Fair Travel Pay in San Jose and San Francisco

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I realize this topic has been discussed in previous threads, but I noticed they were a little dated. :)

I am planning on moving to San Jose and San Francisco area in the Fall, and was wondering what a fair pay would be in those areas for CVICU and ER nurses? As a first time traveler, I'm open to any helpful information and recommendations. Initially, I tried applying for staff positions (Stanford, UCSF, etc.), but have not heard back and started looking into travel nursing as an alternative option.

Thank you in advance for any input! :)

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So, I was quoted ~$2600/week, which includes $1400 housing stipend and $400 meals stipend. Is this a fair offer for Bay Area?

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Fair pay is never dated. But there is only one way to find out and that has also not changed. You have to shop around.

Also, without a tax home, all of your compensation will, or should be, taxable. That includes those stipends and travel.

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Hi NedRN,

Thanks for your reply! My home address will be 200+ miles from my assignment. Will the stipend still be taxed? I was told otherwise by my recruiter.

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Recruiters always say that. But they won't be present if you get audited.

If you actually live at the address 200 miles away, and incur costs to maintain it like rent, then you are fine. However, you said you were moving to San Diego, a key phrase that makes San Diego your tax home instantly. You cannot claim tax benefits since you are living there anymore than any other local resident.

Just snagging an address of convenience from friends or family before you go does not a tax home make. No doubt you will need such an address while you are looking for housing for a mailing address. Completely understandable but a PO box is not a tax home, and neither is your friend's address.

Make sense?

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Which travel agency quoted you $2600/week? I'm interested. Thanks.

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Specializes in Peri-Op.
So, I was quoted ~$2600/week, which includes $1400 housing stipend and $400 meals stipend. Is this a fair offer for Bay Area?

If it is 2600 take home, that's good for those specialties right now. If its gross, its average.

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