Travel Nurse Pay in Seattle, Washington: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Seattle.
Last updated: April 5, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Seattle Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$1,624/wk
≈ $7,031.92/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$2,100/mo
Margin
+$4,931.92/mo
Stipend covers rent
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay no state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in WA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$173
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,947
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$25,314
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$50,627
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$101,254
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,947
per week
Taxes
$173
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Washington
$1,600
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,730
Your stipend covers rent with $2,730 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,600/month in Seattle:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
Cost of Living Analysis in Washington
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Washington's cost of living is higher than the national average by 18.7 points.
Housing Cost: High
Utilities: Moderate
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
Resources for Your Assignment
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Is this pay package fair?
Based on $2,320/week in Washington
Staff vs. Travel Nurse in Seattle, Washington
Side-by-side budget comparison for 2026. Which employment mode wins?
Staff Nurse
Weekly Gross
$1,512
Weekly Take-Home
$1,089
Annual Net (52 weeks)
$56,609
Travel Nurse
WINNERWeekly Gross (incl. stipends)
$4,230
Weekly Take-Home
$3,729
Annual Net (~48 weeks)
$178,986
Travel nursing wins by $122,377/year
That's $2,640/week difference in take-home pay
Want a detailed breakdown customized for your situation?
Travel Nurse Pay in Seattle
Average Hourly Rate
$58/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$2,320
GSA Lodging Rate
$232/night
GSA Meal Rate
$74/day
Cost of Living in Seattle
Cost of Living Index
172.3 (Above National Average)
Studio
$1800/mo
1 Bedroom
$2100/mo
2 Bedroom
$2800/mo
Top Hospitals in Seattle
- 🏥 UW Medical Center
- 🏥 Swedish Medical Center
- 🏥 Virginia Mason Medical Center
Specialty Pay in Seattle
Click any specialty for detailed pay, certifications, and hospital listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Seattle, Washington?
Travel nurses in Seattle typically earn between $53 and $68 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $58/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $67-82 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Seattle, Washington?
The GSA per diem rates for Seattle are: Lodging: $232/night, Meals: $74/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 Seattle?
The cost of living index in Seattle is 172.3, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $1800 for a studio to $2800 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Seattle?
Top hospitals in Seattle that frequently hire travel nurses include UW Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Seattle?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Seattle include ICU, ER, OR. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
Looking for a contract?
Get matched with top-paying recruiters in your desired state.