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.
Data reviewed July 3, 2026 · 50 states, 221 cities, FY2026 GSA rates
Pay and rent figures on this page are our own editorial estimates, reviewed July 31, 2026 — not survey or government wage data. How we produce these numbers.
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Seattle Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$1,736/wk
≈ $7,516.88/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$2,100/mo
Margin
+$5,416.88/mo
Stipend covers rent
How the numbers here are checked
Tax figures are computed from published IRS and SSA sources and per diem from GSA, each carrying a citation and a retrieval date; our build fails if any loses one. Pay, rent and cost-of-living figures are our own editorial estimates. This page has not been reviewed by a licensed professional — see our methodology, and consult a CPA about your own situation.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Federal tax applies to wages after the $16,100 standard deduction; FICA applies to all wages. Tax-free stipends are excluded from both.
Same-state assignment, and WA levies no wage income tax, so no state income tax return is due on these wages.
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
$100
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,020
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$26,266
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$52,532
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$105,063
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,020
per week
Taxes
$100
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:
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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 figures are our own editorial estimates, not survey or listings data. Actual rent varies by neighborhood and housing type.
Resources for Your Assignment
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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)
$4,468
Weekly Take-Home
$3,967
Annual Net (~48 weeks)
$190,410
Travel nursing wins by $133,801/year
That's $2,878/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
$248/night
GSA Meal Rate
$92/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
Estimated hourly rates for the specialties most in demand here. Click any specialty for certifications, demand and national pay detail.
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: $248/night, Meals: $92/day, and Incidentals: $0/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.