent
New York Med-Surg Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Med-Surg travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,885
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,407
Annual Potential
$98,025
Tax estimate: 10.9% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your Med-Surg Pay in Buffalo
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Buffalo's GSA rates and cost of living index of 88.1.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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Same state assignment. You'll pay 10.9% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$101.56
Based on 36 hours in NY.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,656
Taxable Weekly Income
$2,088
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$729
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,927
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$38,055
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$76,109
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$152,219
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,927
per week
Taxes
$729
per week
Total Gross: $3,656 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,050
≈ $4,547/month
Est. 1BR Rent in New York
$2,000
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,547
Your stipend covers rent with $2,547 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
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
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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2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Buffalo
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for Med-Surg travel nurses working in Buffalo. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$132/night
$924/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,407
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 New York
Med-Surg Certifications Required
- BLS
- 1+ years Med-Surg experience
New York Licensing
Hospitals Hiring Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Buffalo
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Kaleida Health
- Catholic Health
Other Specialties in Buffalo
ICU
~$54/hr
Very HighER
~$53/hr
Very HighOR
~$55/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$51/hr
HighPACU
~$52/hr
HighNICU
~$53/hr
HighPICU
~$54/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$48/hr
ModerateOncology
~$50/hr
HighOther New York Cities for Med-Surg Travel Nurses
Albany
~$47/hr Med-Surg
COL: 100.2
New York
~$54/hr Med-Surg
COL: 187.2
Rochester
~$48/hr Med-Surg
COL: 89.5
Syracuse
~$47/hr Med-Surg
COL: 87.2
Yonkers
~$50/hr Med-Surg
COL: 140.5
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Med-Surg travel nurses make in Buffalo?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses in Buffalo earn approximately $47/hr in taxable wages ($1,885/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,407/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,292. Annual potential is $98,025 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Buffalo?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Buffalo are: Lodging $132/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,407. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Buffalo affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Buffalo is 88.1 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $950/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$4,001/month, leaving a surplus of $3,051/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do Med-Surg travel nurses need for New York assignments?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses need: BLS, 1+ years Med-Surg experience. For New York specifically: A separate New York RN license is required. Cost: $300, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Buffalo hire Med-Surg travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Buffalo that hire Medical-Surgical travel nurses include: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Kaleida Health, Catholic Health. Med-Surg is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Buffalo actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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